Handling Lift Breakdowns and Incidents: A Must-Read for Singapore Lift Owners
Lifts are indispensable to our daily lives in a bustling metropolis like Singapore. From high-rise apartments to commercial complexes, lifts facilitate efficient movement and accessibility.
However, like all machinery, lifts can experience breakdowns and incidents, which can be startling and inconvenient to daily operations. As such, this guide aims to equip lift owners with the essential knowledge to handle lift-related issues swiftly and effectively.
Common Causes of Lift Breakdowns in Singapore
Lift breakdowns can arise from various causes, from mechanical issues to electrical faults. Common causes include:
1. Mechanical Wear and Tear :
Regular use of lifts inevitably leads to wear and tear of components such as cables, pulleys, and gears. Over time, this can result in mechanical failures if not addressed through routine lift maintenance.
2. Electrical & Electronic Failures :
Electrical & electronic components within lifts, including control panels and wiring, can suffer from short circuits or power surges. Such issues often disrupt the normal functioning of the lift, causing unexpected breakdowns.
3. Overloading :
Each lift has a specified weight limit. Exceeding this limit, even occasionally, can strain the lift’s mechanisms, leading to potential breakdowns. Educating passengers about the importance of adhering to weight limits is essential.
4. Door Obstructions :
Lift doors can face issues due to obstructions in their path, such as debris or malfunctioning sensors. When doors fail to close properly, the lift system may halt to ensure passenger safety, resulting in a breakdown.
5. Lack of Regular Lift Maintenance :
The importance of scheduled maintenance cannot be overstated. Failure to engage a registered lift service contractor for routine inspections and lift maintenance can lead to the lift falling into disrepair, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns.
Understanding these common causes allows you to be more vigilant and proactive. Always ensure your lift is inspected regularly and complies with the necessary safety standards and regulations, such as those stated in Singapore's 2024 Maintenance Control Plan (MCP).
Immediate Steps to Take During a Lift Breakdown in Singapore
When a lift breakdown occurs with passengers trapped inside, your first priority should be to ensure passenger safety and minimise distress. Here are the immediate steps you should take:
1. Remain Calm:
It's crucial to stay composed. Your calm demeanor can greatly influence the passengers' reactions and help prevent panic.
2. Do Not Attempt to Force Doors Open:
Advise the passengers not to force open the doors as well because this can be dangerous and may aggravate the situation. Any interventions should be left to qualified professionals.
3. Contact Your Lift Service Contractor:
Call your lift maintenance company’s emergency hotline. All lift maintenance companies will have a dedicated contact number for emergencies.
When calling, furnish the necessary details such as the lift’s location, the nature of the problem, and any immediate safety concerns. This information will help your lift maintenance company assess the situation more effectively.
Follow up on the technician’s estimated arrival time and any interim steps you can take to safeguard passengers. For instance, at Hin Chong, we provide 24/7 lift breakdown support with a 45 minute dispatch time for emergency calls.
4. Maintain Communication with Trapped Passengers:
Keep the trapped passengers informed. Let them know that help is on the way and avoid speculation about the cause or duration of the breakdown. Regular updates, even if there is no new information, can be very comforting.
Remind passengers to refrain from attempting to force the doors open as this will damage the lift or attempting to escape the lift on their own as this is very dangerous.
The primary goal is to ensure the situation is handled safely and efficiently. Any rescue must be carried out by a trained and competent person from the lift maintenance company. By following these steps, you can help ensure the safety of everyone involved during a lift breakdown.
Immediate Steps to Take When A Lift Incident Happens in Singapore
If an incident results in death, injury, or the malfunction of safety-critical components, you must take the following actions which are mandated by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA):
Notify your lift service contractor to execute rescue operations. If they are unable to perform the rescue, immediately contact the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Shut down the affected lift and secure the area to preserve the incident scene.
As soon as possible, call the BCA's incident numbers at 9088 7289 or 9782 7296 to report the incident. Remember, these numbers are strictly for incident reporting.
Submit a completed incident report through the BCA Feedback/Enquiry page within 24 hours of the incident.
We've written more on the types of lift incidents that you should report and specifics on incident reporting, which you might want to check out as well.
Dealing with Frequent Lift Breakdowns: When to Consider Alternatives
Frequent lift breakdowns can severely disrupt daily operations and pose serious safety risks to passengers. If you find yourself continuously facing lift breakdowns, it may be time to evaluate whether lift modernisation or replacement is more viable than repeated repairs.
Factors to Consider:
Age of the Lift:
Older lifts often face more frequent issues due to wear and tear. If your lift has surpassed its expected lifespan, investing in lift modernisation or replacement could prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) highly recommends lifts which are more than 15 years old to undergo lift modernisation.
Phased out Model or Parts Obsolescence:
Generally, lifts more than 20 years old are considered phased out models. Such lifts will usually face parts obsolescence, especially for Printed Circuit Boards like the Lift Main Controller. This will become very problematic as there may be no more new replacement parts and the lift may have to be shut down for an unexpectedly prolonged period.
Repair Costs:
Weigh the cumulative cost of repairs against the investment in a new lift. When repair costs start to outweigh the benefits of maintaining the current lift, it’s wise to consider a replacement.
Additionally, consider consulting with your lift maintenance company for a professional opinion. They can provide insights on whether your lift’s ongoing issues stem from inherent design flaws or if they can be effectively remedied.
If you find yourself uncertain about the best course of action or require professional advice on lift maintenance or modernisation, feel free to contact Hin Chong. We're happy to help!
