Lifts are complex machines, with many mechanical components that are vulnerable to wear and tear. Regular maintenance helps to minimise the risk of breakdowns and repairs, ensuring that your lifts are running smoothly and safely.
Taking steps to improve lift maintenance can benefit your organisation in many ways. For example, regular lubrication of moving parts can reduce friction and prevent damage, and testing safety systems can help identify any issues that may arise. Additionally, by keeping records and inspecting lifts regularly, you can identify trends that might inform future decisions about maintenance tasks and priorities.
In addition, ensuring that all relevant personnel have access to the necessary tools to work on your lifts can also help minimise maintenance costs in the long run. For instance, using tools that are designed specifically for lift maintenance can increase efficiency and reduce the likelihood of injury. Additionally, using personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on lifts can reduce the risk of injury from electrical shocks and falls.
While the majority of lift maintenance focuses on routine tasks, it’s important to remember that even the most minor disruption can have serious consequences. For example, a power outage can have an immediate impact on the lift’s operation and force it to shut down. In such cases, you must ensure that the emergency alarm and lighting in the lift car are functioning correctly so people can call for help if needed.
In most instances, a lift failure is caused by an issue with the motor. This could be due to wear and tear or environmental factors, such as dirt and dust build-up, which can cause overheating. Regular maintenance can prevent such problems from arising and protect your lifts from the damage that can be caused by overheating.
Another key aspect of maintenance is regularly checking that the emergency buttons and intercom system in a lift are functioning properly. This is essential for both passenger and goods lifts, as they are responsible for alerting people inside the lift to potential dangers and calling for help if necessary. A good lift maintenance service will ensure that these systems are in working order and tested on a regular basis.
Finally, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you will deal with any lift emergencies. This includes defining procedures for what should happen when an issue occurs, and making sure that all relevant people are aware of these. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency contact number for lift users, so that they can be contacted in the event of a breakdown.
By creating a maintenance schedule, hiring professional services and prioritising repairs, building owners can uphold safety standards and extend the lifespan of their lifts. By taking these measures, they can avoid expensive breakdowns and ensure that their lifts are always running smoothly and efficiently.