10 Mistakes Lift Owners Might Make When Implementing A Maintenance Control Plan (MCP)
What is a Maintenance Control Plan (MCP)?
The MCP is a structured and comprehensive framework aimed at improving lift safety and reliability. Introduced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore, it adopts a proactive strategy to address the root causes of lift breakdowns.
The MCP is centered around 3 essential components:
Life Cycle Maintenance:
This strategy extends beyond routine lift maintenance by incorporating criteria and recommended schedules for the timely replacement of lift components, ensuring long-term functionality and safety.
Two-Stage Approach:
This method prioritises the replacement of safety-critical lift components before they reach a condition that could compromise safety or cause operational failures.
In the initial stage, components are monitored closely to detect early signs of wear or deterioration.
During the second stage, when the condition of a component reaches a critical threshold (as defined by regulations or manufacturer guidelines), it is immediately replaced.
If immediate replacement is not possible, the lift must be taken out of service to eliminate potential risks until the necessary repairs are completed.
Modernisation of Ageing Lifts:
For lifts that are 15 years or older, a thorough condition assessment is performed to determine if lift modernisation is required. This process ensures compliance with the latest safety standards while addressing challenges such as parts obsolescence.
Together, these components establish a robust system designed to prioritise the safety, reliability, and efficiency of lift operations.
Top Mistakes When Implementing a MCP in Singapore
Now that you’ve a better idea of what the MCP is about, let’s move on to the potential pitfalls that await lift owners and property managers who are trying to develop a MCP.
1. Failure to Document the MCP Properly
Mistake: Not maintaining a clear, well-organised MCP document that outlines replacement criteria for lift components, conditional assessments for ageing lifts, and lift modernisation plans to address parts obsolescence.
Impact: Leads to confusion among stakeholders (e.g., lift maintenance company, property managers).
2. Neglecting to Update the MCP Regularly
Mistake: Treating the MCP as a static document and failing to revise it based on lift performance, new safety standards, or technological advancements.
Impact: Outdated criteria may result in insufficient lift maintenance efforts or missed upgrades, compromising lift safety and reliability.
3. Ignoring Manufacturer Recommendations
Mistake: Overlooking the lift manufacturer's guidelines for replacement and maintenance intervals, especially for non-measurable components (usually electrical and electronic parts which are challenging to determine their condition).
Impact: Results in component faults, lift breakdowns and downtime.
4. Overlooking the Two-Stage Replacement Approach
Mistake: Failing to indent and procure parts early during the first stage of the two-stage replacement process.
Impact: Leads to delays when components reach critical thresholds, potentially causing lift shutdowns.
5. Delaying the Replacement of Safety-Critical Components
Mistake: Postponing replacements due to cost concerns or relying on temporary fixes without addressing the root cause.
Impact: Increases the risk of lift breakdowns, accidents, and prolonged downtime.
6. Overlooking the Importance of Early Modernisation Planning
Mistake: Waiting until lift parts are obsolete or the lift experiences frequent lift breakdowns before considering lift modernisation.
Impact: Leads to higher lift maintenance costs and extended lift downtime as obsolete parts are difficult to procure and pricier.
7. Not Conducting Condition Assessments for Ageing Lifts
Mistake: Ignoring the need for condition assessments, especially for lifts older than 15 years.
Impact: Failure to identify critical issues or gaps in compliance with updated standards, potentially endangering lift users.
8. Focusing Only on Repairs Instead of Lift Modernisation
Mistake: Prioritising immediate repairs over modernisation of ageing lifts, even when lift modernisation would be more cost-effective and safer in the long run.
Impact: Leaves lifts outdated, less reliable, and harder to maintain, especially when dealing with parts obsolescence.
9. Neglecting Long-Term Lifecycle Budgeting
Mistake: Allocating budgets only for immediate lift maintenance needs, without considering long-term costs for parts replacement and lift modernisation.
Impact: Causes financial strain when major upgrades or replacements are required.
10. Inadequate Logbook Management
Mistake: Not keeping an accurate, up-to-date logbook of lift maintenance activities, incidents, parts replacements, condition assessments, and annual testing
Impact: Reduces traceability and accountability, making it harder to monitor lift performance or identify recurring issues.
Work with a BCA-registered lift contractor to develop a MCP
Adhering to Singapore's MCP guidelines is crucial for improving lift safety and minimising lift breakdowns on your property. For tailored lift maintenance guidance or assistance in developing an MCP for your lift, feel free to contact Hin Chong for professional support.
