Landlords of apartment buildings must consider lift maintenance to keep their buildings safe. Whether it is a commercial or residential building, it is imperative that the lift is safe and working efficiently. It is a common occurrence that a lift is broken, and this causes inconveniences for a number of reasons, this is why lift maintenance is so important to keep on top of.
Understanding the importance of regular lift maintenance
A lift is a complex piece of machinery that is made up of a number of moving parts, which, depending on the building, can encounter hundreds of people daily. Keeping your lift regularly maintained can help to prevent breakdowns and can ensure the lift is always running safely and efficiently. There are a multitude of risks attached to a lift which is not serviced regularly.
Recommended lift service frequency
How often you get your lift serviced can depend on a number of factors, including the usage of the lift, which type of lift it is and the guidelines from the manufacturer. As a general rule, lift servicing should be performed:
Residential lifts: These lifts will usually need to be serviced every 6-12 months. Depending on the usage, you may be able to manage on annual servicing, however if the lift is used frequently, it is safest to service the lift every 6-9 months.
Commercial lifts: These lifts tend to see more frequent usage, as they are found in offices, shopping centres and other public spaces, meaning more people will use them on a daily basis. If this is the case, 3-6 month servicing is recommended to ensure users are always safe when using the lift. Alongside servicing, regular checks should be done to avoid wear and tear and to check emergency mechanisms.
Heavy duty or industrial lifts: These lifts tend to be used most often and can regularly be carrying heavy loads meaning they may need servicing every 3 months to ensure they maintain the same level of service and safety to the users.
Factors that influence service frequency
In addition to the general guidelines above, specific conditions might lead to more frequent maintenance:
Age: Depending on how old the lift is could affect how regularly it will need to be serviced, an older lift is generally going to have more wear and tear than a newer lift.
Usage levels: Lifts in buildings with high traffic, such as shopping malls or train stations, require more regular maintenance compared to those in smaller residential properties.
Usage: The more often a lift is used, the higher the chances of breakdowns, if a lift has high daily traffic, this will require more regular maintenance.
Conditions: Weather conditions and humidity can affect the effectiveness of a lift, you may notice that the lift will need more regular checks.
Compliance with regulations: In many jurisdictions, lift maintenance must comply with safety regulations, which often dictate minimum service intervals.
Establishing a routine lift maintenance schedule is the most effective way to ensure your lift operates efficiently and safely. Regular inspections by qualified technicians can catch minor issues before they escalate into costly problems, reducing downtime and enhancing safety for all users. Whether your lift needs servicing every few months or once a year, investing in a consistent maintenance plan is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
By adhering to the recommended servicing intervals and considering factors like usage, environment, and local regulations, you can keep your lift in top working condition, extend its lifespan, and provide a safe and reliable service to all users.
