What’s your plan for when a lift goes down?
Here’s a few tips you can use to help you and your building’s occupants:
1. Call your service provider to log a job
Be sure to log it with the call centre rather than directly to your technician so that they can make sure the call-back is on the record.
2. Is anyone in the lift?
Check CCTV cameras if they’re available or listen for the lift alarm bell. Many lift emergency phones also allow you to call back the lift car using your mobile phone so you can speak to the passengers inside and let them know that help is coming. You might like to offer them a coffee voucher for their troubles. Keep them updated on when the technician is arriving.
3. Can you fix it?
A few quick checks can save you a costly running on arrival charge. Check to see if the lift has not been locked off by a key-switch, or whether there are any obstructions in the doorway or door tracks that are preventing the lift doors from closing. Try buttons on other floors, and ensure that the problem isn’t related to security access control preventing the lift being called.
4. Put up signs
Let people know that the lift outage has been noticed, and provide directions to alternate lifts if needed.
5. Will the lift breakdown cause a disruption?
Consider sending a courtesy message to all your tenants, and keeping them updated.
6. Does anyone need special assistance?
Keep your building users in wheelchairs or who would have difficulty with stairs updated on the lift status.
7. Re-schedule deliveries and service trips
If a lift is down, now might not be a good time to key-off another lift for goods and service use.
8. Technician access
Have any keys and cards ready for the technician when they arrive so they can get straight to work, especially if someone is stuck. Be sure your service provider is kept up to date with any changes to keys, access, or pin codes for after-hours access.
9. Make a note
Keep your own record of lift breakdown events. More than 2 equipment related breakdowns a year on a lift should prompt you to ask for more information and reassurance from your service provider.
