Lift Machine Brake Repairs: Plan for Asbestos-Trained Engineers Before You Book the Job

A brake repair is booked on an older lift machine. The date is set and the customer has been told. Then it turns out the brake components need handling by someone trained to work with asbestos-containing materials. The job stalls while that is arranged, and the lift stays out of service longer than anyone planned.

Why brake work on older machines needs a second look

Brakes are a safety-critical part of a lift machine, and brake materials on older machines may contain asbestos. Whether a particular machine does is something to establish, not assume, and the answer changes who can carry out the work and how it is planned.

Questions to settle before the job is booked

• What is the age and make of the machine, and what is known about its brake materials?
• Who is trained and competent to do the work if asbestos-containing material is present?
• Is any survey or other information available from the building owner?
• What is the plan if the material turns out to be different from what was expected?
• Do the risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) reflect all of this before the engineers arrive?

Build the answer into the quote request

Raising these points at the enquiry stage lets a repair partner plan people, equipment and documentation, and lets you give your own customer a realistic timeline. Sharing machine details, photos and any available information with the first enquiry makes that easier.

EES Vertical Transportation is part of EES Group Holdings. Trade enquiries only.