Everything You Should Know About Professional Lift Servicing

Lifts are an essential part of modern infrastructure, offering convenience, safety and accessibility in buildings ranging from residential apartments to commercial skyscrapers. However, like any complex mechanical system, lifts require regular upkeep to ensure they function reliably and safely. This is where professional lift servicing comes into play.

If you’re a property manager, building owner, or even a curious resident, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about lift servicing. From how often it's required to what the process involves, we’ll answer all the common questions and help you make informed decisions.

How Does Servicing Differ from Routine Maintenance?

Lift servicing refers to the professional inspection, testing, and upkeep of an elevator system carried out by qualified technicians. It goes beyond everyday maintenance to ensure that all components are operating within regulatory and manufacturer-specified parameters. While both lift servicing and routine maintenance aim to ensure smooth and safe lift operation, they differ slightly in terms of depth, frequency and purpose. Routine maintenance is typically more frequent, and focuses on basic upkeep. These are the day-to-day or weekly tasks that involve minor adjustments, lubrication of moving parts, and general cleaning. Its main objective is to keep the lift running without interruptions.

In contrast, professional servicing is a comprehensive, scheduled inspection carried out by certified lift engineers. It is carried out less frequently, usually every few months depending on the lift's usage, and goes much deeper. It includes testing of all critical safety systems, examining mechanical and electrical components, checking for compliance with legal regulations, and identifying early signs of wear or failure.

Another key difference is documentation. Servicing includes formal reports that are essential for regulatory compliance and building records, whereas maintenance activities may be recorded less rigorously, if at all.

The Importance of Regular Servicing

Lift servicing is not just about keeping the system running smoothly, it’s primarily about safety, legal compliance and longevity:

●     Safety: A malfunctioning lift can be dangerous. Servicing ensures critical safety features like brakes, door senses, and emergency communication systems are fully operational.

●     Legal Compliance: In the UK and many other regions, building owners are legally obligated to maintain their lifts. Servicing helps meet requirements set out in regulations such as LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

●     Cost Savings: Identifying and addressing small issues early prevents costly repairs and unplanned downtime in the future.

●     Asset Protection: Lifts are a significant investment. Regular servicing extends the life of the equipment and enhances its performance.

How Often is Lift Servicing Required?

Generally speaking, the more frequent examinations are carried out, the less likely you are to be faced with problems occurring. However, the frequency of servicing depends on several factors, including the type of building, the lift's age, usage, and manufacturer recommendations. Typically:

●     Every 3-6 months if the lift is used to carry passengers

●     Every 3-6 months if the lifts is carrying goods

●     After substantial or significant changes to the lift have been made.

Although these are recommended, It’s best to consult with a lift servicing provider like us, to tailor a servicing schedule that suits your specific needs.

Key Components of a Professional Lift Service

Professional lift servicing includes a series of inspections and tests designed to assess the condition of every critical component. Some of the key checks include:

Safety Mechanism Testing

Ensuring all safety mechanisms are functional is the cornerstone of any lift servicing. This step is vital for passenger protection and legal compliance and includes:

●     Emergency brake testing

●     Emergency lighting and alarms

●     Safety gear engagement

●     Overspeed governors

Electrical System Checks

Lift reliability and safety are highly dependent on robust and responsive electrical systems. Some of these checks can include:

●     Motor Performance

●     Control Panels and Wiring

●     Battery Backups for Emergency Systems 

Mechanical Inspections

Mechanical components endure daily wear and must be inspected for early signs of deterioration. Mechanical inspections include:

●     Door Operations

●     Suspension Ropes and Chains

●     Bearings, Pulleys, and Rollers

Compliance and Regulatory Checks

Regular compliance reviews ensure lifts meet all legal and safety standards to avoid liability. These include:

●     Adherence to LOLER, PUWER, and local safety standards - Engineers verify that servicing and operational standards align with national safety laws like the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). This includes examining inspection intervals, documentation, and safety test procedures.

●     Updating the Lift’s Logbook and Service History

●     Checking Load Tests if Due

Performance & Cleaning

Performance and cleaning tests are carried out to ensure the lift provides a smooth, efficient and user friendly experience, whilst contributing to the reliability and longevity. Some of these include:

●     Ride Quality

●     Call Button Responsiveness

●     Tightening Loose Components

●     Removing Debris from Machine Rooms and Shafts

How Long Does Lift Servicing Take?

The duration of a service visit can vary depending on the complexity and condition of the lift. On average a standard residential lift can take 1-2 hours, whilst a commercial or complex system can take 2-4 hours. Time may also increase if additional diagnostics or repairs are needed, following the initial inspection.

Ready to Elevate Your Lift Servicing?

At Eternal Elevators, we specialise in professional lift servicing that goes beyond routine maintenance to ensure safety, compliance, and optimal performance. Our experienced engineers carry out thorough inspections, testing, and repairs for a wide range of commercial lift systems, helping your building stay safe, reliable, and legally compliant.

Whether you need scheduled servicing, emergency repairs, or expert advice on upgrading your system, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our comprehensive lift servicing solutions tailored to your business needs.