Regulatory compliance, worker safety, and equipment reliability all depend on the thorough inspection of lifts. Typically, this involves an examination of various lift components and systems by qualified inspectors, often employed by specialised inspection agencies. Effective inspections require proper preparation, including shutting down and inspection of lift, ensuring adequate access, and providing complete documentation of findings and recommendations.
Elevator Inspection: Safeguarding Lift Operations
The process of evaluating an elevator’s performance can uncover operational issues that need to be addressed promptly, such as delays in door opening and closing or jerky movements. This may also indicate problems with the motor or other mechanical components. Regular lift inspections help to ensure that passengers experience a safe, smooth ride, and reduce operating costs for owners.
Inspecting an aerial lift requires a visual check of the exterior structure, wheels and tires, electrical wires and cables, battery levels, horn and power shut-off buttons. It also tests that all internal functions work properly, such as the power system, braking mechanism, hydraulic and air system, manuals & decals, and structural support.
If the elevator fails an inspection, the shop must schedule a reinspection within a certain timeframe. To prevent this from occurring, shops can take proactive measures to ensure that the lift is ready for an inspection by making sure that its capacity label and safety placard are present before the inspector arrives. If the lift does not have these labels, having a copy of its bill of sale or owner’s manual on hand can serve as an apt substitute. It’s also important that the hoist way and pit area are free of obstructions and that there is sufficient headroom to access the equipment easily.