Lift Maintenance 101 for Condo MCSTs: What You Need to Know
Managing lifts in a condominium can be a challenging task, especially when you're balancing safety, compliance, and cost efficiency. As a condo “Management Corporation Strata Title” (MCST) in Singapore, you know that the reliability of your lifts directly affects resident safety, satisfaction, and overall building operations.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about lift maintenance, sharing practical insights and actionable tips to help you keep your lifts running smoothly.
What Constitutes Effective Lift Maintenance in Singapore
Effective lift maintenance encompasses a range of tasks that ensure each lift operates safely and efficiently. Routine tasks include regular mechanical and electrical inspections, lubrication, adjustments, and testing of safety systems such as emergency alarms and door sensors.
It also involves comprehensive checks of all components to catch early signs of wear or damage. The goal is not only to resolve current issues but also to prevent future lift breakdowns, thereby extending the life of your lift system.
Understanding BCA Singapore’s Regulatory Framework
Compliance with Building and Construction Authority (BCA) lift requirements is crucial. As a condo MCST, you should be aware of the strict regulatory framework that governs lift operations in Singapore. These regulations cover everything from safety protocols and maintenance frequencies to the periodic renewal of necessary permits. Not meeting BCA lift requirements can lead to legal complications and safety risks.
A key part of this regulatory framework is the Permit to Operate (PTO). Before any lift can operate, it must have a valid PTO issued by the BCA. This permit, which is valid for one year, needs to be renewed annually, following a thorough inspection process. As a condo MCST, it’s essential to work with a BCA-registered contractor to handle PTO renewals and avoid any lapses that could lead to compliance issues.
Another framework issued by the BCA in 2024 is the Maintenance Control Plan (MCP). The MCP offers a systematic way for budgeting, maintaining, and upgrading lifts, effectively minimising the likelihood of accidents, lift breakdowns, and expensive repairs. The MCP should include:
Detailed schedules and criteria for replacing safety-critical components
Procedures for assessing the condition of ageing lifts
Lift modernisation plans to mitigate issues related to parts obsolescence
Such preventive maintenance helps keep lifts in optimum working order, which improves safety and extends the operational lifespan of the lift. For condo MCSTs, the benefits are tangible. A proactive approach allows you to avoid the need for more extensive and expensive repairs down the line.
Tailoring Your Lift Maintenance Strategy to Your Condo's Needs
Every condo is unique, and so are its lift systems. A one-size-fits-all maintenance programme may not be effective—and this is something that the MCP emphasizes.
It’s important to assess the specific needs of your property by considering factors such as the age and usage of your lifts, the building's layout, and resident expectations. Tailor your maintenance strategy to address these variables.
For instance, older lifts may require more frequent checks and might benefit from early consideration of lift modernisation options.
Hin Chong has worked with condo MCSTs that delayed lift modernisation efforts until frequent lift breakdowns, extended downtimes, and rising resident dissatisfaction highlighted the need for immediate action. This is something we don't recommend as delaying essential lift upgrades can result in numerous challenges, both operationally and financially.
Frequent lift breakdowns disrupt daily life, and such inconveniences often lead to rising complaints to the MCST, straining the relationship between residents and the management committee. In extreme cases, unresolved lift issues may even result in legal disputes or penalties under safety regulations.
While it may seem cost-effective in the short term to postpone lift modernisation efforts, the consequences of such delays, including safety risks, escalating costs, and resident dissatisfaction, can far outweigh the initial savings.
Leveraging the Expertise of a BCA-registered Lift Contractor
Managing lift maintenance in Singapore is a complex task that requires both technical knowledge and practical experience. Look for a lift servicing provider with a solid track record of managing lift systems in condo settings, and consider the red flags when choosing a lift company in Singapore. Factors such as a provider’s experience, the certification of their technicians, and their responsiveness in emergency situations all play a crucial role in your decision.
For a comprehensive review of your current practices or to design a tailored lift maintenance plan that fits your condo's specific needs, consider reaching out to us. Our experienced team is well-versed in the challenges that condo MCSTs face, and we offer expert guidance on all aspects of lift management.
