In the UK there are over 200,000 passenger lifts in operation. Most of these lifts operate in businesses – businesses that deal with a large number of customers each day. To ensure these customers are kept safe, we’re going to answer some commonly asked question from businesses owners, regarding their responsibilities when installing a lift:
If I have a lift in my building, what are my responsibilities?
Any lifts should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure they are running safely and smoothly. Lifts in work places should be thoroughly examined at regular intervals to comply with government legislation.
Is it a legal requirement to maintain my lift?
Absolutely. The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 means that as a business owner, you are legally obliged to keep all lifts on your premises in safe working order. To do this you must organise regular maintenance checks to be carried out on your lifts.
Do I have a responsibility for trapped passengers?
Your business should have an emergency plan in place in case of emergency which you are responsible for devising and implementing if an emergency situation should present itself. These requirements coincide with the BS EN 81-28 European Standard.
What is an LG1?
This is the terminology for The Supplementary Tests which are required to be undertaken on all lifts.
What is the difference between ‘Maintenance’ and ‘Thorough Examination’?
Whilst Maintenance is the regular servicing of your lift – which includes the routine adjustment to components, replacement of worn parts and topping up of fluids etc – the Thorough Examination is the systematic and detailed visual inspection of the lift and all its associated equipment.
A Thorough examination is necessary to confirm that Maintenance is being carried out properly, focusing on the safety of the equipment. Maintenance can only be carried out by qualified lift maintenance engineers and applies to the lifts efficiency and safety.