Lift Maintenance Checklist: What to Check and Record
A lift maintenance checklist is a structured set of checks used to support routine lift servicing, record maintenance work, identify issues and maintain a clear history of each maintenance visit.
A good checklist helps technicians work through the lift systematically while giving businesses a consistent record of what was checked, what work was carried out and whether further action is required.
What is a lift maintenance checklist?
A lift maintenance checklist provides a structured way to record the routine checks and maintenance activities carried out during a lift servicing visit.
Rather than relying on handwritten notes or individual technician routines, a checklist gives the maintenance process a consistent structure. It can cover the lift itself, safety and emergency systems, mechanical and electrical equipment, accessible shaft and pit areas, maintenance work completed and technician sign-off.
The exact checks required will depend on the lift installation, equipment, manufacturer requirements and maintenance regime. A checklist should therefore be treated as a practical maintenance tool rather than a universal list of every check that must be carried out on every lift.
What makes a good lift maintenance checklist?
A useful lift maintenance checklist should do more than provide a list of components. It should help the technician record the maintenance visit consistently and provide a useful record afterwards.
1. Identify the lift clearly
The checklist should record enough information to identify the lift and its location. This can include the lift identification number, location, lift type, manufacturer, model or serial number and date of maintenance.
This is particularly important where a maintenance company is responsible for multiple lifts or multiple sites.
2. Cover the main areas of the lift
A good checklist should provide a logical structure for the maintenance visit. Depending on the installation, this may include:
- Cabin and landing equipment
- Safety and emergency systems
- Mechanical components
- Electrical and control equipment
- Shaft and pit areas
- Machinery or equipment areas
This makes the checklist easier to work through and reduces the chance of important areas being overlooked.
3. Record findings consistently
A checklist should make it straightforward to record whether an item has an issue or does not require attention.
Using consistent responses also makes completed maintenance records easier to review later. Where something does require attention, the maintenance record should provide a way to record what was found and whether further work is required.
4. Record the work actually carried out
The checklist should not stop at inspection-style checks.
A useful maintenance record should also document the work performed, parts replaced, adjustments made and any further work required. This creates a more useful maintenance history for the lift.
5. Provide a clear sign-off
The completed checklist should identify the technician responsible for the visit and provide an appropriate sign-off.
This gives the completed maintenance record a clear point of completion and helps maintain an audit trail.
6. Be adaptable to the lift
There is no single checklist that is appropriate for every lift installation.
The maintenance checklist should be adapted to the particular lift, its equipment, manufacturer requirements and the maintenance regime being followed.
What should be recorded during lift maintenance?
A useful maintenance record should show more than simply whether individual checks passed.
The record should identify the lift, the date of the maintenance visit and the technician carrying out the work. It should also provide a record of maintenance carried out, parts replaced, adjustments made, further work required and any follow-up action.
Where an issue is identified, recording it clearly gives the business a basis for deciding what needs to happen next.
A digital maintenance record can also make it easier to retain a consistent history of previous visits rather than relying on separate paper forms or spreadsheets.
The BrightChecker Lift Maintenance Checklist
The following is the BrightChecker Lift Maintenance Checklist. It is a general-purpose maintenance template designed to structure a routine lift servicing and maintenance visit, record findings, document work completed and provide a clear technician sign-off.
It should be adapted to the specific lift installation, equipment, manufacturer requirements and maintenance regime. It is not a statutory LOLER thorough examination checklist or a substitute for an examination by a competent person where such an examination is required.
Lift Maintenance Checklist
A practical lift maintenance checklist designed to support routine lift servicing and maintenance visits. It covers common checks across lift identification, cabin and landing equipment, safety systems, mechanical and electrical components, shaft and pit areas, maintenance work completed, findings and technician sign-off.
This checklist is intended as a general-purpose maintenance template and should be adapted to the specific lift installation, equipment, manufacturer requirements and maintenance regime. It is not a statutory LOLER thorough examination checklist or a substitute for an examination by a competent person where such an examination is required.
1. Lift Identification
Record the basic details of the lift being maintained.
Lift Identification Number
Enter the unique identification or asset number for the lift.
Response type: Short text
Required: Yes
Location
Specify the exact location of the lift within the building.
Response type: Short text
Required: Yes
Lift Type
Record the type of lift. Select the most appropriate option.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- Passenger lift
- Goods lift
- Platform lift
- Other
Manufacturer
Enter the lift manufacturer.
Response type: Short text
Required: No
Model / Serial Number
Enter the model or serial number.
Response type: Short text
Required: No
Date of Maintenance
Record the date of the maintenance visit.
Response type: Date
Required: Yes
2. Cabin and Landing Checks
Check the condition and operation of the lift cabin and landing areas.
Cabin Condition
Check the general condition of the lift cabin.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Landing Doors
Check landing doors for correct and safe operation.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Door Safety Devices
Check applicable door safety devices, such as safety edges or light curtains.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Door Operation
Check that doors open and close correctly and smoothly.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Levelling
Check that the lift stops and levels correctly at landings.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Controls and Indicators
Check buttons, indicators, displays and controls.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Emergency Lighting
Check emergency lighting where fitted.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
3. Safety and Emergency Systems
Check applicable safety and emergency systems.
Emergency Alarm / Communication
Test the emergency alarm or communication system.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Emergency Stop / Safety Controls
Check applicable emergency stop and safety controls.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Door Interlocks
Check applicable door interlocks for correct operation.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Safety Devices
Check applicable lift safety devices.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
4. Mechanical Components
Inspect the mechanical components for condition, wear and correct operation.
Motor / Drive Equipment
Check for unusual noise, vibration, overheating or other signs of abnormal operation.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Braking System
Check the braking system and associated components.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Suspension Equipment
Check applicable ropes, belts and associated suspension equipment for visible signs of wear or damage.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Pulleys / Sheaves
Check applicable pulleys and sheaves for visible wear or damage.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Guide Rails
Check accessible guide rails and associated components.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Lubrication
Check lubrication requirements and lubricate where required.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Mechanical Wear / Damage
Check for visible signs of abnormal wear, damage, noise or vibration.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
5. Electrical and Control Equipment
Inspect accessible electrical and control equipment.
Control Panel
Check the control panel for visible damage, wear or other issues.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Wiring and Connections
Check accessible wiring and connections for visible damage or deterioration.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Sensors
Check applicable sensors for correct operation.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Limit Switches
Check applicable limit switches for correct operation.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Electrical Lighting
Check lift and relevant equipment-area lighting.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Emergency Power / Batteries
Check applicable emergency power or battery systems.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
6. Shaft, Pit and Machinery Areas
Check accessible areas associated with the lift installation.
Shaft Condition
Check accessible areas of the shaft for visible damage, obstruction or other issues.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Pit Condition
Check the lift pit for visible damage, obstruction, contamination or other issues.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Machinery / Equipment Area
Check the machinery room or equipment area where applicable.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Access and Lighting
Check relevant access and lighting arrangements.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
Leaks / Contamination
Check for visible oil, water or other contamination.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No Issues
- Requires Attention
- N/A
7. Maintenance Work Completed
Record the work carried out during the maintenance visit.
Maintenance Carried Out
Record the maintenance work performed during the visit.
Response type: Long text
Required: Yes
Parts Replaced
Record any parts or components that were replaced.
Response type: Long text
Required: No
Adjustments Made
Record any adjustments made during maintenance.
Response type: Long text
Required: No
Further Work Required
Record any additional maintenance or remedial work required.
Response type: Long text
Required: No
Follow-Up Required
Confirm whether follow-up action is required.
Response type: Single choice
Required: Yes
Options:
- No
- Yes
8. Sign-Off
Completion and sign-off of maintenance visit.
Maintenance Technician
Record the name of the technician carrying out the maintenance.
Response type: Short text
Required: Yes
Technician Signature
Technician signs to confirm completion of the maintenance visit.
Response type: Signature
Required: Yes
Additional Notes
Record any additional comments or information relevant to the maintenance visit.
Response type: Long text
Required: No
Categories
- Priority 1 — Critical issues requiring immediate attention
- Priority 2 — Important issues to be addressed soon
- Priority 3 — Minor issues to address when convenient
- For information — Observations for informational purposes only
From maintenance checklist to corrective action
The BrightChecker Lift Maintenance Checklist does not have to stop when the technician submits the maintenance record.
A business rule can be configured so that a particular response raises an Issue automatically. For example, if a technician selects Requires Attention against a lift component, BrightChecker can create an issue based on the business rules defined for that inspection.
The issue can then move into the Resolve part of the BrightChecker workflow, where it can be reviewed, assigned and tracked through to completion.
Where evidence is required, technicians can capture photographs and other supporting information against the relevant inspection response or issue.
This means the maintenance process does not have to end with a checklist and report. The same inspection can provide the starting point for corrective action:
Inspect → Report → Resolve
That connection is important for maintenance teams. The checklist records what was found, the report provides the maintenance record, and the issue workflow provides a structured way to deal with work that needs to happen next.
This is where a digital maintenance checklist becomes more than a digital version of a paper form.
Lift maintenance checklist vs lift inspection checklist
The terms lift maintenance checklist and lift inspection checklist are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can describe different activities.
A maintenance checklist is generally concerned with routine servicing and maintenance activities. It can be used to record checks, maintenance work, adjustments, parts replaced and further work required.
An inspection may have a different purpose and scope depending on the type of inspection being carried out.
The important point is to make sure the checklist accurately describes the activity being performed. A routine maintenance checklist should not be presented as a statutory examination simply because it contains safety-related checks.
Lift maintenance checklist vs LOLER thorough examination
Routine lift maintenance and a LOLER thorough examination are not the same thing.
The Health and Safety Executive specifically distinguishes thorough examination from preventive maintenance. HSE describes routine maintenance as including activities such as replacing worn or damaged parts, lubrication, replacing time-expired components, topping up fluids and routine adjustments. A thorough examination is a separate, systematic examination carried out by a competent person.
For lifts to which LOLER applies, the dutyholder must ensure that the equipment is thoroughly examined at the required intervals or in accordance with an examination scheme. HSE also states that the competent person should be sufficiently technically and practically knowledgeable and sufficiently independent and impartial to make an objective assessment.
That means a lift maintenance checklist should not be described as a replacement for a LOLER thorough examination.
The maintenance record and the thorough examination record serve different purposes and can form part of the wider documentation associated with the lift.
How often should lift maintenance be carried out?
There is no single maintenance interval that applies to every lift.
The appropriate maintenance regime will depend on factors including the particular lift installation, equipment, manufacturer requirements, use and operating conditions.
Maintenance should therefore be planned around the requirements of the specific installation rather than assuming that every lift requires exactly the same maintenance schedule.
Statutory thorough examination requirements are a separate matter. Where LOLER applies, the examination regime and intervals must be determined in accordance with the Regulations and the competent person’s examination arrangements.
Why use a digital lift maintenance checklist?
A paper lift maintenance form can record the basics, but digital inspection and maintenance software can connect the checklist to the rest of the maintenance process.
A digital lift maintenance checklist can provide:
- Consistent maintenance forms
- Structured responses
- Digital technician sign-off
- A record of maintenance work completed
- Findings and issue records
- Follow-up actions
- Photos and other supporting evidence where required
- Searchable maintenance records
- Faster report production
- A clearer history for each lift
This can be particularly useful for maintenance businesses managing multiple technicians, sites and assets.
Digital lift maintenance with BrightChecker
BrightChecker provides a digital way to create and complete inspection and maintenance checklists, capture information in the field and turn completed work into structured records and reports.
Instead of treating the checklist as an isolated form, BrightChecker connects inspection capture with review, reporting and follow-up.
A maintenance visit can be structured around the equipment being maintained, with findings recorded as they are identified and further work captured for follow-up.
The result is a digital maintenance workflow that connects the technician’s work in the field with the administrative record produced afterwards.