You do not need to be an engineer to spot a lift that is being neglected. These checks take under an hour and give you a clear picture before your next contractor review.
What you can observe yourself
Weekly walk-round
- The car stops level with the floor at every landing
- Doors open and close smoothly, without juddering or forced closing
- Door reopening device responds when the opening is obstructed
- Car lighting, ventilation and the floor indicator all work
- The alarm button reaches someone who answers
- No unusual noise, vibration or burning smell during travel
- Certificates and emergency instructions are displayed and current
Conditions specific to Nigerian buildings
Power quality
Frequent changeovers between mains and generator stress the drive and controller. Confirm that the lift supply is stable, that phase protection is fitted and working, and that the automatic rescue device brings the car to the nearest floor during an outage.
Dust, humidity and water
Harmattan dust settles on contacts and sensors. Rain finds its way into pits. Ask for evidence that the pit is dry, the sump pump works if fitted, and the machine room is ventilated and free of dust build-up.
Records to review with your contractor
- Service reports for the last twelve months, in date order
- Repeat faults: the same defect appearing across several visits
- Callout history, including entrapments and response times achieved
- Open defects with an agreed date for closure
- Parts replaced, and parts recommended but not yet approved
When to escalate
- Levelling errors that return after adjustment
- Doors that need force to close, or that reopen repeatedly
- Entrapments more than once in a quarter
- Missing reports for visits that were supposedly carried out
