Avoiding entrapment in an elevator

An elevator system (100), comprising:

• an elevator car (101) and a drive system (111) configured to drive movement of the elevator car (101);
• an elevator controller (117), configured to control operation of the elevator car (101);
• a safety controller (121);
• and
• a plurality of safety devices (126a, 126b, 127, 129, 131, 138a, 138b, 140, 141) connected to the safety controller (121), wherein the plurality of safety devices (126a, 126b, 127, 129, 131, 138a, 138b, 140, 141) monitor the elevator system (100);
• wherein the safety controller (121) is configured to receive a signal in response to a change of state of any of the safety devices (126a, 126b, 127, 129, 131, 138a, 138b, 140, 141);
• wherein, after receiving a signal in response to a change of state of one or more of the safety devices (126a, 126b, 127, 129, 131, 138a, 138b, 140, 141), the safety controller (121) determines a condition of the elevator system (100);
• wherein if the safety controller (121) renders a determination that the elevator system (100) is in a first condition, the safety controller (121) causes an elevator brake (115) to be deployed, preventing movement of the elevator car (101);
• and
• wherein if the safety controller (121) renders a determination that the elevator system (100) is in a second condition, the safety controller (121) allows movement of the elevator car (101) for a predetermined duration or until the elevator car (101) has travelled a predetermined distance.