Winter brings a unique set of risks and demands to elevator installations—especially for developers and general contractors working in regions with serious cold, wind, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. At Kaiser Elevator, we’ve navigated through enough harsh seasons in cities like New York to understand there’s no shortcut when preparing hoistways and pits for winter site conditions. The decisions made now can mean the difference between safe, code-compliant progress and punishing project delays or costly damage.
Understanding How Winter Impacts Elevator Installations
Let’s address why winter is so disruptive for elevator hoistways and pits:
- Temperature fluctuation causes hydraulic oil to thicken and makes metal contract, potentially leading to leaks, valve seat problems, and imprecise door movements.
- Water intrusion from snow, ice, or freezing rain can flood pits, compromise pit equipment, damage wiring, and spark serious safety hazards.
- Condensation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles can corrode both the elevator components and the pit’s structural elements, increasing the risk of code violations or insurance red flags.
Every step, from scheduling deliveries to locking down exposed hoistway vents, needs a winter-specific lens.
Core Principles for Cold-Weather Elevator Safety Planning
- Proactive prevention: Stop water, snow, and ice from getting in before you’re forced to pump it out.
- Ongoing vigilance: Monitor conditions daily, not just after severe storms. Problems like freeze-locked door sills can develop overnight.
- Worker protection: Hoistways become risk hotspots in the winter—fall hazards and electrical dangers are amplified by slippery conditions and encumbered PPE.
A Practical Cold-Weather Elevator Safety Plan: Our Detailed Approach
Our installation and service teams at Kaiser Elevator approach winter with layered safety planning. Here’s how we protect lives, timelines, and capital investments:
1. Hoistway Weatherization: Secure Every Opening
Before the first deep freeze, we inspect all hoistway vents, temporary doors, and shaft penetrations at each floor. Heavy-duty weather stripping and metal splash guards are used to seal gaps. This step is especially important for mixed-use and residential high-rise projects where multi-phase occupancy can leave elevator shafts exposed mid-project. It’s also an opportunity to coordinate with site managers on keeping nearby roofs and perimeter grades cleared, further reducing infiltration risk.
2. Climate Control in Machine Rooms and Elevator Shafts
Keeping temperatures between 55°F and 90°F is essential for consistent equipment operation and adhering to code. We deploy temporary industrial heaters or insulated barriers if building systems are not functional. For hydraulic elevators, frequent warm-up runs (minimum of two per day during subfreezing spells) keep oil flowing and prevent sluggish valve operation.
3. Sump Pumps and Pit Drainage
Our teams always verify that sump pumps in elevator pits are operational and that discharge lines are clear. Any standing water or melting ice must be addressed immediately—waiting until something shorts out (like a pit switch or buffer heater) guarantees bigger issues and lost days. When possible, pits are covered overnight with insulated boards or tarps to cut down on ice buildup from wind-driven snow.
4. Door Sill and Guide Rail Maintenance
Snow and ice accumulation can jam doors and damage sensor hardware. Door sills are inspected each morning and after major precipitation; stiff brushes and calcium chloride (not sodium-based rock salt, to protect stainless steel) are the preferred means for clearing and melting buildup. We avoid any aggressive de-icers that could corrode critical elevator finishes or pit steel.
5. Rigorous Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Electrical Safety
Cold, wet conditions magnify the risks of electrical shock. Our crews strictly de-energize and lock out all circuits before entering pits, using only GFCI-protected power tools. All circuits are treated as live until confirmed safe with a multimeter, and the pit area remains illuminated at all times.
If you’re developing a safety checklist for your jobsite, our GC’s pre-start briefing checklist offers a strong structure for these plans.
6. Comprehensive Fall Protection for Hoistway Work
Falls are the single most dangerous risk in cold hoistways. Every Kaiser Elevator team member entering a pit deeper than six feet uses a personal fall arrest system with an anchorage point rated for 5,000 lbs and an appropriate harness and lanyard. Horizontal netting is installed over exposed pit openings until frames and doors are set. This goes far beyond minimum regulatory requirements and is non-negotiable for our sites.
7. Parking and Protecting Elevator Cabs
During project pauses or after hours, we park cabs on mid-level floors, safely away from doors or walls exposed to outside temperatures. For panoramic or glass-walled elevators, portable heaters are used to keep cab interiors above 50°F. This prevents condensation damage and ensures that high-end finishes or touchscreen panels are not compromised by sudden temperature swings.
8. Backup Power and Emergency Communication Testing
Winter storms present the real risk of building-wide outages. Part of our standard routine is weekly checks of backup power circuits and anti-entrapment functions. Many Kaiser Elevator cabs are equipped with emergency intercoms and dedicated backup batteries to ensure users can always call for help—whether the grid is up or down. For round-the-clock emergencies, our service line is available at +1 (888) 274 6025.
9. Humidity, Ventilation, and Cleanliness
Poor winter ventilation can leave work zones dangerously humid—especially in partially enclosed construction. We use portable dehumidifiers and ensure all work zones inside hoistways are well illuminated and clear of debris. Documentation on pit cleaning, temperature readings, and daily inspections is logged digitally, supporting compliance reviews and expediting insurance claims if needed.
10. Choosing the Right Entrance Mats and Safe De-Icing Practices
We supply high-quality mats at hoistway entrances that trap rock salt and grit before it reaches door sills. Sodium-based rock salt is avoided in favor of calcium chloride de-icers, which are less likely to corrode metal and minimize residue. Every winter product and procedure is selected for compatibility with stainless steel, PVC, and premium finish elevator cabs.
Common Cold-Weather Hazards in Elevator Pits and Hoistways
| Hazard | Why It Occurs in Winter | Prevention Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ice or Water Accumulation in Pits | Snowmelt, drifting snow, or wind-driven rain | Operational sump pumps, sealed pit covers, spot checks |
| Slippery Metals on Sills and Ladders | Condensation and tracked-in snow | Regular cleaning and application of safe de-icers |
| Hydraulic Oil Viscosity Problems | Prolonged subfreezing temps | Warm-up runs and climate-controlled rooms |
| Electrical Shock in Damp Pits | Poor drainage or leaky seals | LOTO, GFCI tools, and routine moisture checks |
| Falls Inside Open Hoistways | Obstructed vision, wet PPE, icy ladders | PFAS, netting, mandatory harnessing |
Collaborating with GCs, Developers, and Site Managers for Better Outcomes
Clear communication with general contractors and property managers is non-negotiable in winter. Our teams coordinate daily so pit and shaft entries are scheduled with heating, ventilation, lighting, and cleaning already covered. This level of discipline not only keeps jobsites safer but enables our clients to document code-compliant progress for their own insurance and regulatory checks.
If you want a detailed breakdown of what elevator contractors need from the rest of the GC team, see our guidance on elevator pit planning for new construction.
Final Thoughts: Winter Readiness is Not Optional—It’s Mission-Critical
Winter conditions amplify every risk associated with vertical transportation. As a project stakeholder, insisting on a rigorous, detail-oriented cold-weather safety and readiness plan isn’t about adding extra steps—it’s about saving time, money, and most importantly, lives. At Kaiser Elevator, we treat each winter site as an opportunity to demonstrate precision, discipline, and care for everyone who depends on our work.
Have a winter-critical job this season? Let’s set up a time to walk your site, review your elevator design specs for winter readiness, or advise on code compliance for a cold-weather install. Contact Kaiser Elevator for real-world expertise that keeps projects moving safely in even the harshest winter conditions.
