·       How to design, maintain, install, tune, optimize, commission, audit, operate, control, test, procure, replace and upgrade lifts/vertical transportation in built environment in 195 countries and 8 continents in 2024?

·       How to design, maintain, install, tune, optimize, commission, audit, operate, control, test, procure, replace and upgrade lifts/vertical transportation in residential and commercial buildings in 195 countries and 8 continents in 2024?

·       How to design, maintain, install, tune, optimize, commission, audit, operate, control, test, procure, replace and upgrade lifts/vertical transportation in high rise buildings in 195 countries and 8 continents in 2024?

·       How to design, maintain, install, tune, optimize, commission, audit, operate, control, test, procure, replace and upgrade lifts/vertical transportation in commercial real estate, cities, and CBDs in 195 countries and 8 continents in 2024?

·       How to design, maintain, install, tune, optimize, commission, audit, operate, control, test, procure, replace and upgrade/modernise lifts/vertical transportation in built environment in 195 countries and 8 continents in 2024?

The safety of lifts is of utmost importance in any building, ensuring the well-being of occupants and compliance with regulatory requirements. Lift safety inspections play a vital role in maintaining smooth and secure operation.

Lift Modernization doesn’t just ensure enhanced functionality, safety, comfort, and compliance with changing regulations and codes, it also helps add value to buildings by upgrading equipment and improving the user experience, while making buildings more sustainable. Modernization helps to increase a building’s energy efficiency and reduces its overall carbon footprint through energy-efficient technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of the building and the operational costs of the elevator. Upgrading your elevator’s electrification system, control system, and car lighting can significantly reduce the amount of energy it consumes. As well as making your elevator more eco-efficient, these upgrades also cut your operating costs. Elevator performance can be greatly improved by modernising components like the control system and door operator. These upgrades improve reliability, leveling accuracy, waiting time, and accessibility. Making sure elevator passengers and maintenance personnel are safe is the number one priority. Upgrading components like the shaft and machine room lighting, the car overspeed governor, or the machinery guards will improve safety and help you better manage risk in your building. Well-planned modernisation ensures your equipment continues to operate reliably, and that it complies with the latest safety standards and complements your building’s design. modernisation improves safety, reliability, accessibility, and visual appearance, and also lowers energy costs.

Elevator maintenance is a systematic inspection carried out by service technicians to keep elevators in good working condition. The process involves finding, diagnosing, and fixing problems before they cause system breakdown, malfunction, or shutdown. Elevator maintenance is usually performed at least once a month to prevent costly repairs and sustain asset’s lifespan. Elevators, or lifts, are crucial investments for multi-story buildings as they play a significant role in transporting people and freight as quickly as possible between floors. With passengers utilizing this equipment, regular elevator or lift maintenance is imperative.

Elevator preventive maintenance inspections are critical in ensuring compliance with building regulations and ensuring all equipment is in good working condition. Elevator malfunctions can inconvenience tenants, cause costly repairs and create safety hazards. Regular maintenance checks provided by elevator inspection companies help ensure public safety and guarantee smooth and efficient building operations. Further, elevators that are well maintained also significantly increase the marketability of properties and lessen the risk of liability issues and tenant dissatisfaction.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) work in conjunction to establish maintenance requirements for elevators. Below are the following requirements to include on your elevator maintenance checklist:

• Inspect and repair operating components.

• Clean, lubricate, and adjust all the elevator components.

• Execute electrical equipment tests of electrical wiring.

• Check the elevator speed and ensure telephone is operational.

• Maintain safety equipment such as door operation.

·       Lubricating moving parts and hinges — Apply appropriate lubrication to moving parts such as pulleys, bearings, and hinges to reduce friction and maintain smooth operation.

·       Inspecting and cleaning door mechanisms — Check the door opening and closing mechanisms, including rollers, tracks, and sensors, for any obstructions, damage, or misalignment. Clean them to remove dust or debris that may affect proper functioning.

• Testing emergency communication systems — Test the intercom or emergency communication system to ensure clear communication between passengers and the monitoring station in case of an emergency

·       Inspecting and cleaning the hoistway and pit area — Thoroughly inspect the hoistway and pit area for debris, oil leaks, or any signs of damage. Clean the area to maintain a safe and clean environment.

·       Testing and adjusting door closing and leveling — Check the door closing speed and leveling accuracy to ensure they are functioning properly. Make necessary adjustments to maintain proper door operation and alignment.

·       Checking and cleaning elevator shaft lighting — Inspect and clean the lighting fixtures in the lift shaft to ensure adequate illumination for maintenance and emergency situations.

·       Inspecting and testing safety features — Check the emergency brakes, overspeed governors, and other safety devices to ensure they are functioning correctly. Test their operation as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

·       Testing and recalibrating elevator sensors and switches — Test the door sensors, limit switches, and other sensors to ensure accurate detection and smooth operation. Recalibrate if necessary.

·       Inspecting and adjusting door locks and latches — Check the door locks and latches for proper engagement and alignment. Adjust or replace any faulty components as needed.

·       Comprehensive inspection of all mechanical and electrical components — Conduct a thorough inspection of the lift’s mechanical and electrical systems, including motor, cables, brakes, control panels, and wiring. Identify any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues that require attention.

·       Testing and certification of safety systems — Perform a comprehensive safety inspection, including load testing, emergency stop functionality, and other critical safety checks. Obtain the necessary certifications and documentation.

·       Verifying compliance with relevant regulations and standards — Ensure that the lift system complies with all applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards. Make any necessary upgrades or modifications to meet the requirements.

• Keep a detailed record of all maintenance tasks performed, including dates, tasks completed, and any observations or repairs made. This log serves as a valuable reference and helps track the maintenance history of the lift system. Different types of elevators, such as hydraulic or traction, may have specific maintenance requirements. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and dust levels can affect lift performance and maintenance needs. Adjust your maintenance routine accordingly.

• Lift owners and operators are responsible for ensuring that lifts are properly maintained and undergo regular inspections by qualified lift engineers. The frequency of inspections depends on factors such as the type of lift, its usage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Lifts should undergo thorough testing and examination by competent lift engineers during and after installation. A lift must obtain a Declaration of Conformity, indicating that it complies with the relevant safety standards and regulations.

• Lifts must be equipped with various safety features, such as emergency alarms, over-speed governors, door interlocks, and emergency lighting. These features are designed to ensure the safety of passengers in the event of an emergency or malfunction.

Elevators should be inspected on a periodic basis and preventive maintenance can be done monthly, depending on the usage of the elevator.

Performing an elevator equipment audit helps determine the condition of equipment, the types of necessary repairs, and other services needed. Inspect below major parts to ensure elevator safety:

• Inside the car – Check the condition of signs and operating device symbols, button functions, ventilation, lighting, car door force when opening and closing. Ensure emergency devices are available and in good working condition.

• Top of the car – Examine if the travel cables and hoistways’ are operational and properly adjusted. Apply the appropriate lubrication for rails, governor ropes, suspension means, chains, etc.

• Inspect machine room – It’s crucial to assess the conditions of equipment in the machine room. Supply the required lubrication to the suspension means, gears, bearings, and other mechanical equipment that needs lubricating.

Elevators in general need quarterly maintenance but for other types like commercial lifts, conducting maintenance at least twice a year is ideal. Scheduled elevator maintenance can help proactively catch issues before they lead to elevator breakdowns that can be costly to repair.

Elevator maintenance can cost from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on the number of elevators to be maintained. The types of elevators and can also affect the maintenance cost as well as the type of building where the elevators are located.

Thorough examinations of various lift components must be conducted during safety inspections. This includes mechanical and electrical systems, safety features, emergency systems, doors, hoistway, car interior, control panels, and operational controls. By assessing these components, inspectors can identify potential risks, malfunctions, or non-compliance with safety standards. Effective safety inspections require certified and qualified inspectors with the necessary expertise and knowledge. Proper preparations, such as shutting down the lift, isolating power, and providing access to the inspector, must be made before the inspection. The process involves a systematic evaluation of relevant components, testing safety features and emergency systems, checking the proper operation of controls, and recording detailed findings. Comprehensive reports must be generated, outlining observations, recommendations, and any necessary corrective actions. Promptly addressing safety issues is crucial when identified during inspections. Timely repairs and maintenance rectify non-compliance with safety standards or potential hazards.

User education and awareness are equally important. Promoting safe and responsible lift usage among occupants helps prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment. Informing users about emergency procedures, such as during power failures or entrapment situations, mitigates risks; on the other hand, encouraging users to promptly report any safety concerns or malfunctions contributes to ongoing lift safety.

Identifying and troubleshooting lift issues is crucial for maintaining the safety and convenience of elevator users. Proactive maintenance and troubleshooting not only prevent potential accidents but also minimise disruptions and costly repairs.

Lifts may experience various issues that can disrupt their normal operation. Understanding these common issues is essential for effective troubleshooting. Some of the typical lift issues include:

1. Stuck or unresponsive lift

2. Slow or jerky movements

3. Strange noises or vibrations

4. Doors not closing or opening properly

5. Irregular leveling with the floor

6. Oil contamination

Stuck or unresponsive lift

• Cause: This issue can occur due to a power outage, malfunctioning control system, or mechanical failure.

• Solution: In the event of a power outage, ensure that the power supply is restored. If the lift remains unresponsive, check the control panel for any error codes or indicators of a specific issue.

Slow or jerky movements

• Cause: Slow or jerky movements can be attributed to factors like improper lubrication, worn-out components, misaligned pulleys, or problems with the motor or drive system.

• Solution: Regularly lubricate the moving parts as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. If the issue persists, it may require a more thorough inspection to identify and address the specific cause, which may involve replacing worn-out components, realigning pulleys, or repairing the motor or drive system.

Strange noises or vibrations

• Cause: Unusual noises or vibrations can result from loose or worn-out parts, misaligned components, damaged bearings, or faulty control systems.

• Solution: Inspect the lift for any loose or damaged parts, such as brackets, bolts, or screws, and tighten or replace them as necessary. Additionally, lubricate moving parts to reduce friction. If the noises or vibrations persist, conduct a thorough assessment and carry out any required repairs or replacements.

Doors not closing or opening properly

• Cause: This issue can stem from various factors, including misaligned door tracks, faulty door sensors, worn-out door rollers, or problems with the door operator system.

• Solution: Inspect the door tracks for any obstructions or misalignments, and clear or realign them accordingly. Clean the door sensors to ensure proper functioning. If the issue persists, an assessment should be run to repair or replace any faulty door components, or adjust the door operator system.

Irregular leveling with the floor

• Cause: Irregular leveling can occur due to problems with the leveling sensors, misaligned guide rails, worn-out suspension ropes, or uneven floor surfaces.

• Solution: Inspect the leveling sensors for proper alignment and cleanliness. Ensure that the guide rails are free from obstructions and properly aligned. If the issue persists, the suspension ropes should be examined and adjusted or replaced as needed. In some cases, adjustments to the lift controller may be necessary to ensure accurate leveling.

Oil contamination

• Cause: Oil contamination can happen when hydraulic fluid or lubricating oil leaks into areas where it shouldn’t be, such as the lift shaft, pit, or control panel. It can occur due to damaged seals, faulty valves, or deteriorated hoses.

• Solution: Identify the source of the oil leak and repair or replace the damaged components. Clean the affected areas thoroughly to remove any spilled oil. Regularly inspect and maintain the hydraulic system to prevent future leaks. Ensure proper disposal of any contaminated oil in accordance with environmental regulations.

When faced with a lift issue, following a systematic troubleshooting approach can help identify and resolve the problem. The following steps provide a framework for effective troubleshooting:

1. Step 1: Safety first — Ensure the lift is secure and properly isolated before conducting any troubleshooting steps.

2. Step 2: Identifying the issue — Observe symptoms and indicators, such as error messages, unusual sounds, or error codes on the control panel.

3. Step 3: Basic checks — Verify the power supply, check the control panel for any malfunctions, and ensure the emergency stop is not engaged.

4. Step 4: Inspecting door mechanisms and sensors — Examine the door mechanisms, including sensors, rollers, and tracks, to identify any obstructions or faulty components.

5. Step 5: Examining the mechanical and electrical systems — Inspect the lift’s mechanical and electrical components, such as pulleys, cables, motor, and brake systems, for any signs of wear or damage.

6. Step 6: Testing safety features and emergency procedures — Conduct tests on safety features, such as emergency brakes, overspeed governors, and emergency communication systems, to ensure they are functioning correctly.

For minor lift issues, there are several troubleshooting options:

1. Resetting the system — Power off and restart the lift to resolve temporary glitches.

2. Cleaning sensors and contacts — Dust or debris on sensors and contacts can cause malfunctions, so clean them regularly to ensure proper functioning.

3. Lubricating moving parts — Apply lubrication to moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.

4. Adjusting door mechanisms — If doors are not opening or closing properly, adjusting the door mechanisms may solve the issue.

To minimise future lift issues, proactive measures should be taken:

1. Implement a scheduled maintenance program and conduct regular maintenance checks — Implement a scheduled maintenance program to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.