Kevin Cunningham Pt 2: The Code is Driving Safety Artwork

Elevator Careers

Elevator Careers is a podcast dedicated to the people who spend their lives and careers working in the vertical transportation industry. It is produced for the benefit of both elevator companies who are looking to hire great talent and for those who want to continue to grow professionally within the industry. This is an opportunity to create a dialogue with all of these stakeholders, learning from them and hearing the gems they have gleaned in their professions. The "Elevator Careers" podcast” is an opportunity to pay it forward" by sharing knowledge learned in the business and in the trade and helping others who are on similar journeys.

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Elevator Careers

Kevin Cunningham Pt 2: The Code is Driving Safety

April 07, 2025 • Matt Allred • Season 4 • Episode 7

Intro:
Today, we're sitting down with Kevin Cunningham, an elevator professional and entrepreneur who, along with his partner Tim Toan, turned a critical safety challenge into a mission to safeguard lives.
Their company, HydraSafe Brake, isn't just creating a product - they're creating peace of mind for everyone who steps into an elevator.
This is a story of how a commitment to safety can transform an entire industry, proving that with vision and determination, we can make the world a little bit safer, one elevator at a time.

Summary:
Kevin Cunningham discusses the HydraSafe Brake, a device designed to prevent unintended ascending movement in elevators, mandated by the A17.3-2020 elevator code. The device, which can be installed on both traction and hydraulic elevators, uses disc brakes to clamp onto rails in case of brake failure. It is particularly useful in hospitals and public buildings, where safety is paramount. The installation takes about two days, and the device can be reused during modernization. Cunningham emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and safety benefits of the HydraSafe Brake, highlighting its role in reducing liability and insurance costs.