When there is a build up of contained water in a pit it mixes with oil and trash, creating a foul odor and puts the integrity of the shaft at risk. The process of disaster could be immediate or gradual– every case is different but the outcome is usually the same: the reinforcing bar, or rebar, that sustains the wall structure starts to show due to water deteriorating the wall, damage to pit lights and electrical wires, rusted parts, foul odor, mosquitoes and failed inspections!
Here’s why you need to waterproof your elevator pit:
1. Safety Hazard
Every part in a pit has an important role. For example, the oil and spring buffers that cushion the descend of an elevator can be immediately affected by contained water, in which they will rust and break away.
Contained water in an elevator pit also makes steel mechanical parts rust, and repair costs for damaged parts is costly.
Pit lights are placed closer to the floor in a pit and usually the first to be affected by contained water. They break and expose electrical wires easily. When the source of water intrusion is through the walls, the steel re-bars within the concrete will rust and expand; breaking through the wall. This risks the integrity of the elevator shaft completely.
2. Fire Hazard
An alarming amount of trash is dropped in between the cracks of an elevator and a building, which accumulates in the pit. Need I remind you that this accumulation of trash is a fire hazard?
The mixture of trash can be flammable if it comes into contact with the release of chemical substances from the garbage items.
3. Health Hazard
As previously mentioned, water in an elevator pit mixes with oil and trash creating a foul odor and a home for mosquito breeding.
This foul odor is stench produced by oil, water and trash that travels from the elevator pit, usually the lowest point of a structure, to the rest of the building. Anyone that spends time in the building, such as workers or residents; even visitors, can experience symptoms such as headaches and trouble breathing because of the airborne building contaminants rooted in the elevator pit– also referred to as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
Standing and undisturbed water in a pit is a safe haven for mosquitoes to breed. The first three stages of a mosquitoes life is spent in water, and every four to seven days mosquitoes can multiply. Mosquitoes in Florida tend to carry diseases like Chikungunya Fever, Dengue, Encephalitis, and Malaria. These health hazards are very serious and can be avoided.
TG Oil Services exists to help you prevent any safety, fire and health hazards. The one simple solution and preventative measure is waterproofing your elevator pit.
Fill out the form below to contact us, and a representative will reach out to you.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE INSPECTION & ESTIMATE
Written by Natalie Bauta, technical writer
221 comments
Comments are closed.