Emergency Lift Repairs: What Building Managers Need to Know

When a lift breaks down, it’s more than an inconvenience. It can be a safety risk, a legal issue, and a source of serious disruption. Whether it’s a residential block, commercial building or public facility, building managers have a duty to ensure lifts are safe, functional, and quickly repaired when something goes wrong.

So, what should building managers know about emergency lift repairs?
Here’s the short answer: act fast, work with a qualified lift maintenance company, and have a plan in place. But to manage lift breakdowns effectively, there’s more to understand. From legal responsibilities to the mechanics of common faults, and what to expect during a call-out.

This guide explains how to handle a broken or faulty lift, what causes emergency lift call outs, and how to prevent them through better lift maintenance. It’s designed to help building managers feel confident when the lift stops working and more importantly, to reduce the chances of that happening in the first place.

What Is Considered an Emergency Lift Repair?

Not all lift repairs are emergencies. An emergency involves a situation where the lift system presents a safety risk or is completely out of service. Common examples include:

• Trapped passengers in a lift car
• Lift doors failing to open or close
• Broken lift equipment causing abnormal noise or movement
• A faulty lift control panel that prevents safe use
• Hydraulic lift oil leaks
• Total lift breakdown during working hours in a high-use building

If lift users can’t use the system safely or at all, it’s an emergency and a fast, expert response is essential.

Legal Responsibilities of the Lift Owner or Manager

If you’re responsible for a building, you’re responsible for its lifts. That includes compliance with safety legislation such as:

• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
• The Health and Safety at Work Act
• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)

These laws require that passenger lifts are inspected often and maintained by qualified professionals. Failure to keep a lift working properly, or delaying a lift repair service, could put the building’s users at risk and the owner or managing agent at legal risk.

Emergency lift repairs are not just about service , they’re a legal requirement when safety is compromised.

What to Do When the Lift Breaks

If a lift breaks or malfunctions, the first step is to stay calm and act quickly. Follow these steps:

1. Check for trapped passengers. If anyone is stuck inside the lift car, call emergency services immediately and then notify your lift maintenance company.
2. Contact your lift engineers. Your contracted provider should offer 24-hour emergency call outs especially if you have a lift maintenance contract in place.
3. Secure the area. Place signage to prevent use and isolate the lift if necessary. This protects lift users and prevents further damage.
4. Document the issue. Note the time, the fault (if visible), and any user reports. This helps your service provider identify the problem faster.

What Happens During an Emergency Call Out?

When you contact a professional lift repair service, a qualified engineer will be dispatched to the site. A good lift maintenance company operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, so response times are fast especially in the case of trapped passengers.

Your lift engineers will:

• Assess the fault and determine the cause
• Secure the lift and remove passengers if necessary
• Begin repair work immediately if parts are available
• Advise on next steps if specialist equipment or parts are required

Working with an experienced team that uses open protocol parts can reduce delays and you won’t be tied to proprietary systems that take weeks to source.

Common Causes of Lift Breakdowns

Understanding what causes lift breakdowns helps you reduce emergency call outs. These are some of the most common issues:

1. Lift Door Malfunctions

Lift doors that won’t open, close, or align properly can bring a system to a halt. This can be caused by dirt in the track, sensor faults, or alignment issues.

2. Control System Failures

Worn wiring, faulty software, or malfunctioning buttons can stop the lift from responding. This is a common problem in older lifts or those not serviced regularly.

3. Worn Mechanical Components

Bearings, pulleys and cables wear out over time. In traction lift repairs, rope tension and sheave wear are especially important.

4. Hydraulic Failures

Hydraulic lifts are prone to issues like fluid leaks, valve failure or overheating – all of which require urgent attention.

5. Power Surges or Electrical Faults

Storms, brownouts, or internal wiring problems can knock a lift system offline. Without surge protection, your lift equipment is vulnerable.

How Fast Can Emergency Lift Repairs Be Completed?

How long it takes to fix an elevator depends on the fault, the availability of parts, and the type of lift. For simple issues, like a jammed door or a software reset, the repair may be completed during the first visit. Complex issues involving motor replacement, hydraulic leaks, or full system diagnostics may take longer.

Having a lift maintenance contract with a reputable company means you’ll have faster access to parts and prioritised support.

Why Regular Maintenance Reduces Emergency Repairs

Emergency lift repairs are costly and disruptive. But most breakdowns are avoidable with regular maintenance. Here’s why it matters:

• Small issues get picked up early, before they turn into emergencies
• Lubrication and cleaning keeps moving parts in good condition
• System checks spot electrical issues before a breakdown
• Wear and tear monitoring prevents unexpected failures

With a solid lift maintenance schedule, the number of emergency call outs should reduce dramatically.

Should You Have a Lift Maintenance Contract?

Yes, if you’re a lift owner or responsible for a multi-storey building, a contract with a trusted provider ensures you’re covered in case of emergencies. You’ll also benefit from:

• Scheduled visits to keep lifts working smoothly
• Access to qualified lift engineers
• Faster emergency response
• Detailed service records for compliance

Choose a provider who offers open protocol parts, transparent pricing, and full project management for repairs and upgrades.

Traction vs Hydraulic Lift Repairs: What’s the Difference?

Different lift types come with different repair considerations:

Traction Lift Repairs

• Often found in high-rise buildings
• Involve ropes, motors and counterweights
• More complex but energy efficient
• Common faults: worn ropes, motor failure, control issues

Hydraulic Lift Repairs

• Common in low to mid-rise buildings
• Use fluid pressure to move the lift
• Easier to install but require more maintenance
• Common faults: fluid leaks, overheating, valve failure

Working with an expert team familiar with both systems ensures that no matter the type, your lift system can be fixed quickly and correctly.

When Should You Consider a Lift Upgrade?

If your lift is constantly breaking down, over 20 years old, or no longer compliant with modern safety standards, it may be time to consider a modernisation project. Signs you need more than emergency repairs:

• Frequent call outs and high repair bills
• Outdated lift controls that are no longer supported
• Parts no longer readily available
• Poor energy efficiency
• Passenger complaints about performance or reliability

A full lift installation or modernisation can improve reliability, safety and energy use and may be more cost-effective than continual repairs.

Choosing the Right Lift Repair Services

Whether you’re dealing with a faulty lift or planning preventative maintenance, the right partner makes all the difference. Look for a lift repair service that offers:

• 24/7 emergency call outs, 365 days a year
• An experienced team with broad technical knowledge
• Open protocol systems and transparent communication
• Compliance with all safety and legal requirements
• Full-service project management for upgrades or modernisations

At Future Lift Services, we’re committed to helping building managers keep their lifts running safely and efficiently. From one-off emergency lift repairs to ongoing lift maintenance contracts, we’ve got the experience, tools and team to deliver a reliable service.

Final Thoughts

A broken lift is more than just a headache – it’s a safety issue, a legal risk, and a serious inconvenience to those who rely on it. But with a proactive approach, you can reduce the number of lift breakdowns, respond quickly when problems arise, and ensure your lift system continues to function effectively 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Whether you need help with a faulty lift, want advice on lift maintenance, or are considering a new lift installation, Future Lift Services is here to help.

Get in touch with the team at Future Lift Services for tailored advice, reliable quotes, and support that goes beyond the installation.

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