Platform Lift Maintenance Checklist
Keep accessibility platform lifts safe and available — control and safety-edge checks, door/gate and drive inspection, alarm testing, and LOLER examination compliance.
What is a platform lift maintenance checklist?
A platform lift maintenance checklist is a structured list of the 10 preventive maintenance tasks — covering visual, functional, safety and record-keeping checks — that keep a platform lift running safely and reliably. It groups routine checks by frequency, from daily inspections to annual servicing, so FM teams and building engineers can plan and evidence preventive maintenance.
Core platform lift checks
- Inspect the platform, guides, and structure for wear and damage
- Test platform controls (hold-to-run / call) and emergency stop
- Check safety edges, sensors, and under-platform protection operate
- Confirm LOLER examination is current and record service findings
What is a platform lift?
A platform lift (or accessibility lift) provides step-free access over a short rise for wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties, in places where a passenger lift is impractical. Types include vertical platform lifts and inclined platform lifts on stairways. They run at low speed with hold-to-run or call controls, safety edges and sensors, and gates or half-height doors. As an accessibility provision they are important for equality and inclusion, and as lifting equipment they fall under LOLER. Maintenance keeps them safe and — crucially for the users who depend on them — reliably available.
This checklist is one of 4 in our lift maintenance checklists, covering passenger, goods and platform lifts and escalators — LOLER thorough examination, entrapment release and door safety.
Typical Platform Lift maintenance checklist
A practical starting point for planned preventive maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's O&M manual and site-specific requirements.
Visual Checks
- Inspect the platform, guides, and structure for wear and damage
- Confirm accessibility provision (call points, controls reachable)
Functional Checks
- Test platform controls (hold-to-run / call) and emergency stop
- Verify gates / half-height doors and their interlocks
- Confirm the drive (screw, hydraulic, or chain) operates smoothly
- Check levelling and safe access at top and bottom landings
Safety Checks
- Check safety edges, sensors, and under-platform protection operate
- Test the emergency alarm and lowering/rescue facility
- Verify the battery backup / controlled lowering on power loss
Record Keeping
- Confirm LOLER examination is current and record service findings
Download the free Platform Lift maintenance checklist PDF
Get all 10 tasks as a printable PDF — free, no signup needed. Keep a copy in the plant room, attach it to work orders, or share it with your maintenance contractor.
Typical maintenance frequency
Suggested intervals for platform lift maintenance. Actual frequencies should follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
Quarterly
- •Routine service
- •Controls, safety edges, and alarm checks
- •Lubrication and adjustment
Every 6 Months
- •LOLER thorough examination
- •Drive and safety-device checks
- •Close any defects
Annually
- •Detailed service and structural inspection
- •Battery/controlled-lowering test
- •Accessibility and levelling verification
Common faults and issues
Issues to be aware of when maintaining platform lift equipment.
Safety and compliance notes
Key safety considerations for platform lift maintenance. This is general guidance only — always follow OEM instructions, statutory requirements, and your organisation's safe systems of work.
Reference standards and frameworks
- United Kingdom
- LOLER 1998 statutory examinations and the BS EN 81 series
- North America
- ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 (safety code for elevators and escalators)
Frameworks commonly referenced when planning platform lift maintenance programmes. Always confirm the requirements that apply to your site and jurisdiction.
Managing Platform Lift documentation with PM Assist
PM Assist helps FM and building operations teams search their O&M manuals and building drawings in seconds. Upload your platform lift documentation and ask questions like “When is the next LOLER examination due?” or “What rise does the platform lift serve?” — and get source-cited answers instantly.
See PM Assist answer questions about a real platform lift manual — try the live demo, no signup needed.
Take this checklist with you
Download the branded PDF, generate a custom version for your asset, or run AI search across all your building documentation.
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Further reading on platform lift maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Do platform lifts need a LOLER examination?
How often should a platform lift be serviced?
What is the difference between a platform lift and a passenger lift?
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