Start with five things.
Take them one at a time.
Your first job is to get a clear picture of the lift, the people looking after it and any work that needs attention. This pathway will help you get organised.
Start with the records below. For anything missing, write down who will find it and when. Use the handover checklist to keep track.
Dealing with a problem right now? If someone is trapped or in immediate danger, follow the building’s emergency arrangements; contact emergency services for immediate danger or a medical emergency. Do not attempt a rescue. Read the breakdown guide. Act on any instruction to stop using the lift immediately.
Get these five things together
Identify the lift
Write down the building, lift reference and location. Use the existing records; you do not need to enter machinery spaces.
If you do not have it: Ask the outgoing manager or maintenance contractor to confirm the equipment details.
Identify your equipmentFind the latest examination report
Match it to the lift. Read the findings, any restrictions on use, repair deadlines and the next examination date.
If you do not have it: Ask the examination provider or outgoing manager for the full report. If you cannot establish the current status, raise it with the responsible manager and competent provider promptly.
Understand the reportFind the maintenance agreement
Check the provider, planned visit programme, breakdown cover and renewal terms. Collect the latest service record too.
If you do not have it: Request the signed agreement and visit history. Ask the owner or managing organisation who currently arranges the service.
Check the agreementConfirm who to call
Find the daytime and out-of-hours response numbers, alarm arrangements and building contact. Record who can approve urgent work.
If you do not have it: Ask the owner or managing organisation to confirm the emergency arrangements now. Do not leave the next person to discover the gap during a breakdown.
Map your contactsMake one list of open actions
Bring together defects, missing records and promised work. Give each item an owner, a due date and a place to save completion evidence.
If you do not have it: Ask the outgoing manager and providers what is still open. Mark unknowns as “to confirm” and name someone to chase them.
Plan dates and follow-ups
Three short guides. A clearer plan.
Read them in order, or choose the question you need answered today.
What you should have at the end
A contact list, the latest report, a service agreement and an action list with owners and dates. Gathering these records helps you manage the lift; it does not certify its safety.