Why elevators and escalators must be inspected
Lifts and escalators are used every day by staff, guests, patients, and visitors who know nothing about the condition of the machinery. Poorly maintained brakes, steel ropes, doors, and safety devices can trap passengers, let a lift overrun, or catch escalator users. Inspection and testing confirms that every safety device works before anyone is hurt.
What we inspect
Passenger elevators
Passenger lifts, panoramic lifts, home lifts, and lifts for people with disabilities.
Special elevators
Patient lifts, service lifts, goods lifts, and firefighting lifts.
Inclined elevators
Lifts that travel on an inclined path.
Escalators and moving walks
Stepped escalators at 27.5° to 35°, and pallet moving walks at 0° to 12°.
The risks of neglecting it
Trapped passengers
Door, control, or power faults can trap passengers inside the lift.
Overrun or fall
Brakes and overspeed safety devices that fail can be fatal.
Escalator entrapment
Gaps at the steps and skirts can catch feet or clothing, especially children’s.
Building manager liability
Accidents in public facilities seriously affect the reputation and legal liability of building managers.
Inspection and testing schedule
| Type | When it is done |
|---|---|
| First | During design and manufacture, before handover to the owner, or after a main component is replaced. |
| Periodic | At least once every year. |
| Special | After a workplace accident. |
| Repeat | When the results of a previous inspection are in doubt. |
Documents to prepare
- Drawings and technical data from the manufacturer or installer.
- Nameplate photo: brand, capacity, speed, and serial number.
- Previous certificate and inspection report.
- Maintenance records from the lift maintenance company.
Site preparation
- A technician from the maintenance company accompanies the inspection.
- Units are taken out of service temporarily, with notice to building users.
- Test loads are prepared as directed by our team.
Legal basis
- Law No. 1 of 1970 on Work Safety requires safety conditions for equipment and installations at the workplace.
- Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 6 of 2017 on OHS for Elevators and Escalators. Article 73 requires periodic inspection at least once a year.
- Inspections are carried out by an OHS Expert in Elevators and Escalators appointed by the Minister (Articles 77–78).
Frequently asked questions
How often must a lift be inspected?
At least once a year, plus a special inspection after an accident.
Are goods lifts and home lifts included?
Yes. Both are types of elevators covered by Regulation 6/2017.
How long will the lift be out of service?
It depends on the number and type of units. We inspect units one at a time so the building keeps running.
Send us the number and type of lifts or escalators with nameplate photos through the quote form. Our team will schedule each unit.
Field documentation
