5 Common Myths About Lift Maintenance in Singapore Debunked

Lift maintenance in Singapore is often shrouded in misconceptions, leading to confusion among property managers and lift owners. You might have heard various claims about lift servicing, but how many of these are actually true?

Myth 1: Brand New Lifts Don't Need Lift Maintenance

It's a common misconception that brand new lifts don't require maintenance. However, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore mandates regular maintenance for all lifts, regardless of age.

The Building Maintenance and Strata Management (Lift, Escalator and Building Maintenance) Regulations 2016, or BMSM Regulations 2016 for short, covers this legal requirement.

New lifts aren't exempt from these regulations, and lift maintenance is required from day one of installation. Property managers or lift owners in Singapore will need to engage a lift maintenance company to comply with BCA regulations.

Myth 2: Lift Maintenance Is Only Necessary When Problems Occur

Regular lift maintenance isn't just about fixing problems; it's about preventing them. The belief that lifts only require attention when they malfunction will only lead to more frequent lift breakdowns and higher repair costs.

The 2024 Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) guidelines in Singapore emphasise the importance of preventive lift maintenance:

• Life Cycle Maintenance encompasses more than routine lift maintenance; it incorporates guidelines and schedules for the timely replacement of lift components.

• The Two-Stage Approach prioritises the replacement of safety-critical lift parts before they pose risks of lift breakdowns or safety hazards.

By adhering to the MCP guidelines, property managers and lift owners in Singapore can avoid the pitfalls of reactive maintenance, which often leads to higher repair costs and longer lift downtime.

Myth 3: Lift Maintenance Is the Same for All Lifts

Contrary to popular belief, lift maintenance isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Each lift system requires a tailored maintenance plan based on its unique specifications, age, and usage patterns. For instance, a lift in a busy shopping centre might require more frequent lubrication and component checks compared to one in a low-rise residential block.

The BCA recommends lift owners to work with their lift maintenance company to develop a tailored MCP for their lifts.

A customised MCP ensures that each lift receives the proper level of maintenance, with regular condition assessments being vital in preventing lift breakdowns. These assessments comprehensively evaluate safety-critical lift components, such as mechanical and electrical systems. Performed at specified intervals based on the lift's age and usage, the outcomes will then inform lift maintenance plans.

Different lift types have different lift maintenance frequencies as well. For example, maintenance for home lifts, vertical platform lifts, or stairlifts is typically done once every 3 months or based on the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance frequency (whichever is more frequent).

For all other lifts, they must be maintained once every month or based on the lift manufacturer's recommended frequency, whichever is more frequent.

Myth 4: Any Lift Technician Can Perform Lift Maintenance

Lift maintenance isn't a task for just any technician. In Singapore, strict regulations govern who can service and maintain lifts, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

Only BCA-approved lift contractors are authorised to perform lift maintenance—and the BCA maintains a register of approved contractors which lift owners can access to verify credentials.

Approved lift contractors are well-versed in local regulations, safety standards, and the latest lift technologies. They're required to stay updated with industry advancements and comply with stringent safety protocols.

Working with a BCA-approved contractor therefore ensures that your lift maintenance is carried out by qualified professionals who understand the intricacies of Singapore's lift systems.

We also recommend you to work with lift technicians who hold a Certificate of Competency (CoC) in Lift Maintenance. The CoC was jointly launched by the BCA and ITE, and demonstrates a technician's proficiency in lift servicing. When selecting a lift maintenance company, it's advisable to verify if their technicians hold valid CoCs, in order to ensure that your lift is serviced by qualified professionals.

Myth 5: Lift Modernisation Is Only Required When Lifts Start Breaking Down

One of the most persistent myths surrounding lift maintenance in Singapore is that lift modernisation is only done when there are frequent lift breakdowns. This misconception can lead to overlooking critical upgrades and improvements until it's too late, resulting in costly repairs, safety issues, plenty of complaints and long downtime.

In reality, lift modernisation should be viewed as a proactive measure to enhance performance and ensure safety. There are ultimately many hidden costs to maintain old lifts, which property managers and lift owners should be aware of.

Moreover, regulations and standards governing lift operations are continually evolving. Lifts in Singapore are designed based on the Singapore Standard, which undergoes review every five years. The current standard, SS550: Code of Practice for Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Electric Passenger and Goods Lifts, is complemented by additional guidelines approved by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

Older lifts that do not meet current safety and operational codes pose risks not just to the building's inhabitants but also to visitors—and compliance with these evolving standards often necessitates lift modernisation efforts.

Work With a BCA-approved Lift Contractor

Proper lift maintenance is crucial for safety and efficiency. By understanding the truths behind these common myths, you're better equipped to make informed decisions about your building's lift care.

Feel free to get in touch with Hin Chong for more personalised lift maintenance advice—as a BCA-approved lift contractor, we'll be able to offer an honest and independent assessment of your lift's condition and help you comply with local regulations.