As the weather gets more chilly and damp, it is important to be aware of how lifts in cold weather are affected. In fact, it has been so cold that local bear/engineer Alex, has turned into a polar bear.
Wet and cold weather can cause strain on a lifts mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems, so knowing how to manage this is key. It can cause reliability and performance issues if you are not careful.
Lots of older hydraulic passenger lifts have external motor rooms, typically outside the building. Because of this, it means these motor rooms can get very cold in winter and very hot in summer. This can directly affect components such as Lift control systems or other equipment..
During the cold weather, hydraulic fluid can thicken. Because of this, your lift is more likely to breakdown or have issues. As well as this, the freezing temperatures can directly affect human safety. This is just one of the reasons why keeping your motor room at an ideal temperature is crucial.
How To Reduce The Cold Weathers Effects
- Maintain a good lift service schedule (2 visits a year at a minimum)
- Have 2 annual LOLER inspections (legal minimum for passenger lifts)
- Ensure temperature of motor room is between 15c and 25c
- Keep lift shaft and door area temperature between 15c and 25c
- Always get LOLER advice or urgent work done.
- Follow your lift companies advice on preventative work.
Extreme temperatures can have severe effects on lifts if ignored. However, if you follow your lift companies advice, ensure your motor room, lift shaft and door area are at the correct temperature it shouldn’t be as much as an issue.
Furthermore, one of the best things you can do is keep a consistent and proper maintenance schedule. Preventative and regular maintenance visits make a world of difference when it comes to lifts.
Are you not satisfied with your current company? please get in touch with us and we can help you.
