Lifts (also called elevators) are found in almost every kind of building. The equipment can be similar, but where a lift is installed changes how it is used, how quickly it wears and what the owner should plan for. This guide covers the most common places and links to more detailed guides.
Apartment buildings
Apartment lifts are used by residents, visitors, removalists and contractors at all hours. Moving days, deliveries and building works cause much of the wear. The owners corporation is usually responsible for maintenance, and residents need a clear way to report faults.
See lift maintenance contracts explained and dropped keys or a phone down a lift shaft.
Office and commercial buildings
Commercial lifts carry heavy traffic at predictable peak times. Downtime affects tenants and their businesses, so response arrangements and maintenance scheduling matter.
Car parks
Passenger lifts in car parks deal with weather, water, dirt and trolleys, and are often in quiet, unstaffed areas. Some buildings also have car lifts that carry vehicles between floors.
See car park lifts and car lifts explained.
Schools and childcare centres
Lifts in schools and childcare centres are used by children, staff with equipment and people with mobility needs. Supervision rules, keyed access and quick fault reporting are important.
Medical centres and aged care
When a lift stops in a medical centre or aged care building, patients and residents with limited mobility may have no other way between floors. Reliable maintenance and fast call outs matter more than in most buildings.
Hotels and restaurants
Hotels may have guest lifts, service lifts and dumbwaiters for food and linen. Breakdowns during busy periods affect guests and staff directly.
See dumbwaiter servicing and repairs.
Warehouses, shops and factories
Goods lifts move stock, equipment and deliveries. Overloading and impact damage from trolleys and pallets are common problems.
See goods lift maintenance and goods lifts and passenger lifts.
Homes
Home lifts are used less often, but owners still need regular servicing and someone to call when the lift stops. Different home lift types have different needs.
See home lift types explained and home lift servicing.
Whatever the building
Every lift needs a maintenance arrangement, a working emergency phone, clear instructions for reporting faults and someone responsible for records. See the lift maintenance checklist for building managers.
For lift maintenance, repairs or a 24 hour call out anywhere in Greater Melbourne, call Hiteck on 03 9293 8100.