Elevator Safety Inspection Checklist

Whether you are preparing for a routine annual inspection or responding to a complaint, knowing exactly what an elevator inspector examines gives you a significant advantage. Inspectors follow a methodical, area-by-area process defined by ASME A17.1 and A17.2 standards. This checklist breaks down the major items by location so you know what to expect and where most violations occur.

Machine Room Inspection

The machine room is the control center of your elevator system. Inspectors typically start here because it reveals the overall maintenance quality of the entire installation. A poorly maintained machine room almost always signals problems elsewhere.

Controller and wiring: The inspector examines the main controller for loose connections, burned contacts, signs of overheating, and proper labeling. All wiring must be neat, secured, and free of exposed conductors. Modification tags should document any changes made since the original installation.

Governor: The overspeed governor is a critical safety device that triggers the car safeties if the elevator exceeds its rated speed. Inspectors check the governor rope for wear, verify the governor tripping speed, and confirm that seals on the governor adjustment are intact. A broken seal can result in an immediate violation.

Motor and drive: Inspectors listen for unusual noise, check motor bearings for excessive heat, and verify that the drive system (whether geared or gearless) operates smoothly. They check brake linings for wear and test the brake holding capacity -- the brake must stop and hold the car with 125% of rated load.

Oil levels and fluid condition: Hydraulic elevators have an oil reservoir in the machine room. Inspectors check oil levels, look for leaks at fittings and cylinder seals, and may note the condition of the oil. Traction elevators have gearbox oil that must be at proper levels without contamination.

Room conditions: The machine room itself must meet code requirements: a minimum temperature of 55 degrees F (some jurisdictions require 60 degrees F), adequate lighting (not less than 10 foot-candles at floor level), a dedicated electrical disconnect within sight of the motor, no storage of non-elevator materials, and a self-closing, self-locking door.

Hoistway Inspection

The hoistway is the vertical shaft the elevator travels through. Inspectors ride on top of the car to examine components that are invisible from the hallway or cab.

Guide rails: Rails must be plumb, properly aligned, and securely fastened to the building structure with rail brackets. Inspectors look for excessive wear on rail surfaces, loose brackets, and signs of misalignment that could cause rough rides or door problems.

Counterweight and ropes: On traction elevators, the inspector checks counterweight guide shoes for wear, confirms the counterweight frame is intact, and examines hoist ropes for broken wires, corrosion, and proper lubrication. ASME A17.1 Section 8.6 specifies maximum allowable broken wires per rope lay length.

Door interlocks at each floor: Every hoistway door has an interlock that prevents the elevator from moving unless the door is fully closed and locked. Inspectors test each interlock by attempting to open the door while the car is away from that floor. A single failed interlock is a serious violation because it creates a fall hazard into an open shaft.

Buffers: Located at the bottom of the hoistway, buffers absorb energy if the car or counterweight overruns the lowest terminal floor. Oil buffers must have proper oil levels and no visible leaks. Spring buffers must be intact and properly positioned.

Clearances: Inspectors measure the overhead clearance (distance from the top of the car to the hoistway ceiling when the car is at the top floor) and the pit depth below the car when at the lowest floor. Insufficient clearance is a code violation that can require structural modifications to correct.

Car Interior Inspection

The car interior is what passengers interact with directly, so inspectors pay close attention to safety devices that protect riders.

Door operation: Car doors must open and close smoothly, reverse when they contact an obstruction (tested with a standardized test object), and have a proper restrictor device that prevents the doors from being forced open more than four inches when between floors. The nudging operation (reduced-speed close after a timeout) must function correctly.

Emergency communication: Every elevator must have a working two-way communication device -- typically a phone or intercom connected to a 24/7 monitoring service. Inspectors test this by initiating a call and confirming a response. ADA requires that the phone be usable by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, which usually means a visual indicator that the call has been received.

Lighting and ventilation: Car lighting must provide at least 5 foot-candles at the threshold. Emergency lighting must activate automatically during a power failure and provide at least 0.2 foot-candles for a minimum of four hours. Ventilation openings in the car enclosure must meet minimum area requirements based on car size.

Car operating panel: All buttons must function. Floor designations must be legible. The emergency stop switch (where still required) must work. The door open and close buttons must respond. ADA requires raised and Braille markings on all buttons and a minimum button diameter of 0.75 inches.

Car leveling: The elevator must stop level with each floor within a tolerance of plus or minus 0.25 inches for automatic-leveling elevators. Poor leveling creates a tripping hazard and is a common violation, often caused by worn ropes, faulty leveling switches, or encoder issues.

Pit Inspection

The pit is the area below the elevator car when it is at the lowest floor. It contains critical safety equipment and is often where maintenance neglect shows up first.

Pit stop switch: A clearly labeled, accessible stop switch must be located in the pit. Inspectors test it to confirm it removes power from the elevator drive. This switch protects maintenance personnel working in the pit.

Buffer condition: Oil buffer oil levels are checked again from the pit (inspectors verify from both the hoistway and pit). Spring buffers are checked for corrosion, compression set, and proper mounting.

Sump pump or drain: Water must not accumulate in the pit. A working sump pump or adequate drainage must be present. Standing water in the pit is a violation and can damage electrical components, corrode metal parts, and create a shock hazard.

Pit lighting and access: The pit must have a permanently installed light fixture with a switch accessible from the pit access door. A ladder must be permanently installed for safe entry and exit. The pit must be free of debris, stored materials, and pest activity.

Compensation chains or ropes: In taller buildings, compensating ropes or chains hang below the car to balance the weight of the hoist ropes. Inspectors check these for wear, proper tension, and clearance from pit equipment.

Common Violations by Area

Knowing what inspectors check in each zone allows you to conduct your own walkthroughs between formal inspections. Catching problems early reduces the chance of a failed inspection, which can lead to shutdowns, fines, and liability exposure. Work with your maintenance contractor to address any item on this checklist before the inspector arrives.