Rank: Forum user 
|
During a major refurbishment of a 3 storey building the lift was condemned (it was really old (had the old fashioned gates etc)) but was serviceable and had been serviced and maintained by a reputable company for years. The refurbishment has now been completed and re-occupancy taken place.
We have just had a visit from our lift servicing company who say that if we can find out why it was condemned in the first place they may be able to help put it right.
Can our lift servicing company, in law (let alone from the safety aspect), override the condemned lift status invoked by our refurbishment surveyor?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
MrsSheila wrote:During a major refurbishment of a 3 storey building the lift was condemned (it was really old (had the old fashioned gates etc)) but was serviceable and had been serviced and maintained by a reputable company for years. The refurbishment has now been completed and re-occupancy taken place.
We have just had a visit from our lift servicing company who say that if we can find out why it was condemned in the first place they may be able to help put it right.
Can our lift servicing company, in law (let alone from the safety aspect), override the condemned lift status invoked by our refurbishment surveyor?
I would have thought that if a reputable lift servicing company were doing work in line with regs, recognised trade procedures and standards in getting the lift back up to spec there would be no problem at all
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
How is it possible for a serviceable lift to be condemned?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
There is no engineering reason why an old lift can't be used.
It should comply with LOLER - which is fairly generic.
It might not comply with the latest British or European Standards about lifts, but that doesn't make illegal, as BS/EN have little or no legal standing and anyway they aren't usually retrospective.
There are lots of 70yr old aeroplanes still flying, so keeping a lift working shouldn't be a problem either.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Who condemned it and why?
Loads of old lifts around in the uk and europe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Might not the surveyor have had a bias somewhere in condemning the lift such as increased contract value if it is replaced?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Surveyor as in QS? Quite probably.
I would suggest you speak with your insurer as they carry out (or commission)independent inspection & testing of lifts. As suggested above, there are no mechanical/engineering reasons why it can't be used provided it is in safe working condition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Afternoon all.
I can't answer your questions - I am waiting to see sight of the condemnation report which I am assured gives the reasons why.
I will give you all an update when I have more to say.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
You do need to find out why and I am surprised there is no written record. I suspect your surveyor thought that the shearing risk was too high and there was a lack of guarding to stop someone putting their hand through the gate and having it sheared off or injured as the lift moves up the shaft.
Whether to consider putting the lift back in service will depend on the risk. If it is infrequently used by the same people the risks will be reduced, particularly if you brief staff. However if it used by anyone coming into the building and particularly children I would also be concerned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.