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May 27, 2020
By Ken Schmid
Elevators in healthcare facilities operate in a uniquely critical environment. Now more than ever, the ability to move people, supplies, and equipment within buildings must not be compromised.
At the same time, people are staying home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and that means elevators in high-rise residential properties are working overtime. Between increased demand and social distancing guidelines, high-rise elevators are experiencing a heightened need for availability.
At KONE, we understand our responsibility in helping building owners and managers face these challenges.
To do our part and help address these important issues, KONE is now offering dedicated, fast-track installation of KONE 24/7 Connected Services for current customers who operate medical facilities or high-rise residential properties. By automatically and continuously assessing elevator operating conditions, this system helps provide peace of mind.
KONE 24/7 Connected Services flags anomalies before they become problems, helping reduce service issues by as much as 30 percent. For patients and healthcare staff – as well as for high-rise residents – that results in less time spent waiting, a smoother ride, and quicker access to essential needs.
Safety is another responsibility we take very seriously. KONE technicians follow strict safety protocols, adhering to social distancing guidelines at our own places of business as well as in our customers’ facilities. We also offer guidance associated with securing people-moving equipment in suddenly vacant buildings. For instance, when escalators are turned off, we advise that barriers be placed at the top and bottom to prevent their use as stairs, which may cause a potential tripping hazard.
Where building occupancy rates are extremely low due to the coronavirus pandemic, many KONE customers are taking advantage of this opportunity to conduct upgrades and annual testing. They are finding that this is an ideal time for such work, when tenant disruption is minimized and work can be scheduled during the day (rather than after hours, possibly incurring overtime rates).
At KONE, we own our responsibilities. We are committed to doing the right thing for our customers and our people. We are all in this together!
To learn more, we invite you to contact your local KONE representative or please visit us online.
About Ken Schmid
Ken Schmid leads KONE Americas as Executive Vice President, also serving as a member of KONE’s Executive Board. In this role, he is responsible for leading the KONE Americas organization, including teams across the United States, Canada and Latin America.