High-rise buildings cannot exist without vertical transportation. Building owners thus invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into elevator systems to ensure that the building remains operable at all times. To ensure that the investment is properly taken care of, maintenance is frequently outsourced to a professional elevator service. Regular maintenance will ensure that the elevator functions properly as designed while preventing excessive wear and emergency repairs.
How elevator maintenance is carried out
An elevator service in Toronto will perform at least 2 hours of maintenance every month, and most building managers outsource the job to elevator services. While safety is the major consideration of a maintenance program, it can also extend the lifespan of the elevator. A certified Toronto elevator service technician will have to ensure that all components of the elevator system are inspected and tested so that it complies with ASME’s Safety Codes for Elevators and Escalators that apply across North America.
Elevator components that need to undergo inspection and maintenance include:
- Elevator machine room that houses the elevator hoisting machines, motor generator sets and control equipment. It is the operating mechanism for speed control and leveling of the car at each floor. Elevator service technician will inspect and test the motors, generators, switches, brakes and controls in the room.
- Elevator car – preventative maintenance work on the elevator car involves the door operating equipment, safety equipment and ventilation system. This task is usually performed from the hoistway. Note that some aspects of elevator car maintenance have to be handled by the building staff like ensuring its cleanliness and aesthetics.
- Hoistway – this is a set of guide rails where the elevator car and counterweights run. Preventative maintenance on the hoistways includes inspection and testing of the buffers, corridor door hangers and locks, switches, and safety devices. This work occurs outside of the elevator car and is too dangerous to be carried out by a non-professional.
Performance review on elevator functions
In most cases, an elevator service technician will carry out a performance review along with the maintenance. This will help confirm that the system still meets safety guidelines and optimal operability. Performance reviews allow building managers to make informed decisions regarding repairs or replacements within the system.
