Lift and stairlift safety for council homes

Lifts and mobility lifts are common in blocks of council homes. We are required to keep them safe in line with regulatory and statutory requirements. 

Essential maintenance of communal passenger lifts or mobility lifts can help them to last longer and improves the safety of the equipment.

To report a lift breakdown, call the repairs line for our contractor Mountjoy. 

Telephone: 0300 373 0373

What to do in a lift emergency

Lift breakdowns can occur, sometimes causing the user to become trapped within. If you are using a communal passenger lift and become trapped, follow these steps:

• Remain calm. Press and hold the alarm button for a few seconds or as instructed on the sign.
• Wait until the control room responds. If no reply, press and hold the alarm button again.
• Inform the controller of your situation. Follow any instructions they give you.
• Do not attempt to force open the lift door, as this might cause injury or damage.
• A trained lift engineer or technician will release you as soon as possible.

If you are using a personal through floor lift or stairlift within your home, follow these steps:

• If you live with others in the property, ask for their help.
• If you are alone, use your emergency pendant alarm to alert others you need help.
• You should avoid attempting to exit a stranded stairlift. Only attempt to leave your stairlift if you are safe to do so and it does not risk a fall.
• You should report a breakdown or fault immediately.

Lift safety checks

We perform regular lift service and maintenance, alongside a LOLER inspection (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 - Health and Safety Executive). These are performed on:

• passenger lifts in communal areas
• internal stairlifts
• through-floor lifts

These checks can take place annually or every 6 months. We rely heavily on tenants' support the access to help keep them safe.

In addition to planned inspections and maintenance, tenants are encouraged to:

• allow us to access your properties to perform these checks
• take good care of the lifting equipment
• not to allow misuse of the equipment by carrying children or animals
• ensure batteries are replaced regularly
• always wear a pendant alarm or have a mobile with them when using the lifts