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Forgot to lock the hoistway doors on a 2-car install, almost lost a guy

We were doing a 6-story traction install in an older building downtown Seattle, and I was running the car up to the top floor to check the governor. I had left the hall door on the 3rd floor unlatched just for a second to grab my phone, my helper was coming up the ladder, and he kicked it open. He stepped right into the shaft opening before I yelled. He grabbed the door frame at the last second, my heart stopped for a full 5 seconds. Now I chain the doors open on any landing where I'm working, no exceptions. Anyone else had a close call with the hoistway doors?
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2 Comments
pat_harris
Ngl that's the kind of mistake that sticks with you forever, glad your guy caught himself.
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mason.drew
Yeah that's one way to make sure your helper remembers to look before he leaps.
2