Like cars, lifts left for long periods need a little TLC.
If you leave your car parked on the drive for weeks on end and expect it to start, it won’t – so to prevent any issues, you might go for a drive once a week. The principle's the same for a lift, but there are some easy things you can do to prevent any issues when leaving your lift inactive.
Leaving a lift inactive can create problems. The ram can creep, buffers compress, and ropes stretch on a hydraulic lift. Ropes can flatten on traction lifts with the weight in a static position. And on both drive types, guide rollers can flatten; without regular auto-dialler tests, your phone provider may have disconnected your emergency call alarm.
As a duty holder, you are responsible for the safe operation of the lift, as required by the health and safety executive, and there are some quick checks you can do to prevent any issues.
Q: What lift checks should I do?
We’d recommend a quick check once a week. This involves:
- running the lift car up and down,
- checking the emergency phone line
- and visual inspection of the lift doors and car.
Additionally, even if the building is not in use, we recommend keeping up with low-level routine maintenance. If unable to do so, then Stannah can offer combined service visits. As the servicing tasks differ each visit, you’ll need to give a little more time for a combined visit.
Q: I've switched my lift-off; what do I need to do?
If you have switched your lift off, then, unfortunately, without checking the lift over, you don’t know what issues you’re switching back on. A LOLER inspection may be required, and any lift switched off should be turned on by a competent lift engineer - ensuring equipment safety before it’s placed back into service and helping to avoid unnecessary repair expenses. Your lift service provider can check over your lift – after all, preventative care is always cheaper than reactive.
How can Stannah help me?
So when it comes to your lift… try a little tenderness. Stannah Lift Services can help you to meet your obligations as a lift owner/operator by providing repairs, maintenance and supporting lift services on all types of lifts from all manufacturers. If you're an existing customer, we can do these recommended safety checks, and as your local service branch, we’re on hand to help with lift care.
Whilst you're here, why not check out our handy guide covering everything you need to know about lift ownership and download your FREE guide to lift servicing and maintenance.