Lift Maintenance in Singapore: What Does It Actually Involve?

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to keep your lift running smoothly?

Lift maintenance is a crucial aspect of building safety and efficiency in Singapore. With thousands of high-rise buildings dotting the skyline, ensuring the proper functioning of lifts is paramount.

From routine inspections to complex repairs, lift maintenance is a multifaceted operation designed to keep lifts safe, reliable, and efficient.

What Does A Lift Maintenance Company In Singapore Do?

Regular lift maintenance is not just important for passenger safety—it's a mandatory requirement in Singapore. This requirement can be found in the Building Maintenance and Strata Management (Lift, Escalator and Building Maintenance) Regulations 2016, or BMSM Regulations 2016 for short.

Lift maintenance in Singapore involves multiple activities that may be confusing to the layperson. In this article, we'll break down the key components of lift maintenance to give you a better understanding:

1. Lift Door Functionality

Lift door functionality is a crucial aspect of lift maintenance in Singapore. A key role of your lift servicing company would be to ensure that the doors operate smoothly and safely.

Examples of checks conducted include ensuring that:

• The "Door open" button is always functional when doors are at the landing level

• Door protective devices reopen doors when activated

• Lift car movement only occurs when both lift car and landing doors are closed and locked with allowable gap clearances

• There are no signs of excessive wear and tear on the lift car and landing doors, as well as their components

2. Lift Safety Systems & Emergency Devices

Lift maintenance in Singapore includes rigorous checks and upkeep of critical safety systems and emergency devices. These components are essential for passenger protection and must be meticulously inspected during routine lift servicing.

Lift maintenance typically includes making sure that:

• The lift car emergency alarm is audible from outside the lift well when pressed

• The light, fan, alarm, and intercom within the elevator car remain operational in the event of a disruption to the standard power supply

• The overspeed governor performs as designed and activates the safety gears when the lift is operating

3. Mechanical Parts & Lubrication

Lift maintenance in Singapore involves meticulous attention to mechanical components and proper lubrication. During routine lift maintenance, technicians should ensure that:

• Machinery, lift pits, hoistways, and lift car tops are maintained in a clean and tidy condition, free from discarded items and debris

• The lift machine is well-lubricated, securely mounted, and free from oil leakage

• Brakes remain uncontaminated by oil or grease and must effectively slow down, stop, and hold the lift car in position upon activation

• There is sufficient oil in the buffer, as shown by the oil level gauge

• All ropes are free from excessive wear and are properly and equally tensioned

• Abnormal sounds or vibrations are not present during lift car operation

• Lift cars and counterweights are guided by guide shoes or rollers to prevent any wear and tear on the guide rails

4. Lift Electrical System

A lift's electrical system forms the backbone of all operations, and maintaining it is crucial. Your lift maintenance company should ensure that:

• Safety switches operate correctly while the lift is in use

• The controller (the brain of the system), wiring, and circuit boards are defect-free. Technicians should look for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or loose connections that could lead to system failures. They should replace any damaged wiring and tighten connections to ensure uninterrupted power flow.

• Electrical systems and circuit boards are secured in place

• The controller immediately stops the lift car and prevents lift movement under any unsafe conditions

• Safety circuits, including emergency stop buttons and overload sensors, respond instantly when triggered

5. Record-keeping & Compliance

Proper record-keeping is a crucial aspect of lift maintenance in Singapore. This is covered in both the BMSM Regulations 2016 and Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) set by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

Your lift maintenance company in Singapore should maintain detailed logs of all servicing activities, inspections, and repairs. These records typically include:

• Dates and times of lift maintenance visits

• Comprehensive checklist of routine tasks performed

• Details of any faults detected and rectified

• Replacement parts used and their specifications

Work With a Reputable Lift Maintenance Company in Singapore

Lift maintenance is a comprehensive process that's vital for passenger safety. In Singapore, lift maintenance companies must adhere to stringent regulatory standards set by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This is not just about legal compliance, but also about investing in your lift's longevity and the well-being of your lift users.

Every lift has unique needs based on its usage patterns and operational environment—and engaging a reputable lift maintenance company in Singapore is essential for optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.

We hope that this article gives you a better understanding of what a lift servicing company does. For more professional lift maintenance advice, feel free to get in touch with Hin Chong. We're happy to help!