TSSA is Investigating the Toronto Elevator Incident Involving the Rescue of an Occupant

TSSA INVESTIGATES ELEVATOR INCIDENT IN TORONTO
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at a residential building in the Bloor-Yonge area of downtown Toronto.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, January 16, 2020) – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is investigating the incident that occurred yesterday evening when an individual was rescued from an elevator that stopped suddenly.

Early reports that the elevator was in free fall are not consistent with the initial information TSSA has gathered up to now. Though currently verifying what occurred, TSSA understands that one of five ropes broke, and then an emergency brake was deployed.

While the sudden stop of an elevator can be very disturbing to elevator occupants, there are, in fact, many ropes on an elevator and several layers of protection in place to ensure elevators come to a controlled stop.

In addition, it can take some time to safely remove individuals from a stuck elevator, due to the extreme care that must be taken to ensure rescue workers and trapped individuals are safe during the rescue operation.

Until the investigation is further along, it is too soon to confirm any details.

TSSA’s investigation will include:
• reviewing reports from people at the scene
• thoroughly examining elevator equipment
• comprehensively reviewing the elevator design, installation and maintenance records
• performing a root cause analysis to determine the reason the problem occurred and corrective actions

About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.

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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.