Just like an automobile diagnostic test, an elevator inspection provides building owners with the opportunity to make critical decisions about repairs, upgrades or full equipment replacement.
But while some vehicle owners may decide to postpone a trip to the auto shop, putting off an elevator inspection is never advisable. State laws and building codes require annual elevator inspections to ensure all components of the elevator – cab, door equipment, maintenance room, etc. are in good working order. Failing to properly maintain an elevator can lead to financial and liability issues, inconvenience tenants or worse – cause an accident.
Regular elevator inspections are designed to ensure you follow the highest levels of safety precautions. This will also help you lower repair costs and minimizes the time an elevator needs to be taken out of service.
Before the Inspection
You can expect to be notified by your state about scheduling an elevator inspection. Then it’s up to you to schedule determine what, if any, maintenance needs to be performed in advance.
To keep repair costs under control, many building owners make periodic elevator assessments part of their building’s preventative maintenance programs. Before the elevator inspection, you’ll want to review all documentation to make sure you’re up to date on any scheduled repairs – this is where your elevator service provider can help.
If you don’t have one, it’s a good idea to use an elevator inspection checklist that ensures all the critical elevator components are examined. Some common items that should appear on an elevator checklist include:
- Checking door panels and lights inside and outside the elevator cab for damage
- Making sure the fire testing log is up to date and in the machine room
- Inspecting cables, brakes and phone/alarm systems to ensure proper function/condition
Download Our Simple Elevator Repair Checklist
Inspection Day
Once you receive notice of your inspection, you’ll call a state inspector of licensed third-party agent in your area to schedule the inspection. You will also want to have an elevator technician on hand who can address minor problems like broken lights or a faulty alarm bell onsite, if need be.
While many original equipment manufacturers will try to push the use of their technicians, non-proprietary elevator companies employ technicians with the experience and qualifications needed to survey all aspects of your equipment and can offer just as good or better service, often at lower cost.
Post-Inspection and Follow-Up
Your state will inform you about the results of your inspection with a receipt of a certificate and list of any deficiencies.
As a building owner, you will then have 30-60 days to complete any necessary repairs. If you fail the inspection, you don’t want to wait until the 11th hour to find someone who can help fix all the violations. Not correcting the deficiencies on time could cause the state to shut down your elevators.
That is why it is imperative that building owners have a reliable elevator service provider who can respond and perform the work quickly and accurately.
Get In Touch!
We are glad to help with any questions or provide more information on how we can work with you and your inspector to evaluate and repair your equipment on schedule, for timely, affordable solutions. Call the experts at Right Way Elevator Maintenance at our St. Petersburg office at 727-686-6955, or our Sarasota office at 941-909-4382.