12. Lifts and lifting equipment safety
Lifts and lifting equipment can be described as any equipment that is used to raise or lower loads, along with any accessories involved in lifting operations. Such equipment may be permanently or temporarily installed and is designed to move goods, people, or both between levels, or to support a load off the ground. These installations may be required for reasons of convenience, operational efficiency, mobility, medical support, or other specific needs.
Examples of lifting equipment installed by the Council include:
- Passenger lifts in communal environments
- Platform Lifts
- Stairlifts
- Through‑floor lifts
- Ceiling Track Hoists
What we do
We carry out regular lift servicing and statutory lift inspections (LOLER Thorough Examinations) on all of our lifts and lifting equipment. These activities are essential to ensure that lifts remain safe to use, operate correctly, and continue to function efficiently.
Further details of these inspections are set out below. Please note that servicing visits and LOLER inspections are different and serve separate purposes. If you have a domestic lift installed in your home, you must allow access for our appointed contractors so that the necessary checks and tests can be carried out.
|
Type of check and tests we carry out |
What they are for |
|
Lift Servicing |
A lift service is a scheduled check that includes maintenance, testing, and any necessary repairs to make sure the lift is safe, reliable, and working as it should. |
|
Lift Inspection (LOLER Inspection) |
A lift inspection, also known as a LOLER Thorough Examination, is a detailed assessment of a lift and all associated safety‑critical components. It must be carried out by a competent person at legally prescribed intervals in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. This type of inspection is comparable to a car’s MOT, as it assesses whether the lift is safe to continue in service. |
We carry out these services and Inspections (LOLER Inspections) at the frequencies below:
|
Equipment |
Service Interval – Contractor 1 |
Inspection Visit – Contractor 2 |
|
Stairlift |
12 months (1 visit a year) |
12 months (1 visit a year) |
|
Through floor lift |
6 months (2 visits a year) |
6 months (2 visit a year) |
|
Platform lift |
6 months (2 visit a year) |
6 months (2 visits a year) |
|
Hoist |
6 months (2 visits a year) |
6 months (2 visits a year) |
It is important that these visits are carried out to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the equipment. The contractors will contact tenants in advance to make an appointment for their visit.
Communal passenger lifts
Passenger lifts are maintained by two separate contractors who carry out routine servicing and statutory inspections at regular intervals. Passenger lifts are serviced every four months and undergo a LOLER Thorough Examination every six months.
In the event of a lift breakdown, please contact the Housing Repairs and Maintenance team by email at housing.repairs@exeter.gov.uk or by telephone on 01392 265031.
You can help reduce the number of lift breakdowns and keep yourself safe by following these simple guidelines:
- Do not hold lift doors open unless necessary to prevent them closing on someone entering or leaving the lift.
- Do not physically obstruct lift doors with your body or any objects; always use the door‑open button provided.
- Passenger lifts are not designed to carry mobility scooters or other electric vehicles. If you are considering purchasing an electric mobility scooter, please contact us first so we can discuss safe storage and charging arrangements. Permission will be required.
- If the lift stops between floors while you are inside, press the alarm button to summon assistance. Stay calm — help will arrive as soon as possible. Our contractors aim to respond within one hour.
- Do not force lift doors open. This is extremely dangerous and must only be carried out by qualified lift engineers or the fire service.
- Repeatedly pressing lift buttons or pressing multiple buttons at once may cause the lift’s control system to malfunction, potentially taking the lift out of service.
- Do not use a lift in the event of a fire. Please follow the evacuation plan specific to your home or building.
Domestic stairlifts, through floor lifts, platform lifts and hoists
Some properties are equipped with lifting equipment such as stairlifts, through‑floor lifts, platform lifts, or hoists. All of this equipment requires regular servicing and inspection visits, which are carried out by two separate contractors. Please see ‘What we do’ for the regularity of these visits.
If you notice any damage or faults, have safety concerns, believe a repair may be required, or if your lift breaks down, please contact the Housing Repairs and Maintenance team by email at housing.repairs@exeter.gov.uk or by telephone on 01392 265031.