Lifts design flaw warning in wake of toddler death in Galway

 The Health and Safety Authority has issued a warning about a design flaw in some elevators, following the tragic death of little Solomon Soremekun in Galway City a fortnight ago.

 According to the HSE, the doors on some types of passenger lifts will open between floors if pressure is applied to them – as if trying to open doors with hands – before closing again and continuing to their destination.

An “urgent” inspection programme has been launched by the safety authority to gauge how many such ‘faulty’ lifts are in operation in Ireland.

It is understood that three-year-old Solomon was somehow crushed to death in the lift shaft in the accident at the Hynes Building on St Augustine Street.

The HSA has said the warning is not aimed at members of the public, instead at building owners and lift maintenance engineers. A spokesperson said their investigation into the accident is continuing.

In a warning issued this week, the HSA said: “As a result of a recent fatal accident involving a passenger lift, the HSA wish to bring safety concerns to the attention of those persons who are in control of and also those who maintain passenger lifts.

“An issue has been identified with a number of passenger lifts when in motion between floors, should pressure be applied to open the doors the following occurs: the lift car will stop, the doors will then open exposing persons to a potential hazard, the doors will then close again (once they are not obstructed) and the lift will continue to its destination as normal.

“Should this happen, the person in the passenger lift should remain clear of the opening.

“The HSA has begun an urgent inspection programme to ascertain the extent and nature of the passenger lifts involved,” the statement reads.

They have asked lift engineers while carrying out regular maintenance and inspections should pay particular attention to the inner lift doors.

Read more in today’s Galway City Tribune