How Singapore's Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) Reduces Lift Breakdowns
Is it possible for lift breakdowns to be a thing of the past? In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is trying to make this become a reality with the 2024 Maintenance Control Plan (MCP).
In this article, we'll explore how the MCP will revolutionise lift maintenance in Singapore and why it's crucial for keeping your lift systems running smoothly.
Causes of Lift Breakdowns in Singapore
Lift breakdowns in Singapore stem from various factors.
Mechanical failures often involve wear and tear of critical components such as cables, pulleys, and door mechanisms. Electrical issues such as power surges, short circuits, and faulty wiring can disrupt the lift's operation, leading to sudden stoppages or erratic behaviour. Malfunctioning control panels, sensors, or circuit boards may also cause lifts to stop between floors or fail to respond to call buttons.
Are you a lift owner or property manager? Read more on the steps to take in the case of a lift breakdown.
Understanding Singapore's MCP Guidelines
The MCP is a comprehensive framework designed to enhance lift safety and reliability—it's a proactive approach that addresses the root causes of lift breakdowns and ensures the best lift maintenance standards.
The MCP consists of 3 crucial components:
- Life Cycle Maintenance:
This approach goes beyond regular lift maintenance—it includes the criteria and recommended schedules for the timely replacement of lift parts.
- Two-Stage Approach:
Focuses on ensuring that safety-critical lift parts are replaced before they reach the point where they can cause lift breakdowns or safety hazards.
During the first stage, the condition of a part is monitored to detect early signs of wear and tear. In the second stage when a part’s condition reaches a critical threshold (typically based on regulations or manufacturer recommendations), it gets replaced immediately.
If this replacement is not done, the lift should be taken out of operation until the part is replaced to avoid serious risks.
- Modernisation of Ageing Lifts:
A condition assessment for ageing lifts (15 years or older) to determine if lift modernisation is needed, to meet the latest safety standards and to prevent issues related to parts obsolescence.
These components work in tandem to create a robust system that prioritises lift safety and efficiency.
MCP’s Role in Preventing Lift Breakdowns in Singapore
Preventive & Predictive Lift Maintenance
Under the MCP, lift owners are advised to implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies. This entails lift maintenance activities that are not purely reactive (such as waiting for equipment failures), but instead anticipatory, addressing deterioration before they result in operational disruptions.
This proactive approach aims to extend the lifespan of lifts and significantly reduce unexpected lift breakdowns.
Condition Assessments for Ageing Lifts
The MCP specifies regular condition assessments for ageing lifts, a critical factor in preventing lift breakdowns. These assessments involve thorough evaluations of safety-critical lift components, including mechanical and electrical systems.
Assessments should be conducted at specified intervals, depending on the lift's age and usage. The results will then direct lift maintenance or lift modernisation plans, ensuring that older lifts remain safe and reliable.
Collaboration Between Lift Owners & Lift Maintenance Companies
Effective collaboration between lift owners and maintenance companies is a cornerstone of the MCP's success in reducing lift breakdowns. By establishing guidelines and expectations for maintenance schedules and replacement criteria, both parties can enhance their collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, and improve lift reliability.
Budgeting for Future Parts Replacements
The MCP guidelines encourage proactive budgeting for future parts replacements, a key strategy in preventing lift breakdowns.
Lift owners are advised to work with their lift maintenance company to develop long term maintenance plans. This includes projections for component replacements based on expected lifespans and usage patterns—an approach which allows for better financial planning and ensures that funds are available when critical components need replacement.
By budgeting in advance, lift owners can avoid delays in repairs due to financial constraints, reducing the risk of lift breakdowns and improving overall lift reliability.
Benefits of MCP for Singapore Lift Owners
The MCP offers significant advantages for lift owners in Singapore. By adhering to MCP guidelines, you'll experience improved lift performance and reliability, leading to numerous benefits such as:
Reduced Disruptions Due To Lift Breakdowns
Proactive lift maintenance and condition assessments help to identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This approach minimises unexpected downtime, ensuring your lifts operate smoothly, and reducing complaints by lift users.
Budget Planning & Forecasting
If you're a lift owner or property manager in Singapore, the MCP will help you plan your lift maintenance budget more effectively. By following the MCP guidelines, you'll have a clear understanding of upcoming lift maintenance requirements and component replacements.
This foresight allows you to allocate funds appropriately and avoid unexpected expenses. For instance, the MCP's condition assessment reports provide an understanding of your lift's health, enabling you to forecast major repairs or upgrades in advance.
Cost Savings in the Long Run
While initial MCP compliance might seem costly, it leads to substantial long-term savings. Proactive lift maintenance helps avoid costly emergency repairs and extends the lifespan of your lifts. Well-maintained lifts are also more energy-efficient, reducing your property's overall energy consumption and associated costs.
Don't have a MCP for your lift?
By adhering to Singapore's MCP guidelines, you'll significantly enhance the safety for lift users and reduce lift breakdowns in your property. Feel free to get in touch with Hin Chong for more personalised lift maintenance advice, and how to develop a MCP for your lift.
