Discussion of the Rulebook

Safety

With many places and things that you do, there is an aspect of rules regarding safety. When discussing safety, they are often put into place verbally or physically like on signs. Since elevators are small and enclosed spaces, it is necessary to have a set of safety rules. For example, it is important to stay clear of the doors when they are opening/closing so that no one gets hit. Another safety rule that is in place when riding in an elevator is to not stand in front of the buttons. In order to move to a different floor, you need to be able to push the buttons, and if there is an emergency you need to be able to push the emergency button. It is also important to know not to use the elevator if there is an emergency like a fire to ensure that you can get out and not be stuck. Other common safety procedures that can also go with courtesy include: do not play with the buttons, don’t exceed the limit of people in an elevator, do not jump, stand still, don’t smoke/vape, and don’t trash the elevator. While these are to ensure that everyone has a safe ride using the elevator, they are also civil or polite actions that should be used when in a public space.

According to Wood and Beck, “There is a beginning and an end to such rules, to the rules of a place. They can literally be enumerated (there are only hundreds of them): they can be known”(Wood and Beck 3). The categories of safety and courtesy both provide a general sense of rules, however in a place like an elevator it is known that some should be referenced more often or more outwardly. The display of safety rules enhances the comfortability of the riders in an occasionally uncomfortable space.

Do not stand in front of the buttons

Standing in front of the buttons block people’s ability to see if the elevator is heading to the floor they are trying to access and/or push them.

Do not use elevator in case of fire or natural disaster

Using the elevator during fire or other natural disasters might lead to a greater danger to yourself. You could risk being stuck in it. Moreover, smoke can easily penetrate the elevator shaft and suffocate people in it. Taking stairs is a faster way to exit the building in those conditions.

Do not block the door while it's closing

Do not insert any body parts into elevator doors when closing. This could cause serious injury to yourself and others.

Safety & Courtesy

Do not play with emergency buttons

Like fire alarms in buildings, they are only meant to be pushed if there is a real emergency. The emergency button on the elevator is supposed to provide a sense of ease in case something happens while riding one.

If the elevator is full, then wait for the next one

Besides exceeding the weight limit, pushing your way into an already full elevator is going to make everyone feel uncomfortable. It is a tiny, closed box and people generally want to maintain their personal space and to avoid rubbing into each other. However, this case is not always true if the people in the elevator are a crowd that you know very well or are fond of you. They will signal you to get in, and everyone will do their best to make enough space for you to squeeze in.

Do not jump

Jumping on the elevator can also be seen as childish and in some cases can cause elevators to stall or get stuck. This can be seen as a safety concern in order to allow people to get on and off an elevator.

Stand still

In order to respect other people’s space, it is better to stand still and wait for your floor. If you were to move around too much, especially when other people are there, it can make people uncomfortable.

No smoking/vaping

Smoking or vaping in the elevator is considered rude, as it is a small space so everyone inside can smell.

Do not pollute or trash the elevator

Similar to smoking and vaping, releasing gas (burp, fart, etc.) is considered rude, as people can smell. Wait until you have exited the elevator or release beforehand. Similarly, do not leave trash on the elevator, as you are making it unclean for future riders.

Courtesy

Although most go unspoken, courtesy rules in the elevator are the most common set of rules, and they are generally taught through social interaction at a young age. Elevators are closed and confined spaces we have to share, and being around strangers in small spaces can be uncomfortable. When entering and exiting an elevator, it is important to respect other's personal space. Making room for others, keeping distance, letting people exit before getting on, and going to the back of the elevator helps to ensure that no one gets trampled or physically touched in the elevator. Staying quiet, facing the elevator door, and not staring is part of making sure other elevator riders don’t feel uncomfortable. Finally, being friendly in the elevator can help better other people’s experience in the elevator. If you enter first, asking what floor riders are traveling to and holding the door for incoming riders are common actions done out of kindness. 

In reference to the home rules discussion by Beck & Wood (1994), elevators aren’t much of a space for “doing”. We are mostly inactive in elevators, but in the few actions we do in elevators, it’s essential to have these unspoken rules so we can be courteous of others’ personal space and comfort. 

Make room for others

Elevators are closed and confined space that we often have to share. It’s important to make room for other people and be conscious of how much space you are taking up.

Keep distance

When in the elevator with other people, standing too close to people can make them uncomfortable. Be cautious of people’s personal space. Elevators can get packed, but try not to touch other people. Also, if there is only one other person in the elevator with you, don’t stand shoulder-to-shoulder right next to them.

Ask what floor

Most times, many people enter an elevator at once. If you are the one closest to the buttons, it is common courtesy to ask others what floor they are traveling to.

Hold the elevator for incoming riders

It takes a while to wait for the next elevator if you miss it. If you see someone heads towards the elevator, and there is enough space for them to fit inside, it is common courtesy to hold the door open for them to get in.

Stay quiet

Having to listen to someone on the phone or having loud conversations in an elevator can be obnoxious! Sound travels fast in an elevator. Don’t be the person that irritates other people. If you have a conversation, keep it quiet and respectful.

Do not stare at people

Being stared at can make us feel uncomfortable, and even violated at times. These feelings amplify especially in an elevator where you have nowhere to go.

Let people exit before getting on

This rule is not only considerate but also logical. Letting other people exit first will prevent people from blocking each other. Thus, allowing them to get places faster. This rule also applies for many different situations, such as getting a parking spot, getting on a bus, a train, etc.

Face towards elevator door

    There is no sign that advises people to face the door when riding an elevator, yet this seems to be the norm understood by adults. How absurd would it be should you find people standing in an elevator facing away from the door? Would you be concerned about that person? Would you perhaps ask if the person is okay, or would you bail the elevator ride entirely? This is a scenario that people generally never had to think about, or so many Indonesians thought, until Covid started.

    The pervasive spread of the virus, along with our limited understanding of Covid when it first appeared, changed our lives as we know it. People tried to find numerous ways to curb its transmission, including by maintaining minimal physical contact. Companies, apartments, building managements in Indonesia introduced a new directive to ride elevators.

 



Elevators were then marked with many individual squares and arrows to inform people of the different directions that they need to face. This generated diverse reactions. Many showed their approval despite its never-seen-before nature. While others took this opportunity to entertain themselves by generating funny memes.

Go to the back if you are the first one in

Going near the back will allow for new people entering to have space and not feel as awkward trying to get around you. This can also be helpful for someone who may need more space for a wheelchair, stroller, cart, etc.