Elevator life cycle

Like other parts of a property such as ventilation systems, laundry rooms and heating systems, elevators also have a lifespan that means that after a number of years they will need to undergo modernization. It is important that the property owner budgets and plans for such modernization as it is not part of normal care and maintenance.

If the elevator is not modernized in time, it can start to malfunction, and in the worst case, a worn-out part can break. The consequences of this can be serious. There is a high risk of long-term downtime, as in some cases it can take time to obtain spare parts. Residents who depend on the elevator to get in and out of their apartment risk being locked inside their home for the time being. This can also mean high costs for repairing the elevator and, in the worst case, have serious consequences for those who happen to be in the elevator.

As an elevator owner, it is therefore important to know what an elevator's life cycle looks like and to always keep track of where in the life cycle your elevator is.

Installation and initial inspection

The elevator life cycle begins with installation. Before a newly installed elevator can be put into operation, an installation inspection is carried out by an independent accredited inspection body.

Care and maintenance

Care and maintenance should then be carried out continuously after the lift has been put into operation. This involves checking the lift's functions in accordance with the lift's maintenance instructions. Maintenance typically includes cleaning, lubrication and adjustment. Maintenance should be carried out continuously, i.e. you cannot wait to call a maintenance company until the lift has broken down, and you must not ignore the maintenance instructions that apply to the lift in question.

Annual inspection

The property owner is responsible for ensuring that an annual inspection of the lift is carried out by an independent accredited inspection body. During the inspection, the inspector must check that all safety devices are functioning properly and ensure that the lift has been satisfactorily maintained. However, the annual inspection does not relieve the property owner of liability. As the property owner, you are responsible for ensuring that the lift is kept in good condition and properly maintained. If the lift starts to malfunction, it is your responsibility to turn it off.

Troubleshooting measures

Easier troubleshooting, for example, adjusting doors, reprogramming the elevator or replacing smaller components.

Repairs

Repairs when something breaks, e.g. cable replacements, repacking of hydraulic cylinders or repair of a shaft door that has been damaged by being hit by a truck, etc.

Modernization

When the elevator in your property is approaching 20-25 years old, it is time to assess the status of the elevator in consultation with your elevator company or a consultant and draw up a plan with appropriate measures. If the elevator is located in an environment where it is exposed to high loads, e.g. in a hospital environment or in a hotel, or stresses such as weather and wind, it may be necessary to bring the assessment of the elevator's status forward.

In connection with assessing the status, it is important to look at both electrical and mechanical parts and to draw up a plan with appropriate measures based on the actual condition of the elevator. When modernizing, the amendment requirements in the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning regulations BFS 2011:12, as amended, must also be met.

The time required to modernize an elevator varies. On average, it takes between 2-5 weeks, depending on the design. It is a good idea to inform the residents well in advance about when the elevator will be shut down. It is also important to order the work well in advance as it takes time for the elevator company to plan, design, order and receive delivery of materials. In some situations, it may be appropriate to replace the entire elevator as an alternative to modernization. This applies primarily if the business changes or if the elevator has reached its maximum lifespan for other reasons.

Audit inspection

When work on the elevator is complete, it must be inspected by an independent accredited inspection body.

Elevators