By Holden Tijerina
The University of the Incarnate Word has reported 16 instances of elevator entrapments over the past year. In 12 of these cases, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) was called to assist students in escaping safely.
The Agnese dorm and the SEC building report the highest number of elevator-related incidents, with half of all reports coming from these two buildings. Most of these incidents have prompted the SAFD to use their resources to rescue people from elevators. In some cases, as many as four fire trucks have responded to these calls.
At the Skyview dorms, there were signs indicating that the elevator was out of service. After speaking with the residents, they expressed their concerns and frustrations, mentioning that the sign had been posted for months. Freshman UIW resident, Nydia Perez, shared her experience on move-in day recalling the challenges she faced, “Move-in day was terrible. I had to keep the door open while it kept beeping at me as the door slowly closed. It was not a welcoming experience.”
Michael Valdes, the Media and Public Relations Manager at UIW. Highlighted that “A common cause for an entrapment that we see is an overloaded car, which can happen when too many riders enter the elevator.” Additionally, Mr. Valdes mentioned that the university implements “a comprehensive maintenance program for its elevators.” This program includes “periodic maintenance is carried out by certified licensed tradesmen, while annual inspections are overseen by certified state inspectors.”
He emphasized, “We certainly do not want any entrapments. The university’s elevator inventory consists of 53 units,” and added that “the industry average for entrapments per car per year is typically 0.5 to 1 entrapment.” Therefore, he indicated, “the evidence does not support the notion that our elevators experience an abnormally high number of entrapments.”
In comparison, when looking at Trinity University’s elevator entrapments, a neighboring school. Although Trinity’s campus and enrollment are half the size of UIW, they have only reported 2 entrapment incidents over the past year. Even if you quadruple that number, it would still be less than half of UIW’s 16 reported incidents during the same period.
Although UIW’s numbers are low compared to the industry average, they are still higher than those of other nearby universities. The next time you’re tempted to take the elevator, remember that this situation could occur to you.
For more information call the numbers on the Facilities Management office telephone: 210(829-6030)
