Lift Modernisation in Singapore: What Lift Owners Need to Know
As technology advances and safety standards evolve, maintaining and upgrading your building's lift system becomes not only beneficial but essential.
In this guide, we'll dive into why lift modernisation is important, the signs that indicate it's time for an upgrade, which components you should prioritise, and government regulations to take note of.
What is lift modernisation?
Lift modernisation involves upgrading components of a lift to take advantage of the latest technology, thereby enhancing both efficiency and user safety. In some instances, a total overhaul of your lift might also be worth considering.
How often should lifts be modernised in Singapore?
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) highly recommends lifts which are more than 15 years old to undergo lift modernisation.
What are the signs that a lift needs modernisation?
Lifts have a finite lifespan. Over time, they exhibit signs that indicate the need for modernisation. Recognising these signs can help you maintain a safe and efficient lift system, ensuring the comfort and safety of all users. Here are the key indicators that your lift might require an upgrade:
- Frequent Breakdowns:
If your lift experiences regular malfunctions, it's a clear signal that the lift is in need of modernisation. Frequent breakdowns aren't just an inconvenience; they can also pose significant safety risks for the users. Constantly servicing older lifts which break down can also be financially draining, making lift modernisation a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Slow Performance:
Noticeable delays in the lift's operation, such as extended waiting times or sluggish movement between floors, often indicate obsolete mechanisms and outdated technology.
- High Energy Consumption:
Older lifts generally consume more energy, leading to higher operational costs. Modern lifts are typically more energy-efficient, resulting in lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Difficulty in Finding Spare Parts:
As lifts age, sourcing parts for repairs becomes increasingly challenging. This delay can result in prolonged downtime, inconveniencing users and affecting the overall functionality of the building. Lift modernisation can address these issues by replacing hard-to-find components with new, readily available ones.
Can lift modernisation reduce lift maintenance costs?
Yes, the 2024 Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) by BCA Singapore emphasises on:
This strategy encompasses not only regular lift maintenance, but also establishing the criteria and recommended schedule for part replacements. This proactive approach aims to boost the reliability and lifespan of your lift, minimising the chances of unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Given constant technological advancements, one major challenge with older lifts is parts obsolescence. As original parts for these lifts are discontinued, finding replacements becomes increasingly difficult and costly.
Lift modernisation makes lift parts easier to maintain, thereby reducing overall costs in the long term.
Which components of a lift should be considered for modernisation?
In an advisory issued by the BCA, there are 8 items, which are usually not found in older lifts, to be included in a lift modernisation project.
Ascending Car Overspeed Protection (ACOP): Halts the lift car if it exceeds safe upward speeds, ensuring passengers’ safety.
Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP): Automatically stops any unintentional movement of the lift car away from the landing zone, safeguarding passengers during entry and exit.
Slacken Governor Rope Electrical Safety Device: Monitors the governor rope’s tension and stops the lift car if the rope slackens beyond safe limits.
Light Curtains as a Door Protective Device: Enables lift doors to reopen when an obstruction is detected between them, without the need to nudge or force the doors.
Electrical Safety Interlocking for Multi-Panel Door: Ensures that multi-paneled lift cars only move if all door panels are completely closed.
Car Apron: Prevents people from falling into the lift shaft during emergencies when the lift car is above the landing level.
Telephone, Intercom System, or Other Communication Device: Provides a direct line of communication to personnel who can initiate an emergency response, offering reassurance and assistance to passengers.
Automatic Rescue Device (ARD): Ensures that in case of a power failure, the lift will automatically move to the closest floor, allowing any trapped passengers to safely exit.
Are there any government regulations in Singapore regarding lift modernisation?
Yes. Items 1 to 5 in the above component list for lift modernisation are considered as major alteration or replacement (A/R) works.
Informing the Commissioner of Buildings about any major alteration or replacement (A/R) works on your lift is a requirement stated in the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Regulations (Lift, Escalator and Building Maintenance) 2016. Failure to notify could result in a fine of up to $5,000.
You can notify the Commissioner by submitting the relevant information through the BCA Lifts and Escalators Application (LEAP) Portal before commencing any A/R works.
As a lift owner, it's essential to hire a registered lift service contractor to undertake lift modernisation works, while an independent Authorised Examiner (AE) supervises the process. Note that any existing Permit-to-Operate (PTO) will become invalid during the modernisation period.
Once the works are completed, the AE must carry out a thorough examination, inspection, and testing of the lift. The AE will then issue a certificate confirming that the lift is fit for operation, which is crucial for obtaining a PTO from the BCA.
Thinking of modernising your lift? Reach out to Hin Chong for professional advice and a free lift assessment.
Unlike major lift manufacturers, we maintain an unbiased stance towards lift systems—and we provide attractive lift maintenance packages specially for our lift modernisation clients.
