How Often Should Different Types of Lift Be Serviced?

The frequency of lift servicing depends on the type of lift and how often it’s used. In general, home lifts should be serviced twice a year, passenger lifts quarterly, and commercial lifts monthly or bi-monthly.

Regular servicing helps maintain safe operation, reduce breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of the system.

At Acute Elevators, we tailor maintenance schedules to suit each lift type and usage level. Below, we outline recommended servicing frequencies for different lift types.

How Often Should Passenger Lifts Be Serviced?

Passenger lifts, being a central mode of transportation in many buildings, require more frequent servicing. A quarterly service is typically recommended to keep the system running smoothly and identify any wear and tear.

Regular maintenance is crucial for addressing issues promptly, minimising downtime, and ensuring the safety of passengers.

How Often Should Home Lifts Be Inspected?

Two service visits per year are generally sufficient for home lifts, where usage tends to be less frequent than in commercial settings. This ensures that all components, including safety features, are thoroughly inspected and any potential issues are addressed promptly.

Home lift servicing helps keep everything running safely and reliably in residential properties. You can also read more about the wider benefits of a home lift in our guide.

How Often Should Commercial Lifts Be Serviced?

Commercial lifts require more frequent servicing due to higher usage levels and varied operating environments. Servicing is often carried out monthly or bi-monthly to support continued reliability.

This regular maintenance helps manage the demands placed on the system and maintain consistent performance. For more information, explore the advantages of a commercial lift.

Proactive servicing is essential in commercial settings, helping to prevent unexpected breakdowns and uphold ongoing compliance with safety regulations.

How Often Should Vehicle Lifts Be Inspected?

Vehicle lifts should be serviced every six months due to the high loads they carry and the critical role they play in building access and parking operations.

This schedule ensures all mechanical, hydraulic, and safety systems are fully checked and kept in working order. It helps maintain safe, consistent operation across residential and commercial installations.

How Often Should Step Lifts Be Inspected?

Step lifts, otherwise known as platform lifts, should be inspected at least every six months to maintain safe and reliable operation. Regular servicing ensures that key components and safety features continue to perform as intended, supporting smooth and controlled movement for users.

Routine inspections also help identify early signs of wear, particularly in lifts used frequently or installed externally, allowing issues to be addressed before they impact performance. This proactive approach reduces downtime and ensures the lift remains dependable as part of the building’s overall accessibility provision

Maintaining a consistent inspection schedule is essential for ongoing compliance with Part M and relevant accessibility regulations, providing reassurance that the lift continues to meet required standards.

How Often Should Goods Lifts Be Serviced?

Goods lifts should typically be inspected at least once every 12 months, although this can vary depending on usage levels and the type of environment they operate in.

In busy industrial or commercial settings, where lifts are used frequently to transport heavy loads, more regular servicing may be required to maintain reliability.

Regular upkeep helps ensure that key components, including lifting mechanisms, control systems, and safety features, are operating as expected. This is particularly important in environments where goods lifts play a critical role in day-to-day operations.

Best Practices for Lift Servicing

• Regular inspections should be scheduled in line with manufacturer recommendations, helping to identify potential issues before they become more serious.
• It’s important to carry out thorough testing during servicing, including safety features, emergency brakes, and control systems, to make sure everything is working as it should.
• Keeping moving parts properly lubricated helps reduce wear and friction, supporting both performance and the overall lifespan of the lift.
• Servicing should always meet relevant safety standards and regulations, ensuring the lift remains compliant and safe to use.
• Emergency features and protocols should also be reviewed as part of servicing, so the lift is fully prepared to operate safely in unexpected situations.

Having a proper lift servicing schedule helps keep your lift running smoothly and avoid problems over time. At Acute Elevators, we offer servicing tailored to your setup, whether it’s a home lift, passenger lift, or commercial system.

Contact our team to discuss a tailored lift servicing schedule for your building.

FAQS

What happens if a lift is not serviced regularly?

Without regular servicing, lifts are more prone to breakdowns, reduced performance, and accelerated wear. This can lead to increased disruption, higher repair costs, and potential non-compliance with UK safety standards and insurance requirements.

Is lift servicing a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes. Lifts in workplaces and public buildings must be regularly maintained to ensure safe operation under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. In addition, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require periodic thorough examinations, with frequency depending on the lift type and usage.

Who can service a lift?

Lift servicing should be carried out by qualified engineers or specialist lift companies with proven technical expertise and knowledge of UK regulations. Using a specialist helps maintain compliance with standards such as EN 81 lift safety standards, while supporting insurance and safety requirements.