An elevator system, having: a car that operates normal and inspection modes; a sensor assembly; a safety chain; wherein while in the normal mode, the sensor assembly: monitors in a first sensing mode to detect whether an object is within a first area, and then monitors in a second sensing mode that is more sensitive than the first sensing mode to again detect the object; and upon determining that the object is potentially human, the safety chain is opened; and while in the inspection mode, the sensor assembly: bypasses the first sensing mode and monitors in the second sensing mode to detect whether the object is located in the first area; and upon detecting that the object is located in the first area, the safety chain is opened.