When owning residential elevators it is important not only to inspect your elevator yourself but to have the experts come and do a thorough inspection. However, knowing where to start when it comes to inspections and elevator service companies can be challenging. Trust the experts at Rise Above Elevator in South Florida for not only installation but also for continued inspections.
As long as a residential elevator is kept in good working condition, your home elevator should continue to provide safe, reliable service for you and your family. However, not all property owners place as high a priority on proper elevator maintenance as they should. This is why a lack of proper care is one of the leading causes of accidents involving elevators. To help ensure the highest levels of elevator safety, regular inspections are essential.
There are several major areas that should be inspected, and each of those areas includes their own checklist. To get a better handle on how to maintain an elevator. Here is one of many elevator maintenance checklists of what you should be inspecting. Owning a home elevator requires routine maintenance.
The key to having a successful inspection is having a plan and following it to the letter every time, but knowing what to expect from your inspection team is beneficial as well. This is why a maintenance checklist can be an incredibly useful tool for anyone responsible for maintenance.
Main Areas of Inspection
One critical but relatively small detail is inside the car. The emergency stop button is crucial. If this is not checked as part of regular maintenance, it could prove disastrous to anyone riding.
Guaranteeing that the pit area is free of obstructions is another important step — especially considering that elevator installers and repairers have the highest injury rate among those in the construction industry. Other areas to consider are:
- Inside the car
- Outside the car
- In the machine room
- On top of the car
- In the pit
Knowing what needs to be inspected in your home elevator will also help with understanding what the elevator mechanic is doing while doing proper maintenance to your elevator or making necessary repairs. Here is an insider’s look at the steps that most elevator companies use in their inspections on the working conditions of your unit.
The mechanic should be ensuring your home elevator is operating in accordance with all applicable codes, pass required state inspections and will keep your passengers safe. These are general guidelines that the elevator mechanic takes and during an inspection can get much more involved.
Inside the Car:
- Examine the interior of the elevator car for any damage to the walls, ceiling, and handrails.
- Replace all lights that are burnt out including indicator lights and control panel lights.
- Operate the elevator going up and down and check the leveling accuracy, acceleration, and deceleration. Make any adjustments deemed necessary.
- Check to make sure that the door moves smoothly both opening and closing and does not slam or bounce.
- Ensure the door restrictor operates properly and make any necessary repairs.
Outside the Car:
- Check the hall stations and lights and replace any burnt out lights.
- Inspect the door panel and clearances for adequate headroom.
- Test the Phase 1 firefighters’ service this includes the smoke detector and fire alarm system.
Machine Room:
- Make sure the elevator machine room does not contain any material unrelated to the elevator.
- Remove anything that could interfere with access to equipment
- Check the oil level.
- Lubricate components, if necessary.
- Check components for leaks, unusual vibration, or wear.
- Inspect electrical components for evidence of overheating or failure.
- Make any necessary adjustments or schedule follow-up service.
On Top of the Elevator Car:
- Check that the stop switch and inspection station function properly.
- Remove any debris from the top of the car.
- Inspect any visible components, including rollers, guide rails, and leveling devices.
- Check the traveling cables for wear and inspect connections.
- Inspect the door operator and its components.
- Look at the hoistway for evidence of rodents, fire safety, and vandalism.
- Make sure the emergency exit hatch is readily accessible.
Pit:
- Make sure that the stop switch, lights, and GFI outlet function properly.
- Clean the pit and check for signs of leaks and necessary clearance.
- Inspect the spring buffers for signs of corrosion, alignment, and secure attachment.
- Inspect all visible components, including rollers, guide rails, safeties, and switches.
- Check the travel cable for wear, pinches, and snags.
- Make sure the sump pump is clean and operating correctly.
- Check the elevator car frame for signs of damage
The elevator mechanic must fill out a log and note any observations, problems, and recommendations. Having routine maintenance will help with preventative maintenance, and be able to spot anything that might need a repair prior to it becoming a costly repair.
When working with Rise Above Elevators you will be able to set up a schedule for your home elevator with one of our Home Elevator Maintenance programs. Having been in business for 30 years, they are not only a company that installs elevators but also maintains and is an elevator repair company. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your home elevator needs.