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New PTO Application via BCA's LEAP portal: A Guide for Singapore Lift Owners

Adrian ChiewJul 16, 2024
New PTO Application via BCA's LEAP portal: A Guide for Singapore Lift Owners
Photo by Unsplash: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1596711684682-2f3ea5d2d739

As a lift owner in Singapore, it's crucial to ensure your lift runs smoothly and complies with regulation. One key aspect is securing the Permit to Operate (PTO) for new equipment, so let's dive into the essentials for new PTO applications!

If you're looking for information on other PTO-related matters, click on the following links to learn more about:

What is the BCA Lifts and Escalators Application (LEAP) Portal?

The LEAP portal is a comprehensive online platform built to help lift and escalator owners manage their assets efficiently.

Administered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the LEAP portal has superseded the older Online Permit to Operate (OPTO) system, allowing for streamlined administrative processes.

Through the BCA LEAP portal, users can handle a variety of tasks such as renewing their PTO, initiating new PTO applications, and applying for PTO recommissioning, all under one roof.

Key highlights of the BCA LEAP portal are:

  • Secure Login: Integration with SingPass (for individuals) or CorpPass (for corporate entities). This ensures a seamless and secure authentication process, adding an extra layer of protection for users.

  • Appointment of Representatives: Allows owners to delegate basic renewal tasks to a representative. Specific equipment can be assigned to the representative, fostering better accountability for annual renewal activities.

  • Digital Access: Easy access to digital reports and forms. This feature empowers lift owners and their representatives to access and submit required documents online, making the renewal cycle smoother and more efficient.

New PTO Applications via the BCA LEAP portal

New PTO applications are usually made after lift installations and major alteration or replacement works (A/R) works.

Acquiring a new Permit to Operate (PTO) for your lift involves the following flow:

  1. The process of new PTO applications begins with the Specialist Professional Engineer (SPE), who will create a new PTO for the lift owner on the BCA LEAP portal.

  2. After which, the SPE will carry out inspections. At times, the SPE may wish to delegate the inspection to a Lift Escalator Inspector (LEI). If so, the LEI will first conduct the inspection. Once this inspection is complete, the SPE must then approve it for the application to be considered complete.

  3. Thereafter, lift owners will receive an email notification to begin a new PTO application. At this stage, you will review the assigned equipment and assign the necessary contractors on the BCA LEAP portal.

  4. To accept or reject newly assigned equipment, ensure it meets two criteria: It must be a new PTO and its status should be pending. Rejecting newly assigned equipment returns the equipment to the SPE with remarks explaining the reason for rejection. The PTO application will not proceed to BCA processing unless the owner accepts the equipment and makes the payment.

  5. The last step would be to proceed with the payment. Once payment is processed and approved by the PTO officer, you will be able to download and print out your PTO certificate.

How long is BCA's processing time for new PTO applications?

The processing time is set at 7 working days, provided that your application is submitted accurately and without any errors.

What are the fees for new PTO applications?

The fee for obtaining a PTO licence via the BCA LEAP portal stands at $20 per lift. If you are applying for more than 10 lifts, the cost is capped at $200 for the first 10, with an added charge of $10 for each subsequent lift beyond the 10th.

What are the payment options available for new PTO applications?

Owners can make payment for new PTO applications using the following methods: Debit card, credit card, PayNow, or bank transfer.

Note that GIRO payment is not an option for new PTO applications. This is because GIRO is designed for regular deductions from a bank account. As new PTO applications don't occur at fixed intervals, GIRO cannot be utilised.

Can I request for an invoice for the new PTO application via the BCA LEAP portal?

You can write to BCA via [email protected] for such requests.

Can I download a receipt after payment for the new PTO application is done?

You can download a receipt after your payment is processed. Just head to the equipment information page on the BCA LEAP portal and select the "Payment History" tab.

Who is authorised to print the lift PTO?

The responsibility of printing the lift PTO lies with the lift owner or their designated representative.

It's important to note that lift maintenance contractors and Specialist Professional Engineers (SPE) do not have access to and do not have the authority to print the PTO.

Where should the printed PTO be displayed?

The PTO must always be displayed prominently within the lift car.


If you're seeking expert advice and dependable lift maintenance services in Singapore, feel free to contact Hin Chong. Our seasoned team is dedicated to ensuring your lifts meet the highest safety and performance standards!

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