Question 1

What should I do if a lift breaks down?

Accepted Answer

Call 0330 043 3484. We're available 24/7. Have the lift location and building address ready so we can dispatch an engineer as quickly as possible.

Question 2

How quickly will an engineer arrive?

Accepted Answer

We target a 1.5-hour response time across our service area in Southern England.

Question 3

What if someone is trapped in the lift?

Accepted Answer

Call us immediately on 0330 043 3484. Keep the person calm and use the intercom if available. Never attempt to force the doors open — wait for a qualified engineer to arrive.

Question 4

Why does my lift keep breaking down?

Accepted Answer

Repeat breakdowns almost always trace back to one of four causes: a worn or misadjusted door operator (around 70% of all call-outs originate at the doors), an ageing relay-logic controller approaching end of life, hydraulic seal or valve wear on older hydraulic lifts, or insufficient planned maintenance intervals for the actual usage. A proper fault-trend analysis over six months of service sheets will usually identify the underlying cause and the cost-effective remedy.

Question 5

Can I release a trapped passenger myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Manual extrication using the brake-release handle and the manual winding wheel is reserved for trained and currently-certified persons — it is one of the more dangerous tasks on a lift, with multiple recorded fatalities to untrained rescuers. Reassure the passenger via the intercom, confirm the lift is safe to stay in (it is — the safety gear, brake and buffers are designed to hold the car indefinitely), and wait for a qualified engineer.

Question 6

How often should a lift be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Most lifts require servicing every 3–6 months depending on usage, type, and age. We'll recommend an appropriate schedule based on your specific equipment.

Question 7

What's included in a maintenance visit?

Accepted Answer

A systematic inspection, adjustment, and lubrication of components per manufacturer guidelines and EN 13015. Each visit is documented with a detailed report.

Question 8

Can you take over maintenance from another company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry out a full survey before taking over and handle all handover documentation. The transition is managed to ensure no gap in service or compliance.

Question 9

What is the difference between a basic, semi-comprehensive and comprehensive maintenance contract?

Accepted Answer

Basic covers only the scheduled visit — all call-outs and parts are chargeable. Semi-comprehensive adds in-hours call-outs and minor parts (typically push-buttons, indicators, fuses, contactors, certain limit switches) under a value cap. Comprehensive is an all-inclusive fixed monthly fee covering planned maintenance, all in-hours and out-of-hours call-outs, all parts and labour, entrapments, and remedial works to LOLER findings within a defined exclusion list. See our maintenance contract types insight for the full breakdown.

Question 10

Is a lift maintenance contract a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

A maintenance contract itself is not a statutory requirement, but the underlying duties effectively make one essential. Under PUWER 1998 you must keep the lift in efficient working order and good repair, under LOLER 1998 the lift must be Thoroughly Examined by a Competent Person at defined intervals, and under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 the workplace must be safe. In practice no insurer or competent person will sign off a lift that has no documented maintenance regime.

Question 11

Can a building owner do their own lift maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Only if they employ a Competent Person to do it — defined by LOLER as someone with the practical and theoretical knowledge to detect defects and assess their importance. In practice this means a qualified lift engineer (typically NVQ Level 3 or equivalent), the correct test equipment, and an audit trail of training and records. The cost and competency burden mean that in nearly every case the right answer is to contract a qualified lift maintenance provider.

Question 12

What is LOLER?

Accepted Answer

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It requires that lifting equipment, including lifts, undergoes thorough examinations at defined intervals by a competent person.

Question 13

How often does a LOLER inspection need to happen?

Accepted Answer

Every 6 months for lifts carrying people, and every 12 months for goods-only lifts. These are legal requirements and must be carried out by a competent person.

Question 14

Who is responsible for LOLER compliance?

Accepted Answer

The duty holder — usually the building owner or managing agent. They are legally responsible for ensuring thorough examinations are carried out on time.

Question 15

What is a Thorough Examination?

Accepted Answer

A statutory, independent inspection of a lift carried out by a Competent Person under LOLER 1998. It checks the lift for defects affecting safety, evidenced in a written report that grades any findings (typically Category A — imminent risk, B — defect to be remedied within a defined period, C — observation). It is separate from and additional to the maintenance work carried out by the lift contractor — the two roles must be independent.

Question 16

Can my maintenance company carry out my Thorough Examination?

Accepted Answer

No — and the HSE guidance is explicit on this. The Competent Person carrying out the Thorough Examination must be independent of the maintenance organisation, in the same way that an MOT cannot be carried out by the garage that has been servicing the car. Independence is the whole basis on which the inspection regime is built. We work with most major UK inspection bodies to co-ordinate the examination and complete any remedial works identified.

Question 17

What happens if I miss a LOLER inspection?

Accepted Answer

The lift is out of compliance from the day the inspection lapses. Practical consequences: your insurance cover for the lift can be invalidated, your competent person may refuse to certify the lift on re-inspection until a full record of maintenance during the lapse is produced, and in the event of an incident the missed inspection becomes evidence in any HSE investigation. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 carries unlimited fines and, for the most serious failures, custodial sentences for responsible individuals.

Question 18

What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER?

Accepted Answer

LOLER (1998) deals specifically with lifting equipment — the Thorough Examination regime, marking of safe working loads, suitability of lifting operations. PUWER (1998) deals with all work equipment more broadly — the general duty to provide suitable equipment that is properly maintained, used by trained operators, and fitted with appropriate controls and protection. A lift is governed by both: PUWER for the day-to-day maintenance and operational duties, LOLER for the periodic Thorough Examination.

Question 19

How do I switch to Technical Lift Services?

Accepted Answer

Contact us with your current contract details. We handle the transition, including the initial survey and documentation transfer, so the process is straightforward.

Question 20

Is there usually a notice period?

Accepted Answer

Most lift maintenance contracts have a 3-month notice period, but check your specific agreement. We can advise you on the process once we've seen your contract terms.

Question 21

Will there be a gap in coverage or compliance during the changeover?

Accepted Answer

No. We mobilise the takeover so that our first scheduled visit aligns with the day after your previous contract ends. The takeover survey is carried out in advance so any inherited defects are documented and either programmed or quoted before we assume responsibility, and your insurance-driven LOLER Thorough Examination continues uninterrupted because the examination is carried out by an independent Competent Person, not the maintenance contractor.

Question 22

Will I lose my service history when I switch?

Accepted Answer

Your service records belong to you, the duty-holder, not the previous contractor. Under PUWER 1998 and LOLER 1998 the records must be made available to you on request. We will request the complete maintenance and Thorough Examination history as part of the takeover, file it in our client portal and continue the record from the date of takeover. If the outgoing contractor is uncooperative, the legal position is clear and we can guide you on the process.

Question 23

How much does a lift maintenance contract cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

For a single passenger lift in an urban location, indicative monthly fees in 2025 are roughly £40–£90 for basic, £80–£160 for semi-comprehensive, and £180–£380 for comprehensive cover. Drivers include the number of lifts on site, lift type and age, manufacturer (OEM-specific parts add cost), traffic intensity, response-time commitment, and out-of-hours provision. A genuine fixed-price quote should be possible after a 60-minute site survey — be cautious of headline pricing that excludes call-outs or parts.

Question 24

How much does a new lift cost to install?

Accepted Answer

Indicative ranges for 2025: a domestic home lift £18,000–£40,000; a small commercial platform lift £25,000–£60,000; a standard 8-person passenger lift in a new build £45,000–£90,000 depending on travel, finishes and door arrangement; a bespoke or heavy-traffic passenger lift £80,000–£200,000 and above. Builders work, electrical supply and lifting beam are usually additional. A meaningful quote requires the building drawings, intended use and traffic study.

Question 25

How much does a lift modernisation cost?

Accepted Answer

Controller-only modernisations typically run £14,000–£25,000 per lift, door operator and door panels £6,000–£15,000, full modernisation (controller, drive, motor, doors, fixtures, cabin refurbishment) £40,000–£90,000 depending on the existing infrastructure that can be retained. A full replacement is usually £55,000–£120,000 — often less disruptive than people expect on like-for-like installations, and resets the lift's compliance, energy class and remaining life by 20+ years.

Question 26

Do you charge for site surveys?

Accepted Answer

No. The initial site survey and quotation are free, with no obligation. The survey gives you a written scope, a transparent breakdown of recommended works, and a fixed-price quote where possible — the same document we issue to your insurer or surveyor.

Question 27

What is included in your call-out fee?

Accepted Answer

Our call-out fee covers the engineer's attendance and the first hour on site, including diagnosis, passenger release if required, and a written incident report. Parts and any additional labour beyond the first hour are itemised separately at our published rates. Out-of-hours call-outs (defined in your contract) attract a premium rate. Contract customers under comprehensive cover pay no call-out fee at all.

Question 28

How long does a lift last?

Accepted Answer

A well-maintained passenger lift has a useful life of 20–30 years before major modernisation becomes economic. The controller and drive are usually the first major systems to be modernised (typically 15–20 years from installation); the motor and ropes can often go further with appropriate inspection; the structural elements (guide rails, shaft, doors, frames) routinely last 40+ years. Hydraulic lifts have a shorter typical life on the power unit (ram seals, valve blocks) but a comparable structural life.

Question 29

When should I modernise rather than repair?

Accepted Answer

Modernise when one or more of the following is true: spare parts for the controller or drive are no longer available from the OEM or independent reverse-engineering routes, the lift is failing the EN 81-80 (SNEL) safety gap analysis on multiple counts, the LOLER Category B remedials list is growing year-on-year, the energy class is two or more bands below current best-available technology, or the cumulative repair cost over 24 months exceeds 30% of a modernisation budget. A modernisation engineer can produce a written modernise-vs-replace business case from a 90-minute survey.

Question 30

How disruptive is a modernisation? How long will the lift be out of service?

Accepted Answer

A controller-only modernisation typically takes 3–5 working days. A full modernisation including doors, drive, motor and cabin runs 3–6 weeks per lift depending on shaft access and the scope retained from the existing installation. On multi-lift sites we sequence the works so a working lift remains available to occupants throughout. A full replacement to a like-for-like envelope is usually 6–10 weeks.

Question 31

What is a 'mod-replacement' and is it worth it?

Accepted Answer

A modernisation replacement replaces the major operating systems (controller, drive, motor, doors, fixtures) while retaining the structural envelope (shaft, guide rails, car frame). On installations where the structural elements are sound it gives you effectively a new lift at 50–70% of the cost of a full replacement, with significantly less builders work disruption and a typical 4–6 week shorter programme. It is the most cost-effective route for around 70% of UK modernisation projects we survey.

Question 32

How much electricity does a lift use?

Accepted Answer

Typical figures: a small office passenger lift (630 kg, 5 stops, medium traffic) uses 2,500–6,500 kWh/year depending on age and technology. A regenerative gearless modern lift on the same duty uses 1,400–2,200 kWh/year — a 60–70% reduction is achievable through modernisation. Standby consumption (controller, lighting, ventilation when idle) accounts for roughly 60% of total energy on most installations and is the single highest-impact target for reduction.

Question 33

Can a lift modernisation count toward our ESG or BREEAM reporting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A modernised lift achieving a measured ISO 25745-2 energy class A or B contributes to BREEAM Ene 01 credits, LEED EA prerequisites, and underpins ESG reporting on scope 2 emissions. We can supply the measured energy data (before-and-after) and the ISO 25745 calculation as part of the modernisation handover pack — increasingly requested by property owners with green building or net-zero commitments.

Question 34

What is a firefighting lift?

Accepted Answer

A firefighting lift is built to BS EN 81-72 — a lift the Fire and Rescue Service can take control of to fight a fire from above. It has a protected shaft, dual power supplies, water-resistant electrics, a firefighter control switch at the access level, and travel-time requirements (typically reaching the topmost floor within 60 seconds under fire-service control). It is distinct from an evacuation lift (used to evacuate mobility-impaired occupants under managed procedures) and from the EN 81-73 fire recall behaviour every modern lift has.

Question 35

Does the Building Safety Act 2022 affect my lift?

Accepted Answer

If your building is a Higher-Risk Building (residential, 18 m or higher, or 7+ storeys), yes — materially. The lift forms part of the building safety case the Accountable Person must submit to the Building Safety Regulator. Documented evidence is required for: the lift's compliance with EN 81-20/72/73 as applicable, the secondary power arrangement for firefighting lifts, the inspection and test regime, monthly firefighter test records, and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans where lifts are used in the evacuation strategy. We can audit your existing documentation against the requirements.

Question 36

What standards should a new lift be built to?

Accepted Answer

Passenger and goods-passenger lifts placed on the UK or EU market since 1 September 2017 must be designed and tested to BS EN 81-20 (design) and BS EN 81-50 (testing), and CE/UKCA-marked under the Lifts Regulations 2016. Platform lifts and stairlifts are built to EN 81-41 and EN 81-40 respectively. The Declaration of Conformity is the document that evidences this and should be in your handover pack.

Question 37

How long does a new lift installation take?

Accepted Answer

A standard 5-stop passenger lift in a new build typically takes 8–12 weeks from order to handover, of which 4–6 weeks is on-site work. Bespoke lifts and high-rise installations take longer; platform lifts and home lifts are quicker (often 4–6 weeks total). The critical path is usually the lead time from the lift manufacturer plus the structural readiness of the shaft.

Question 38

Do you install lifts as well as maintain them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry out bespoke lift installations from design and build through to commissioning and handover, including the full compliance pack and the first Thorough Examination. We are manufacturer-independent, so we specify the right equipment for the building and the use case rather than what we happen to sell.

Question 39

What is the difference between a passenger lift, a platform lift and a home lift?

Accepted Answer

A passenger lift is built to EN 81-20 — full-enclosure car, doors at every landing, designed for continuous public use, speed typically 0.63 m/s to 2.5 m/s. A platform lift is built to EN 81-41 — low-speed (typically 0.15 m/s), often open-top, designed primarily for accessibility, simpler shaft requirements. A home lift sits between the two: built to EN 81-41 but with closed car, typically 2–4 stops, designed for domestic use. The right choice depends on traffic, accessibility needs and budget — we survey before recommending.

Question 40

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Southern England including Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire and Somerset. Our primary coverage zone is roughly 1.5 hours by road from our base in Poole, with extended coverage (including London) available on request.

Question 41

What types of lifts do you work on?

Accepted Answer

All types: traction, hydraulic, platform, stairlifts, goods lifts, and service lifts. We work across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Question 42

Are your engineers qualified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All engineers are NVQ Level 3 qualified as a minimum, with several holding NVQ Level 4 and professional registration with the Engineering Council (EngTech / IEng). The whole team is Enhanced DBS checked and regularly trained. We hold ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications, all UKAS accredited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Breakdowns & Emergencies

Maintenance

LOLER & Compliance

Switching Provider

Pricing & Quotes

Modernisation & Lifespan

Energy, Sustainability & Building Safety

Buying & New Installations

General

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