Elevators and escalators are among the most heavily regulated systems in any building. These vertical transportation assets carry thousands of passengers each day, and a failure can result in serious injury or death. Thorough, well-documented inspections are not just a regulatory obligation—they are essential for passenger safety, system reliability, and liability protection. This checklist provides a structured approach to inspecting both elevators and escalators so nothing is overlooked.
Why Elevator and Escalator Inspections Matter
Vertical transportation systems operate under immense mechanical stress. Cables, brakes, motors, and control systems must work in perfect harmony every time the doors open. A missed inspection item can lead to entrapments, sudden stops, or free-fall scenarios. Regulatory bodies such as ASME, EN 81, and local authorities having jurisdiction require periodic inspections and load tests. Non-compliance can trigger shutdowns, fines, and increased insurance premiums. Beyond regulation, a robust inspection programme extends equipment life, reduces emergency callouts, and keeps tenants confident in the safety of your building.
Complete Elevator and Escalator Inspection Checklist
Machine Room and Drive System
The machine room houses the motor, controller, and governor that power the elevator. Temperature, cleanliness, and equipment condition in this space directly affect system performance and safety.
- Verify machine room temperature is within the manufacturer's specified range
- Inspect the drive motor for unusual noise, vibration, or overheating
- Check wire ropes or belts for wear, broken strands, and proper lubrication
- Confirm the governor and overspeed device are sealed and within test date
- Ensure the controller is free of dust, moisture, and signs of arcing
Car and Cab Interior
The elevator car is the passenger-facing component. Its condition affects both safety and the user experience. Inspect every surface, button, and communication device.
- Test all floor buttons, door-open and door-close buttons, and key switches
- Verify the emergency telephone or intercom connects to a monitored station
- Check car lighting, including emergency battery-backed lighting
- Inspect car doors, sills, and gap dimensions for compliance
- Ensure the car operating panel displays accurate floor indicators
Doors and Door Systems
Door-related incidents account for the majority of elevator injuries. The door operator, interlocks, and safety edges must function flawlessly.
- Test door reopening devices such as safety edges, light curtains, or infrared sensors
- Verify landing door interlocks engage and prevent car movement when doors are open
- Measure door closing force to confirm it is within code limits
- Inspect door tracks, rollers, and hangers for wear and alignment
Safety Devices and Emergency Systems
Elevators are equipped with multiple layers of safety devices designed to protect passengers in fault conditions. Every one of these must be tested at the prescribed interval.
- Test the car and counterweight safeties with a full-load test as required by code
- Inspect buffers and pit equipment for damage, leaks, or corrosion
- Verify firefighter's service operation and Phase I and Phase II recall
- Confirm the alarm bell or buzzer sounds when the emergency button is pressed
- Check pit stop switch, car-top stop switch, and machine room disconnect
Hoistway and Shaft
The hoistway is the vertical space through which the car travels. Obstructions, water intrusion, and deteriorating guide rails can cause dangerous malfunctions.
- Inspect guide rails for alignment, lubrication, and bracket tightness
- Check travelling cables for abrasion, kinks, or damaged insulation
- Verify hoistway lighting and ventilation are operational
- Look for water intrusion, debris, or pest activity in the pit
Escalator Steps and Handrails
Escalators present unique hazards at entry and exit points, along step edges, and where the handrail enters the balustrade. Worn or misaligned components increase the risk of falls and entrapment.
- Inspect step treads for missing cleats, cracks, or uneven height
- Verify combplate teeth mesh correctly with step treads and are undamaged
- Check handrail speed and synchronisation with step speed
- Test skirt deflection devices and missing-step detectors
Escalator Drive and Safety Equipment
The mechanical drive of an escalator includes a motor, gearbox, chain, and braking system. Failure of any component can cause a sudden stop or reversal under load.
- Inspect the drive chain for tension, lubrication, and elongation
- Verify brake engagement stops the escalator within code-required distance
- Test emergency stop buttons at upper and lower landings
- Check step chain rollers, axles, and return tracks for wear
Accessibility and Signage
Accessible design features and clear signage are legal requirements and improve usability for all passengers.
- Confirm Braille and raised-character markings on elevator jambs and buttons
- Verify audible floor announcements operate correctly
- Check that escalator caution signage is posted and legible
- Ensure wheelchair-accessible elevators are clearly identified
Best Practices for Elevator and Escalator Inspections
- Follow manufacturer maintenance manuals and local code requirements at all times
- Schedule inspections during low-traffic periods to minimise disruption
- Use a two-person team—one in the machine room and one at the car or landing
- Maintain a dedicated logbook for each unit with inspection dates and findings
- Immediately lock out and tag out any unit that fails a critical safety test
- Retain records for the life of the equipment to support audits and resale due diligence
How Checksheets Helps
Checksheets makes elevator and escalator inspections faster and more reliable. Build custom digital checklists for each unit in your portfolio, attach photos of defects, and automatically route findings to the responsible maintenance provider. Recurring schedules and automated reminders ensure you never miss a code-mandated inspection, while centralised records give you instant access to the full history of every asset. When the inspector arrives, your documentation is already organised and ready to present.
Elevator and escalator safety is non-negotiable. A disciplined inspection programme protects passengers, satisfies regulators, and reduces unexpected downtime. Start digitising your vertical transportation inspections today.