Lift maintenance in London commercial buildings might seem like a hassle. In reality, it is essential for preventing breakdowns, safety of operations, and enhancing energy efficiency of the buildings. We provide you with a list of reasons why you need lift maintenance in commercial buildings.
Elevators or lifts are essential for transporting goods and people especially in high-rise buildings. A proper and functional lift ensures safe movement of visitors and employees without disruptions.
However, stuck doors, issues in closing and opening lift doors, strange vibrations and slow movements might pose a common hindrance in commercial buildings. In fact, you will be astounded to know that a building in Lewisham, an area in Southeast London, had received 37 emergency calls in 36 months for lift entrapments.
So, you understand how imperative lift maintenance in London has become. Getting maintenance services at regular intervals ensures that you can avoid these repairs, which cost more and are time consuming.
Importance of Lift Maintenance in London’s Commercial Infrastructure
Lifts are crucial in commercial buildings. Without proper lift maintenance services, they will be prone to malfunctioning, which may disrupt daily operations.
Lift Maintenance Ensures that There Is Traffic Reduction in Buildings
Properly maintained lifts offer an alternative to the regular stairs for moving from one storey to another.
- If the traffic on the staircase is high, people will be more vulnerable to accidents.
- Lifts only allow a certain number of people at a time. This reduces risk free transportation in commercial buildings.
- Two or three lifts are enough to control movement and traffic in large commercial buildings.
A Properly Maintained Lift Provides Easy Access for All
A lift that is functioning right will provide access to all individuals to move across floors in a building.
- People with mobility issues can easily be transported to one storey from another.
- In emergency situations, patients can also be transported easily from the top floors in considerably less time.
- Some individuals face trouble in walking up the stairs because of heart related or knee related issues. Lift is a convenient option for them in commercial buildings.
Functioning Lifts Eliminate the Need for Large Staircases
While staircases are mandatory for all commercial buildings (for evacuation in emergency situations), there need not be any staircase in the middle of the building. People can use lifts to move between the floors.
- As a commercial building architect, you can design the building in a much seamless manner, as there is no need for placing big staircases amidst the building.
- Lifts are faster and more effective while also being tailored to match the building aesthetics.
Risks of Poor or No Lift Maintenance
Here is a list of risks of ignoring lift maintenance in London commercial buildings, along with the ways to avoid them.
Risks |
Impact |
How to avoid them |
Safety Risks |
Safety hazard is the most likely scenario with a neglected lift problem.
Lifts might break down completely midway, making it dangerous for the people inside.
Outdated features are not minor issues once they lead to serious accidents. |
Call for inspection at the onset of any minor issues like loose parts or jerks in the lift.
Get regular or monthly lift servicing to avoid safety risks. |
Repair Costs |
If you ignore minor issues, you have to pay more for more serious repairs.
Negligence to repair a door can lead to other parts getting damaged as well, with you having to purchase them later |
Create a separate budget for your lift maintenance from the building costs.
Track the repeating issues and review the most common problems of the lift |
Discruptions in Movement |
The mobility needs of people in commercial buildings are disrupted with lift breakdowns.
Employees on the higher floors are stuck and cannot get down even in emergency situations (there is obviously a rush in the staircase)
The building reputation and operations in the commercial spaces can be disrupted while waiting for a specialist to repair the lift. |
You can opt for routine inspections for the lifts in the building. Inform employees and visitors that the lift is out of service.
Contact expert lift maintenance services to ensure that there are no underlying problems with the lift. |
Risk of Legalities |
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 state that lifts in commercial buildings need to be examined properly by an expert at regular intervals.
Failure to do so can lead to legal complications for the London commercial buildings
Companies are not adhering to Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 if the lift maintenance negligence puts employees’ and visitors’ safety at risk |
Companies in each commercial building can include their own policies related to regular lift maintenance. |
Table: Risks of poor Lift maintenance and solutions
The legal compliance and health and safety of the workers must be a top priority in commercial buildings. You can avoid these risks by creating a proper plan or a written document with lift maintenance services sought for every 2 months. London offices, too populated and busy, cannot afford to face lift malfunctions, for the disruption can be a grave issue for the business and the people.
In Summation
Lift maintenance is something that often gets overlooked in commercial buildings, but that is not to be done. It is highly important, especially in commercial buildings in London. Avoid the risks of safety, legality, and costs by setting up routine checks with expert lift maintenance services in London
Are You Managing a Commercial Building in London?
If yes, you need to schedule an inspection for the lift in your building today. Contact the best lift maintenance services in London and select one that suits