The post Why is it Important to Have Your Lift Serviced on a Regular Basis appeared first on UK Construction Blog.

If you have a lift in your premises you have a responsibility to make sure that it is always safe to use. For this reason it is imperative that you have a scheduled programme of lift servicing and maintenance. The frequency of lift servicing is dependent on a number of different factors such as: 

• The Make and Type of Lift
• The Age of the Lift  
• Usage pattern – Lifts in places such as public buildings, shopping centres and hotels that experience high levels of traffic, will need more regular inspections than those located in say residential properties.
• The number of floors it operates over 

Throughout the entirety of its lifespan it is important to have your lift routinely inspected as well as implementing a programme of preventative lift maintenance. Within this blog post we are going to take a look at why it is important to carry out regular lift servicing and maintenance, how often it should be carried out, what is involved and the legislation around lift servicing. 

How Often Should Your Lift Be Serviced  

There is a legal requirement for lift owners or building managers to carry out servicing or maintenance every 6 months for passenger carrying lifts or 12 months for those only used to transport goods. However, these are the minimum requirements outlined in the legislation and should be thought of as such. 

Passenger lifts that are not subjected to heavy usage probably only need to be serviced twice a year in order to comply with legal requirements. Whereas lifts that experience heavy footfall are likely to need more regular inspection to ensure they continue to operate efficiently. This will help avoid breakdowns which can be not only costly but lead to disruption for staff and visitors. 

Lifts like anything else that contains mechanical components lifts are susceptible to wear and tear. There is also the possibility that the electronic systems need reprogramming, while there is a requirement for safety systems to checked on a regular basis. Occasionally, extra preventative maintenance might be wise and essential to ensure peak performance while reducing the risk of downtime. 

What is lift servicing?

Lift servicing involves an engineer carrying out a planned preventative maintenance program at intervals agreed with you. This regular maintenance helps to prevent costly breakdowns by conducting routine checks and replacing worn parts, ensuring your lift continues to operate at maximum efficiency. At Lancs and Cumbria lifts our fully qualified engineers, are trained to maintain and service all types, makes, and models of lifts.

What Checks are Carried Out During Scheduled Lift Servicing 

Regular maintenance includes thorough inspections of both the inside and outside of the lift car, as well as assessments of the machine room or control panel, the pit, and the lift shaft. Depending on the service schedule, a standard visit from a reputable provider might involve the following checks:

• Landing and car doors, including interlocks
• The Shaft structure
• Main drive system components
• Signs, locks, and keys
• Suspension ropes and chains
• Overload detection devices
• Electrical devices (earthing, earth bonding, safety devices, fuse selection, etc.)
• Braking systems (buffers and overspeed devices)
• Alarms and communication equipment
• Lubrication and smooth operation
• Emergency backup and communication system

The list above is not a definitive one. Hydraulic installations and traction systems may require additional tests.

What is Involved in a Service Visit 

During a service visit, an engineer will inspect the lift’s safety features, and clean, lubricate, and adjust all components to ensure optimal performance. Our engineer will then log the service details on a laptop, documenting the work performed and noting any additional recommendations, such as repairs or improvements that are not covered the service contract. Once your service visit has been completed, a report should be provided as a maintenance record. 

What is the Legislation That Lift Owners Need to Comply With 

Insurers usually request copies of documentation and service records, along with adherence to the following current regulations:

• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998)
• The Equality Act 2010 (to meet the mobility needs of disabled individuals)
• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Can a lift be Used During Inspection or Servicing 

The simple answer to this question is no it cannot. This is because an engineer will have to inspect a number of items within shaft, structure and motor room which will make the lift unusable.