Ever been stuck in one of the UK’s 300,000 lifts?

• Following an independent safety review carried out by Zurich UK across almost 7,000 lifts, 20% were identified as having ‘defects’ which could put them out of service
• Two thirds (65%)¹ of those which were found to have ‘defects’ were due to defective back-up batteries, which automatically activate the communication system if mains power fails
• Over a fifth (21%)² of the defects related to emergency communications systems, preventing someone trapped in a lift calling for help
• Zurich Engineering and D2E Lift Consultants are calling for standard industry guidance for the reporting and correction of defects related to back up battery systems on lifts

New research from Zurich Engineering reveals that a fifth of UK lifts inspected in the last year are at risk of being ‘out of service’ if regular defined maintenance is not upheld.

Data from a sample of 7,000 lift audits carried out by the engineering team revealed that 20% of those inspected had defects. The biggest problem found in two thirds (65%) of the lifts inspected, was defective or uncharged ‘back-up batteries’. These batteries provide a backup supply should the mains power fail which prevents passengers from being left in darkness with no means of communication. Without them, passengers could be stranded for hours awaiting a lift recovery process.

Zurich Engineering currently inspects around 75,000 of the UK’s 300,000⁴ lifts (25%) every year. With lifts everywhere from train stations and hospitals to shopping centres, flats, and airports, the inspection data represents a small snapshot of a potentially much wider problem.

Almost a quarter of the faults (21%) identified centred around defective emergency communication systems, potentially leaving passengers stranded without a way to call for help if a lift breaks down.

In 2023, there were 12,500⁵ lift incidents reported where people were stuck and needed to be rescued by fire crews.

An added concern is the UK-wide planned “digital switch” of copper wire phone PSTN and ISDN networks, to a digital internet service by January 31^st, 2027⁶. The switch to a copper network, for example fibre or GSM equipment requires further back up batteries to replace the copper network - which was an externally powered system.

Dominic Dawson, Chief Engineer at Zurich Engineering, said:

“We carry out inspections across a wide portfolio of clients. The inspection of back-up batteries stands out as an area that really needs a stronger industry focus. Lift owners and duty holders need to be more aware of the maintenance being carried out and ensure they are maintained. In many cases, these problems are recorded on examination reports so duty holders should be aware.

“It’s a real possibility that someone could find themselves in a lift where the emergency communication system fails if back-up batteries have not been maintained. This risk could be mitigated if regular checks were carried out.”

Paul Burns, Design Director at D2E Lifts, said:

“As vertical transportation specialists we are challenging the industry with three recommendations: make back-up battery systems much more accessible; mandate monitoring systems or maintenance checks with the mains power isolated to identify battery failures, and automatically and safely take lifts out of service when a low charge or low battery capacity alarm has been triggered.

“It is also important to recognise that D2E are fortunate to work for responsible duty holders who have the means to fund independent audits of the maintenance provision of their portfolios. This cannot be said for all operational lifts in the UK and as such it is likely that our data underrepresents the extent of back-up batteries failures across the 300,000 lifts in the UK.”

Emma Thompson MSOE, Executive Director at Society of Operation Engineers, said:

“We are proud to support Zurich's initiative to enhance lift safety and ensure that these essential systems remain in service.

“Our involvement reflects SOE’s commitment to operational excellence and proactive safety measures in the industry.”

Notes to editors

• ¹ Based on Zurich Engineering’s lift inspection data of 4,746 examination reports for passenger lifts by 15 lift engineer surveyors, 35% reported faulty battery supplies which could put them out of service. Zurich Engineering inspects around 75,000 lifts a year and has over 400 surveyors.
• ² Based on Zurich Engineering’s lift inspection data of 4,746 examination reports for passenger lifts by 15 lift engineer surveyors. Zurich Engineering inspects around 75,000 lifts a year. 28% recorded B defects for inoperative in car communication systems
• ³ Based on Zurich Engineering’s lift inspection data of 4,746 examination reports for passenger lifts by 15 lift engineer surveyors. Zurich Engineering inspects around 75,000 lifts a year. Over a fifth (5.7%) were found to be inoperative when put into conditions of power loss, leaving users trapped outside of test conditions.

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