Lift Safety Inspections

All lifts provided for use at work must be subjected to a thorough independent examination by a competent person at regular intervals:

• at least every 6 months for lifts used for lifting persons, including stair lifts

• or at least every 12 months for other lifts - dumb waiters

• and in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by the competent person

The thorough examination or inspections are in addition to any routine maintenance inspections that are carried out under a service agreement.

They should be undertaken by an independent company, which can sometimes be your buildings insurance company.

Following a thorough examination or inspection, a report should be submitted by the competent person to you, or the "duty holder" to take appropriate action.

Simple Guidance for Lift Owners

For further assistance you can download the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) leaflet Thorough Examination and Testing of Lifts – Simple Guidance for Lift Owners (INDG339).

These requirements are governed by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

The council's Environmental Health service has sent a letter explaining these requirements to hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and residential care homes in Eastbourne. You can download a copy of this letter below.