LOLER Comprehensive Lift Maintenance Guide: Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Reliability

At techmend, we are committed to providing top-tier lift maintenance services that keep your lifts safe, reliable, and fully compliant with UK regulations. This guide explains everything you need to know about lift maintenance, including best practices, legal requirements, inspection schedules, and how our certified professionals can help you protect your property and its users.

Why Lift Maintenance Matters

Regular lift maintenance is essential for the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your lift system. Well-maintained lifts experience fewer breakdowns, operate more smoothly, and provide a better experience for users. More importantly, proper maintenance helps prevent accidents, reduces liability, and ensures compliance with UK safety laws such as LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).

Key Benefits of Professional Lift Maintenance

  • Safety: Minimises the risk of accidents and ensures all safety features are fully operational.

  • Compliance: Meets legal requirements for thorough examinations and routine maintenance.

  • Reliability: Reduces downtime and unexpected breakdowns.

  • Longevity: Extends the lifespan of your lift system.

  • Cost Savings: Prevents costly emergency repairs and prolongs the time between major overhauls.

Lift Maintenance Checklist: What’s Included?

A comprehensive lift maintenance routine is structured around daily, monthly, and periodic checks, as well as thorough examinations by a competent person.

Daily Maintenance Tasks

  • Operational Checks: Ensure the lift responds promptly to calls, doors open and close smoothly, and there are no unusual noises or vibrations.

  • Interior Cleaning: Clean the lift car, including walls, flooring, handrails, and mirrors, to maintain a presentable appearance.

  • Button and Indicator Testing: Verify that all buttons, floor indicators, and emergency buttons are functioning correctly.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

  • Hoistway and Pit Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the hoistway and pit area for debris, oil leaks, or damage. Clean these areas to maintain safety and cleanliness.

  • Door and Leveling Checks: Test and adjust door closing speed and leveling accuracy to ensure proper operation and alignment.

  • Shaft Lighting: Inspect and clean lighting fixtures in the lift shaft for adequate illumination during maintenance and emergencies.

  • Mechanical and Electrical Inspection: Check brakes, motors, control systems, cables, and pulleys. Lubricate moving parts and test safety gear.

  • Control Panel Review: Check for error messages or required software updates.

Periodic Professional Servicing

  • Quarterly Inspections: More detailed checks by qualified technicians, including in-depth testing of safety systems and mechanical components.

  • Thorough Examinations (LOLER): Every six months for passenger lifts and every twelve months for goods-only lifts, a competent person must conduct a thorough examination to comply with LOLER regulations.

  • After Modifications or Repairs: Additional inspections are required following any major work on the lift.

What is a LOLER Thorough Examination?

A LOLER thorough examination is a systematic and detailed assessment of your lift and all its associated equipment. It must be carried out by a competent person—someone with the technical and practical knowledge to detect defects and assess whether the lift is safe for continued use.

What’s Included in a LOLER Examination?

  • Mechanical, Electrical, and Safety-Critical Component Checks: Inspect all parts for wear, damage, or malfunction.

  • Emergency Systems Testing: Verify the operation of emergency stop buttons, communication devices, and trapped passenger release systems.

  • Compliance Verification: Ensure the lift meets PUWER, BS EN 81, and manufacturer guidelines.

  • Detailed Inspection Reports: Provide clear documentation of findings and any recommended remedial actions.

Release of Trapped Passengers

In the rare event that passengers become trapped in a lift, it’s essential to have a safe and efficient release procedure in place. Our team is fully trained to carry out the release of trapped passengers in accordance with BS7255, HTM 08-02, and other relevant guidance. We ensure that all releases are conducted safely, with minimal delay and maximum care for passenger wellbeing.

Our Trapped Passenger Release Service

  • Immediate Response: Our team is on call to respond quickly to trapped passenger incidents.

  • Safe Procedures: We follow strict safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all passengers.

  • Legal Compliance: All releases are carried out by approved personnel, meeting UK regulatory requirements.

Best Practices for Lift Owners and Managers

To keep your lift in optimal condition and ensure the safety of all users, follow these best practices:

  • Adhere to Recommended Weight Limits: Always observe the maximum capacity specified in the lift manual.

  • Educate Users: Remind passengers not to hold doors open, place objects between them, or force trolleys into the lift.

  • Prompt Reporting: Address any signs of wear or malfunction immediately.

  • Maintain Clear Communication: Work closely with your lift maintenance contractor and keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

LOLER and PUWER Compliance

Under LOLER, all passenger and goods lifts must undergo thorough examinations at least every six months (passenger lifts) or every twelve months (goods lifts). These examinations are in addition to routine maintenance and must be carried out by a competent person.

PUWER requires that all work equipment, including lifts, is maintained in a safe condition and regularly inspected.

Lift Regulations 2016

The Lifts Regulations 2016 set out the obligations for installers and duty holders, including ensuring lifts are designed, manufactured, installed, and tested in accordance with essential health and safety requirements. Installers must provide a declaration of conformity, keep detailed technical documentation, and investigate any complaints or non-conformities.

Our Approach to Lift Maintenance

At techmend, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to safety and compliance. Our certified engineers are trained to the highest standards, and we provide clear, detailed reports for every inspection and maintenance visit.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Certified Expertise: Our team is qualified under City & Guilds and EAL standards, in line with LOLER and SAFed guidance.

  • Comprehensive Service: We offer everything from basic preventive maintenance to full LOLER compliance inspections.

  • Clear Documentation: We provide easy-to-understand reports and maintain comprehensive maintenance logs.

  • Rapid Response: We understand the urgency of lift issues and respond promptly to all service calls.

Who Needs Lift Maintenance?

Our lift maintenance services are ideal for:

  • Property Managers: Ensure your building’s lifts are safe, reliable, and compliant.

  • Landlords: Protect your tenants and reduce liability with regular maintenance.

  • Small Businesses: Keep your premises running smoothly with minimal disruption.

  • Clients with Existing Repair Providers: Supplement your current service with regular preventive checks and thorough examinations.

What’s Not Included in Basic Maintenance?

  • Parts Replacement or Major Repairs: These are typically covered under separate repair contracts.

  • Emergency Call-Outs: Unless arranged separately, emergency services are not included in standard maintenance plans.

  • Major Breakdown Recovery: Significant failures may require additional support.

Serving Essex and Greater London

We are based in Essex and serve clients across Greater London and the surrounding areas. Our team is ready to help you keep your lifts in motion—safely, simply, and affordably.

How to Get Started

To schedule your next lift maintenance visit or LOLER inspection, contact techmend today. Our team will work with you to develop a maintenance plan tailored to your needs, ensuring your lifts remain safe, reliable, and compliant.

This comprehensive guide demonstrates your expertise and commitment to safety, helping your clients understand the importance of professional lift maintenance and positioning your business as a trusted authority in the field.