What Australian standards apply to elevator maintenance?

AS 1735 (Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks) is the primary Australian standard covering elevator safety requirements for design, installation, maintenance and inspection. It specifies maintenance procedures, safety device testing, competent person qualifications and record-keeping requirements. State and territory WHS regulations require elevator registration as high-risk plant and mandate periodic inspections by competent persons, typically annually. AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) covers the electrical installation requirements for elevator circuits. Insurance underwriters and building certification authorities may impose additional maintenance and inspection requirements.

How often must an elevator be maintained and inspected?

Most elevators require monthly preventive maintenance visits by a competent lift technician. Each visit covers a portion of the full maintenance programme on a rotating cycle, ensuring every component is inspected at least quarterly. Annual competent person inspections are required under state WHS regulations and involve a thorough examination of all safety-critical components. Five-yearly major inspections may include load testing, safety gear testing and detailed rope assessment. The maintenance frequency may be increased for high-traffic elevators in hospitals, shopping centres or high-rise buildings.

What are the most critical safety devices on an elevator?

The most critical safety devices include the overspeed governor (detects overspeed and activates the safety gear), the safety gear (clamps to the guide rails to stop a free-falling car), door interlocks (prevent the elevator from moving unless landing doors are closed and locked), the brake (holds the car stationary when the motor is not driving), and the safety circuit (a series circuit through all safety switches that must be complete for the elevator to run). Testing these devices at each maintenance visit confirms they will respond correctly to fault conditions.

Why is rope inspection important for traction elevators?

Wire ropes are the primary suspension system for traction elevators. Over time, ropes develop broken wires, wear from sheave contact, corrosion from moisture exposure and loss of lubrication. The number and distribution of broken wires per lay length determines whether the rope must be replaced under AS 1735 criteria. Regular rope inspection during maintenance visits identifies deterioration trends before the rope reaches the discard criteria. Ropes should be inspected along their full length, including sections that pass over sheaves and through the rope attachments, as these areas experience the highest stress and wear.

How do I track elevator maintenance compliance digitally?

Asset tracking platforms such as MapTrack allow you to create digital maintenance checklists linked to each elevator asset. Technicians complete monthly maintenance checklists on a mobile device, recording measurements, observations, defects and photographs. The system stores the complete maintenance history, annual inspection certificates and corrective work orders against each elevator. Automatic scheduling reminders ensure monthly visits and annual inspections are not missed. The compliance history is accessible for regulatory audits, insurance renewals and building certification processes.

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Free elevator maintenance checklist (PDF-ready). Covers car, doors, safety gear, governor, ropes, controller, pit and machine room. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a elevator maintenance checklist?

An elevator maintenance checklist is a structured document used by lift technicians, building maintenance managers and compliance officers to systematically inspect and service passenger and goods elevators at scheduled intervals. It covers the car and car frame (interior condition, lighting, ventilation, car top equipment), doors and door systems (car doors, landing doors, door operators, interlocks, sill tracks), safety gear and overspeed governor (mechanical condition, rope tension, engagement mechanism), suspension system (wire ropes or belts, sheaves, rope attachments, compensation), guide rails and guide shoes (alignment, lubrication, wear), controller and electrical system (drive, motor, brake, contactors, wiring, safety circuit), pit (buffers, pit equipment, sump pump, lighting, ladder), machine room or machine space (motor, drive unit, governor, ventilation, housekeeping) and signage and communication (car position indicators, alarm, intercom, emergency lighting). The checklist applies to traction, hydraulic and machine-room-less (MRL) elevators in commercial, residential and industrial buildings.

Elevators are classified as high-risk plant under Australian WHS legislation and are subject to mandatory design registration, installation verification and periodic competent person inspections under state and territory regulations. AS 1735 (Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks) sets out the safety requirements for elevator installation, maintenance and inspection. A poorly maintained elevator can result in entrapment, door-related injuries, uncontrolled car movement, or free fall in extreme cases. Beyond safety, elevator reliability directly affects building operations, tenant satisfaction and property value. A documented maintenance programme ensures that every critical component is inspected consistently, defect trends are identified early, and the elevator maintenance history satisfies regulatory audits and insurance requirements. When managed through MapTrack, completed checklists are stored against the elevator asset record, providing a complete, searchable maintenance history for compliance, warranty and lifecycle planning purposes.

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Benefits of using this elevator maintenance checklist

Passenger safety: systematic inspection of safety gear, overspeed governor, door interlocks, brakes and safety circuits confirms that the elevator safety systems will respond correctly to malfunction conditions, preventing entrapment, door injuries and uncontrolled movement.
Regulatory compliance: documented maintenance records demonstrate that the elevator is maintained by competent persons in accordance with AS 1735, state WHS regulations and building codes, satisfying regulatory inspectors and insurance underwriters.
Reduced entrapments and callouts: identifying door operator faults, controller errors, levelling issues and communication failures during scheduled inspections prevents passenger entrapments that generate emergency callouts, complaints and reputational damage.
Extended equipment life: regular lubrication, rope inspection, brake adjustment, guide shoe replacement and controller maintenance prevent accelerated wear on major components, extending the useful life of the elevator and deferring costly modernisation.
Building operations continuity: elevators in hospitals, aged care facilities, high-rise offices and logistics centres are critical infrastructure, and scheduled preventive maintenance minimises unplanned outages that disrupt building operations.
Audit-ready compliance history: a complete, chronological maintenance record linked to the asset in MapTrack simplifies annual compliance audits, insurance renewals and building certification processes.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise elevator checklists in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Trigger work orders automatically when a fault is logged during an inspection.
Track service intervals by hours, kilometres or calendar date in one place.
Attach supplier invoices and parts receipts to each maintenance record.

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What to include in a elevator maintenance checklist

This elevator maintenance checklist covers 10 key areas:

Elevator identification: asset ID, make, model, serial number, elevator type (traction, hydraulic, MRL), number of stops, rated capacity, rated speed, location (building and elevator number), current date and technician name.
Car and car frame: inspect car interior (walls, floor, ceiling, lighting, ventilation, handrails), check car top equipment (inspection station, lighting, guard rails), inspect car frame bolts and connections, check levelling accuracy at multiple floors.
Doors and door systems: inspect car door panels, tracks, rollers, gibs and door operator, check landing door panels, hangers, tracks and closers at each floor, test door interlocks and contacts, verify door timing and reopening device (light curtain or safety edge) operation.
Safety gear and overspeed governor: inspect the safety gear mechanism for corrosion, lubrication and mechanical condition, check the governor rope tension, sheave and switch, verify the governor electrical switch activates at the correct overspeed setting.
Suspension system: inspect wire ropes or belts for broken wires, wear, corrosion and lubrication, check rope attachments and equalising springs, inspect sheaves and sheave bearings, check compensation ropes or chains if fitted.
Guide rails and guide shoes: inspect guide rails for alignment, joint condition and lubrication (if applicable), check guide shoes or rollers for wear and adjustment, inspect counterweight guide shoes similarly.
Controller and electrical: inspect the controller (drive, inverter, contactors, relays, wiring), check the motor insulation, bearings and connections, test the brake for correct holding force, adjustment and pad wear, test the safety circuit continuity, check earthing.
Pit: inspect pit buffers (spring or hydraulic) for condition and alignment, check pit lighting, ladder, sump pump and pit switch, inspect the compensating sheave and rope guard if fitted, note housekeeping and water ingress.
Machine room or machine space: inspect the motor, gearbox (if applicable), drive unit and governor, check ventilation and room temperature, verify housekeeping, fire rating and access control, note any stored materials or obstructions.
Signage and communication: check car position indicators, floor indicators, fire service indicators, alarm bell and intercom or emergency telephone operation, test emergency lighting and check signage (capacity plate, emergency instructions).

How to use this elevator maintenance checklist

Review the elevator maintenance log, previous inspection reports, callout history and any outstanding corrective actions before starting the inspection.: Obtain the elevator maintenance log and review callout records for recurring faults such as door issues, levelling errors, entrapments or alarm activations since the last inspection. Review the previous inspection checklist for outstanding actions. Check the most recent annual competent person inspection report for compliance items. Note any recent modifications, part replacements or controller software updates.
Ride the elevator through its full travel range, checking levelling accuracy, door operation, ride quality, noise and vibration at each floor.: Ride the elevator from the lowest to the highest floor, stopping at each landing. Check levelling accuracy (the car floor should align within plus or minus 6 mm of the landing floor). Observe car and landing door opening and closing for smooth operation, correct timing and full closure. Listen for abnormal motor, drive or door noises. Note any vibration, jerking or hesitation during acceleration, deceleration or levelling. Test the door reopening device (light curtain or safety edge) at several floors.
Switch to inspection mode on the car top. Inspect the car top equipment, door operators, car frame, suspension and guide system while running on inspection speed.: Transfer to car top inspection mode using the car top inspection station. With the elevator on inspection speed, travel to each floor and inspect the car door operator mechanism, rollers, tracks and pick-up devices. Inspect landing door hangers, tracks, closers, interlocks and contacts at each floor. Check the car frame bolts and connections. Inspect wire ropes or belts for visible damage, broken wires, wear patterns and lubrication. Check sheave grooves for wear. Inspect guide shoes or rollers for wear and adjustment. Inspect the counterweight and counterweight guide shoes.
Inspect the machine room (or machine space for MRL elevators), controller, motor, brake, governor and electrical systems.: In the machine room, inspect the motor for temperature, noise, bearing condition and connection integrity. Check the gearbox oil level and condition (geared traction). Inspect the brake for correct holding force by verifying the brake can hold the car with rated load. Check brake pad or shoe wear and adjustment. Inspect the controller for loose connections, overheated components, error codes and relay or contactor condition. Inspect the governor mechanism, rope and switch. Check room ventilation, temperature, housekeeping, fire rating and access security.
Inspect the pit, including buffers, pit equipment, sump pump, lighting and housekeeping. Test safety devices and communication systems.: Access the pit safely using the pit ladder. Inspect spring buffers for compression and alignment or hydraulic buffers for oil level and plunger condition. Check pit lighting, the pit stop switch and sump pump operation. Inspect the compensating sheave and rope guard if fitted. Note any water ingress, debris or stored materials. Test the car alarm bell, intercom or emergency telephone for correct operation. Test emergency lighting. Verify the fire service switch and controls (if the building requires fire service operation).
Record all findings, measurements and defects on the checklist. Raise corrective work orders, set the next maintenance date and sign off.: Complete each checklist item with the measurement, observation or Pass/Fail result. Record all defects with descriptions, locations, severity and corrective actions required. Raise work orders in MapTrack for items requiring follow-up, with priority ratings and completion dates. For safety-critical defects (brake, safety gear, door interlocks, overspeed governor), assess whether the elevator should remain in service or be shut down pending repair. Set the next scheduled maintenance date. Sign and date the completed checklist.

In MapTrack, you can schedule and track maintenance digitally. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

Elevator maintenance frequency is governed by AS 1735, state and territory WHS regulations, and manufacturer recommendations. Most elevators require monthly preventive maintenance visits by a competent lift technician. Each monthly visit covers a portion of the full checklist on a rotating cycle, so that every component is inspected at least once per quarter. The full comprehensive checklist should be completed at least quarterly.

Annual competent person inspections, required under state regulations, involve a thorough examination of all safety-critical components and result in a compliance certificate or report. Five-yearly major inspections may include load testing, safety gear testing, rope replacement assessment and controller condition evaluation. In MapTrack, configure monthly calendar-based maintenance triggers and annual inspection reminders linked to each elevator asset to automate scheduling and maintain a continuous compliance history.

Frequently asked questions

What Australian standards apply to elevator maintenance?: AS 1735 (Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks) is the primary Australian standard covering elevator safety requirements for design, installation, maintenance and inspection. It specifies maintenance procedures, safety device testing, competent person qualifications and record-keeping requirements. State and territory WHS regulations require elevator registration as high-risk plant and mandate periodic inspections by competent persons, typically annually. AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) covers the electrical installation requirements for elevator circuits. Insurance underwriters and building certification authorities may impose additional maintenance and inspection requirements.
How often must an elevator be maintained and inspected?: Most elevators require monthly preventive maintenance visits by a competent lift technician. Each visit covers a portion of the full maintenance programme on a rotating cycle, ensuring every component is inspected at least quarterly. Annual competent person inspections are required under state WHS regulations and involve a thorough examination of all safety-critical components. Five-yearly major inspections may include load testing, safety gear testing and detailed rope assessment. The maintenance frequency may be increased for high-traffic elevators in hospitals, shopping centres or high-rise buildings.
What are the most critical safety devices on an elevator?: The most critical safety devices include the overspeed governor (detects overspeed and activates the safety gear), the safety gear (clamps to the guide rails to stop a free-falling car), door interlocks (prevent the elevator from moving unless landing doors are closed and locked), the brake (holds the car stationary when the motor is not driving), and the safety circuit (a series circuit through all safety switches that must be complete for the elevator to run). Testing these devices at each maintenance visit confirms they will respond correctly to fault conditions.
Why is rope inspection important for traction elevators?: Wire ropes are the primary suspension system for traction elevators. Over time, ropes develop broken wires, wear from sheave contact, corrosion from moisture exposure and loss of lubrication. The number and distribution of broken wires per lay length determines whether the rope must be replaced under AS 1735 criteria. Regular rope inspection during maintenance visits identifies deterioration trends before the rope reaches the discard criteria. Ropes should be inspected along their full length, including sections that pass over sheaves and through the rope attachments, as these areas experience the highest stress and wear.
How do I track elevator maintenance compliance digitally?: Asset tracking platforms such as MapTrack allow you to create digital maintenance checklists linked to each elevator asset. Technicians complete monthly maintenance checklists on a mobile device, recording measurements, observations, defects and photographs. The system stores the complete maintenance history, annual inspection certificates and corrective work orders against each elevator. Automatic scheduling reminders ensure monthly visits and annual inspections are not missed. The compliance history is accessible for regulatory audits, insurance renewals and building certification processes.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 1735:2016 - Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks (safety requirements for design, installation, maintenance and inspection)
AS/NZS 3000:2018 - Wiring Rules (electrical installation requirements for elevator circuits)
WHS Regulations 2011, Chapter 5 - Plant and Structures (registration and inspection of high-risk plant including elevators)
State and territory lift and escalator regulations (competent person inspection requirements, registration and certification)

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