4 Signs Your Lift May Be Due A Maintenance Check

Lifts provide a vital service in the modern world. They help to make buildings and other areas far more accessible to the general public and can make travel much faster and more efficient.

It is rare these days to enter a building which has multiple floors and not find a lift. They come in many shapes and sizes depending on what they are used for and can help transport people, goods and machinery much easier than stairs can.

Often, you will not realise how much you rely on lifts until they are out of order and you have to take the stairs. This can be frustrating however there are several ways you can ensure your lift is always in working order.

By looking out for these signs, it can alert you to any potential issues so you are able to solve them before they worsen.

Firstly, if any machinery starts to make strange or unusual sounds, it is usually not a good sign. This is the same for lifts. Any rattling, squeaking or banging sounds are a good indicator that there is a fault with the lift.

It is best to call a mechanic out as soon as possible if you notice any abnormal sounds and they can often indicate a serious and sometimes dangerous problem with the mechanics of the lift.

If the lift is moving less smoothly than it should, this can be a sign of several issues. This may just indicate that the cables need some extra lubrication or that the load in the lift is too heavy, however, it is best to have this checked in case of serious underlying issues.

If your lift is slowing down, this can indicate that repairs are needed. It is normal for a lift to move a little bit slower over time as it ages, however, there should never be a significant delay between floors or between doors opening and closing.

Frequent use of a lift, such as in a shopping centre, a hotel, office building, or even a home lift can lead to it slowing down. This is also true for lifts in warehouses which consistently bear heavy loads. However, it is important that you seek the advice of a mechanic if you notice delays.

While it may not be a sign of a serious issue, it is always best to have a professional assess the lift to ensure it is still in full working order and to avoid any problems from arising.

Finally, if you find that the lift is experiencing frequent issues, is breaking down often or you are calling a mechanic for help more than is normal, it may be time to consider upgrading or replacing your lift.

It is normal for machinery to deteriorate as it ages, however, constant repairs and servicing can be very expensive and often it will be cheaper, in the long run, to replace the lift entirely than to keep having frequent repair work done.

Lifts that are provided for use in the workplace must adhere to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and businesses will need to assume responsibility for safety, carrying out routine maintenance and inspections. More information can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.