Elevators are a crucial component of many modern buildings and play an important role in people’s daily lives. Elevator maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of these machines. But how often do you need elevator maintenance, and what is the expected lifespan of an elevator?

Frequency of Elevator Maintenance

The frequency of elevator maintenance depends on various factors, such as the type of elevator, usage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most elevators require a preventive maintenance check once a quarter or twice a year. During these checks, the elevator mechanics inspect the machine, perform necessary tests, and fix any issues.

In addition to preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance visits are performed when the elevator encounters any problems or breakdowns. These visits are usually performed on an as-needed basis, and the frequency can vary depending on the usage and reliability of the elevator.

Lifespan of an Elevator

The lifespan of an elevator depends on various factors, including the type of elevator, usage, and maintenance. Elevators can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, with some high-quality elevators lasting even longer. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of an elevator can be significantly reduced if it is not maintained correctly.

To ensure the longevity of an elevator, it is crucial to have a preventive maintenance plan in place. During these checks, the elevator mechanics inspect the machine and perform necessary tests to identify potential issues. By fixing these issues on time, you can help extend the lifespan of your elevator.

In conclusion, the frequency of elevator maintenance and the lifespan of an elevator depends on various factors. Regular preventive maintenance checks and promptly addressing any issues can help extend an elevator’s lifespan and ensure its safety and reliability. If you are concerned about your elevator maintenance, it is recommended to consult a professional elevator maintenance company.

Elevators are a critical part of any building and are essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of its users. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure elevators’ smooth functioning and prevent any potential safety hazards.

Safety Considerations

Before starting any maintenance work on an elevator, it’s crucial to take certain safety precautions. This includes shutting off the power supply to the elevator, securing the cab to prevent it from moving, and wearing appropriate protective gear such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that only authorized personnel perform maintenance work on elevators.

Inspection and Testing

Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure that elevators function correctly and safely. This includes checks on components such as cables, motors, brakes, doors, and emergency systems. Testing procedures should also be conducted to verify the functioning of these components. Regular inspections and testing can help identify and resolve any issues before they become major problems and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the elevator.

Maintenance of Elevator Mechanics

Regular cleaning and lubrication of mechanical components are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the elevator. This includes checking for wear and tear and replacing any worn-out parts. Proper maintenance of mechanical components can extend the elevator’s life and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Maintenance of Electrical Components

Electrical components such as controls, power supply, and lighting should be regularly tested and maintained. Proper maintenance of these components can help prevent electrical problems and ensure the safe operation of the elevator. It’s also vital to ensure that emergency systems such as backup power and emergency lighting are functioning correctly to ensure the safety of elevator users in the event of a power outage.

Maintenance of Elevator Cab and Doors

Regular cleaning of the elevator cab and doors is necessary to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for users. It’s also integral to check door mechanisms for proper functioning and conduct any repairs required to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the elevator.

Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of elevators. It’s important to follow established maintenance procedures and consult with manufacturers and professional technicians for specific guidance. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and potential safety hazards, so prioritize regular maintenance to ensure the longevity and reliability of your building’s elevators.

While everyone is doing their best to keep their employees and patrons safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, they may be overlooking the damage these harsh chemicals could do to their sensitive elevator components and surfaces. Disinfecting high-traffic areas may be the priority, but unnecessary damage to electrical devices can be very costly and impact your elevator’s functionality, resulting in more downtime. 

Elevator Cleaning Tips for Virus Protection

• Sensitive lacquered and plastic surfaces should be delicately cleaned. Avoid using alcohol-based cleaners to uphold the integrity of these components. 
• For most other surfaces, a solution using 70% alcohol will sufficiently clean the elevator without causing unnecessary damage. 
• We recommend using microfiber cloths and delicate cleaning sprays for wiping down elevators. 
• Never spray disinfectants directly onto elevator buttons or components. Instead, spray the disinfectant into a paper towel or microfiber cloth and then wipe down the necessary areas. 
• Typically, sponges retain bacteria, and excess moisture will damage electrical components. 

How Long will COVID-19 live on surfaces?

Surface contact is one of the most common ways to spread the COVID-19 virus. It’s why regular cleaning is so essential for high-traffic areas such as elevators. Particularly the most-often touched areas with our hands, such as buttons and doorways. There are different strands of the virus, but the latest studies show that the virus lives the longest on ceramic and glass surfaces at up to 5 days. While aluminum is low on the virus’s surface life scale, it can still live for up to 8 hours on aluminum surfaces. 

Doors, Walls, and Other High-traffic Areas that Need Sterilization

Stainless Steel is the most commonly used interior for elevator doors and walls because of its high durability and premium aesthetic. The virus can live for up four days on stainless steel. It would be best to use specialized stainless steel cleaner for the proper polish and avoid water spots. The non-abrasive cleaner will not only ensure that your finish stays properly polished but that your passengers aren’t overwhelmed with the strong chemical smell. 

Disinfecting Buttons and Other Sensitive Elevator Components

It would be best if you locked the elevator before cleaning buttons to avoid accidental presses. Indirectly spray antibacterial cleaners into a cloth and then carefully wipe each button. Always avoid directly spraying electronic components as moisture can leak into surfaces and damage the electrical panel behind the buttons. Microfiber cloths help to remove small bits of dirt and bacteria from around the button’s surface. 

 

Is your Elevator ADA Compliant? 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires at least one elevator in your building to meet the accessibility requirements. Review the following information on ADA elevator compliance for a better understanding of procedures. 

ADA Elevator Compliance Basics

One term to be aware of when talking about ADA Standards for elevators are “public accommodation,” a private entity holding, leasing, or operating public facilities such as public spaces for recreation, rental locations, hotels, and facilities for lodging. Public accommodations also include stores, restaurants, shopping malls, hospitals, specific offices, and other types of public areas. Another term is “readily achievable,” modifications that can be made with little to no inconvenience or cost. The ADA requires public accommodations to make changes readily achievable to make the area as accessible as possible.

ADA Provisions on Commercial Elevators

Property owners may want to review the following list of ADA provisions specifically for elevators to be aware of their units’ requirements.

•  All elevator doors must open and close automatically. Elevators must also have a reopening feature to immediately stop and reopen the elevator door if a passenger enters the elevator without physical contact.
• All emergency control buttons must be grouped in an accessible, centralized area of an elevator’s control panel.
• A communication feature must be present in elevator units for deaf and blind users.
• Handrails must be at the standard height of 30 inches.
• The elevators’ floor area should be large enough to provide ample space for a wheelchair user to enter the unit, reach controls, and safely exit the elevator.
• The minimum amount of time elevators doors must stay open for entry is 3 seconds.
• All elevators must have control features such as buttons, visual, tactile, and braille control designators.
• All call buttons in elevators are centered at 42 inches above floor level and must feature visual signals to display when each call is recorded and answered.