20 FAQs About Singapore's Maintenance Control Plan (MCP)
Introduced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore, the Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) focuses on enhancing the performance and safety of lift systems in Singapore.
Whether you're a property manager or a lift owner, understanding the essentials of the MCP is crucial for smooth lift operations in Singapore.
Overview of The MCP
1. What is the purpose of an MCP for lifts in Singapore?
A MCP ensures lifts operate safely and reliably by guiding lift owners on:
Managing ageing lifts
Addressing lift maintenance challenges
Modernising lift systems to meet modern standards
2. What should be included in the MCP?
The MCP should document:
Frequency and criteria for replacing safety-critical components
Condition assessment procedures for ageing lifts
Modernisation plans to address parts obsolescence
3. How does the MCP benefit lift owners in Singapore?
It provides a structured approach to budgeting, lift maintenance, and lift modernisation, reducing the risk of accidents, lift breakdowns, and costly repairs.
4. Who is responsible for preparing the MCP?
The MCP is prepared by the lift owner in collaboration with their lift maintenance company and in consultation with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
5. Is the MCP mandatory for all lifts in Singapore?
The MCP is strongly recommended by the BCA as a good practice for ensuring lift safety and reliability. While it may not be explicitly mandated, it aligns with best practices for compliance with safety standards and effective lift maintenance.
Lift Maintenance & Safety-Critical Components
6. What are safety-critical components in a lift?
Safety-critical components include:
Brakes
Rope and sheaves
Safety gear and governor system
Buffers
Car door
Landing doors
Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP)
Ascending Car Overspeed Protection (ACOP)
Electrical switches
Emergency power supply / rescue devices
Car door light curtain / sensor
7. What replacement criteria are used for safety-critical components?
Measurable Components: Replaced based on quantifiable conditions (e.g., wire rope diameter reduction).
Non-Measurable Components: Replaced based on the manufacturer's recommended frequency or a time-based frequency.
8. What is the two-stage replacement approach?
First Stage: Indent parts for replacement when criteria (e.g., 4% wire rope diameter reduction) are met.
Second Stage: Replace parts immediately when final criteria are reached (e.g., 6% wire rope diameter reduction). The lift should not be operational until the replacement is done.
9. What are the risks of not replacing worn-out safety-critical parts?
Failure to replace these parts can lead to lift breakdowns, service disruptions, safety hazards, and expensive emergency repairs.
10. How does the MCP resolve disputes over part replacement costs?
The MCP provides clear criteria for replacing safety-critical components, ensuring both the lift owner and the lift maintenance company agree on when replacements are necessary.
As such, the MCP helps eliminate misunderstandings regarding responsibilities and cost-sharing under different types of lift maintenance contracts:
Standard Maintenance Contracts: The lift owner typically bears the cost of parts replacement and may delay replacement.
Comprehensive Maintenance Contracts: The cost is included in the contract, but the lift maintenance company may delay replacements due to cost implications.
By aligning on replacement criteria upfront, the MCP ensures timely action and prevents unnecessary delays.
Condition Assessments
11. How frequently should a condition assessment be conducted?
Condition assessments should occur every five years or earlier based on lift usage and component wear. Accredited inspection bodies must perform these assessments.
12. What is included in a condition assessment?
Evaluations of safety-critical components, compliance with the latest codes, and identification of ageing or defective parts.
13. What is the role of the logbook in MCP?
A logbook records all lift maintenance activities, parts replacements, incidents, and assessments.
14. Can a condition assessment lead to mandatory lift modernisation?
Condition assessments may reveal gaps in compliance with the latest safety standards. In such cases, lift modernisation is strongly recommended to improve safety, reliability, and performance.
Lift Modernisation
15. When should a lift be modernised?
Lifts 15 years or older should be assessed for lift modernisation, in order to meet updated safety and technological standards.
16. Why is the modernisation of ageing lifts important?
Modernisation improves safety, reduces lift maintenance costs, and enhances lift performance and reliability. Read more about the hidden costs of old lifts in Singapore.
17. Are there cost-effective lift modernisation options?
Retrofitting specific components (e.g., controllers, brakes) can achieve significant safety improvements with minimal downtime and cost.
18. How can downtime be minimised during lift modernisation?
Proper pre-planning, staging upgrades during off-peak hours, prioritising essential components, and staggering modernisation of lifts in the same property are ways to help to reduce disruptions.
Parts Obsolescence
19. What is parts obsolescence?
Parts obsolescence is a significant challenge for older lifts, where original components may no longer be produced due to advancements in technology or changes in industry standards. This increases both lift maintenance costs and lift downtime due to sourcing difficulties or the need for custom fabrication.
20. How can lift owners address parts obsolescence?
Plan ahead for replacement or lift modernisation: As parts availability diminishes with the age of the lift, owners are encouraged to budget for modernisation early in the lift’s lifecycle. This includes identifying critical components that are likely to become obsolete and planning their replacement in advance.
Monitor and upgrade safety-critical components: Regular condition assessments help identify components nearing obsolescence. Safety-critical items should be prioritised for upgrading or replacement.
Adopt retrofitting solutions: For many older lifts, retrofitting newer technologies (e.g., installing modern controllers or safety systems) is a viable alternative to full replacement. This approach can mitigate obsolescence while improving safety and reliability.
By following Singapore's Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) guidelines, property managers and lift owners can effectively improve lift safety, minimise the occurrence of lift breakdowns, and avoid costly life maintenance fees.
Feel free to reach out to Hin Chong for personalised advice on lift maintenance or assistance in creating a MCP for your lifts—we’re happy to help.
