Product Overview

This Elevator Maintenance Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed safety management document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for all stages of elevator and escalator work. It provides comprehensive coverage of installation, servicing, inspection, testing, repair, and removal activities to support WHS compliance and the safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Adjustment and testing of elevator speed controls to maintain safe and compliant operating parameters
• Cleaning and housekeeping within the elevator pit, including managing access, lighting, and confined-space style risks
• Safe climbing to and movement on top of the elevator cabin, including fall prevention, lock-out and communication procedures
• Managing unexpected or uncontrolled elevator movement through isolation, lock-out/tag-out and emergency stop systems
• Routine and breakdown escalator maintenance, including step, handrail, comb plate and drive system inspections
• Repair, adjustment and replacement of elevator doors, door operators, interlocks and safety edge devices
• Inspection and maintenance of elevator pulley systems, sheaves and associated drive components
• Inspection of lift systems where present, including control panels, safety circuits and emergency communication equipment
• Assessment of traction on the sheave, including rope condition, alignment and tension checks
• Installation, commissioning and repair of elevators and escalators as part of construction, upgrade or refurbishment works
• Cleaning and maintenance within lift shafts, including dust, debris and dropped-object controls
• Planning and conducting elevator load tests, including barricading, exclusion zones and lifting equipment controls
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) of lifts, including rope, weld and structural component inspections
• Safe removal and decommissioning of existing elevators, including structural support, rigging and disposal considerations
• Replacement and testing of buffer springs and other safety arrest devices in pits and shaft bottoms
• Electrical isolation, testing for dead and verification of safe approach distances for elevator and escalator systems
• Manual handling and use of lifting aids for heavy components such as motors, gearboxes, doors and guide rails

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for elevator and escalator technicians, lift installation contractors, building maintenance teams, electrical contractors, and site supervisors responsible for managing lift and escalator works on Australian sites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance for working at height on lift cars, in shafts and on platforms
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for elevators, escalators and associated plant
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Applied where elevator pits or shafts meet the definition of a confined space
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying and handling heavy lift components
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and control
• AS 1735 Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks (series): Technical and safety requirements for lift and escalator systems
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Electrical safety requirements for lift and escalator installations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017