Lift Stuck Between Floors? What to Do Immediately and How Engineers Resolve It A lift stuck between floors is one of the most alarming lift problems people experience. Whether it happens in an office block, apartment building, hospital or shopping centre, it can cause anxiety for passengers and urgent concern for building managers. The good news is that modern lifts are designed with multiple safety systems, and a lift stopping between floors is usually a controlled safety response, not a sign of imminent danger. Knowing what to do — and what not to do — is essential. In this guide, we explain why lifts get stuck between floors, what passengers and building managers should do immediately, and how lift engineers safely resolve the situation. Why Lifts Stop Between Floors Lifts rarely stop between floors without a reason. When this happens, the system has usually detected something that could affect safe operation and has shut down as a precaution. Common causes include sudden power interruptions, door lock faults, sensor issues, or control system errors. Even something as simple as a brief voltage drop can cause the lift to stop if the system is unsure of its exact position. In colder months, wear on components combined with higher usage can also increase the likelihood of these types of stoppages. What Passengers Should Do If a Lift Is Stuck If you’re inside a lift that has stopped between floors, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Lifts are designed to hold safely in place, and there is no risk of them falling. Passengers should use the emergency alarm or intercom to contact building management or a monitoring service. Sitting or standing still inside the lift is safer than trying to move around. It’s vital not to try to force the doors open or attempt to exit the lift without professional assistance. Even if the doors appear close to a floor, opening them without control can be extremely dangerous. What Building Managers Can Do Immediately For building managers or staff, the priority is communication and safety . Confirm that help is on the way and reassure anyone inside the lift that the situation is being handled. Check whether the issue is isolated to one lift or affects multiple lifts in the building . This information can help engineers diagnose the cause more quickly when they arrive. What’s important is avoiding the temptation to reset or interfere with the lift system. Modern lifts require trained engineers to carry out safe resets and inspections. When to Call a Lift Engineer Any lift stuck between floors requires professional attention . Even if passengers have been released safely, the lift should not return to service until it has been properly inspected. Repeated incidents, slow movement, unusual noises, or door problems before the stoppage can all indicate underlying issues that need addressing. Prompt callouts help prevent repeat incidents and reduce the risk of further disruption. How Engineers Safely Resolve a Lift Stuck Between Floors When a lift engineer attends a lift stuck between floors, their first priority is passenger safety . They carefully assess the lift’s position, control system status, and safety circuits before releasing anyone inside. Once passengers are safe, the engineer will identify why the lift stopped. This may involve checking door locks, sensors, brakes, and control systems, as well as verifying that the lift knows its correct position. After repairs or resets are completed, the lift is thoroughly tested to ensure it operates correctly before being returned to service. Preventing Future Incidents Regular lift maintenance plays a major role in reducing the risk of lifts stopping between floors. Servicing helps identify worn components, electrical issues, and sensor faults before they lead to breakdowns. Buildings with planned preventative maintenance typically experience fewer emergency callouts and less disruption, particularly during busy or colder periods. Need Help With a Lift Stuck Between Floors? If your lift has stopped between floors, it’s important to use experienced professionals who understand both safety and compliance requirements. ACE Elevators Northern provides reliable lift repair and emergency support across the North of England. Their qualified engineers respond quickly to lift stoppages, safely release passengers, diagnose faults, and restore lifts to full operation with minimal disruption. If a lift in your building is stuck between floors, getting expert help quickly helps protect passengers, reduce downtime, and prevent repeat issues.

Lift Not Working After a Fire Alarm? What to Do and When to Call an Engineer  If your lift isn’t working after a fire alarm, it can be worrying and frustrating — especially if people rely on that lift every day. This situation is more common than most building owners or managers realise, and in many cases, it happens even when there’s been no real fire at all. Across the UK, lifts regularly shut down following fire alarms in offices, apartment buildings, schools, hospitals and care homes. While it can feel like something has gone wrong, this type of shutdown is usually part of the lift’s built-in safety system, not a fault in itself. In this guide, we’ll explain why lifts stop working after fire alarms, what you can safely do, and when it’s time to call a lift engineer to restore service. Why Lifts Stop Working After Fire Alarms Lifts are designed to prioritise passenger safety above everything else. When a fire alarm is triggered, the lift system receives a signal to carry out a safety response. This is required under UK regulations and is intended to prevent people from being trapped or travelling in a lift during an emergency. In most buildings, this response means the lift will travel to a designated floor, open its doors, and then shut down. In some cases, it may stop operating completely until it has been checked and reset . Even after the alarm has stopped sounding, the lift may remain out of service — and this is often where confusion starts. Why the Lift Doesn’t Restart Once the Alarm Clears One of the most common questions people ask is, “If the alarm was false, why won’t the lift just start again?” The answer lies in how lift safety systems are designed. Many lifts require a manual reset by a qualified engineer after a fire alarm event. This is to confirm that the system is safe before allowing passengers back inside. It’s not a fault — it’s a safeguard. False alarms can also play a role. These often occur due to dust, steam, condensation, or cold air, particularly in winter. Even routine fire alarm testing can cause the lift to shut down. While the alarm may be cleared quickly, the lift still treats the event as a potential risk until it has been properly checked. Power interruptions are another common cause. Fire alarms are sometimes triggered during storms or power fluctuations, and even a brief loss of power can trip lift safety circuits. When this happens, the lift won’t restart on its own. In some cases, a fire alarm can also expose an underlying issue that was already developing — such as a worn door lock, a sensor problem, or a control system fault. The lift shuts down correctly to prevent unsafe operation. What You Can Safely Do Before Calling an Engineer If the lift isn’t working after a fire alarm, there are a few sensible checks you can make without putting anyone at risk. First, confirm that the fire alarm has fully reset and that there are no ongoing alerts in the building. If you have access to building management systems, check for any fault messages related to the lift. It’s also worth seeing whether the issue affects just one lift or multiple lifts in the building. This can help identify whether the problem is localised or system-wide. What’s important is knowing what not to do. Forcing doors open, attempting to access lift panels, or trying to reset the system without proper training can be dangerous and may make the problem worse. Lifts are safety-critical systems, and improper interference can lead to injury or further shutdowns. When You Should Call a Lift Engineer If the lift remains out of service after the fire alarm has cleared, it’s time to involve a professional. This is especially important if the lift shows fault messages, doors won’t open or close properly, or the lift has stopped between floors. Repeated shutdowns following alarms are another clear sign that something needs attention. In many buildings, lifts cannot legally return to service after a fire alarm without an engineer confirming that everything is working safely and correctly. Calling an engineer promptly helps minimise disruption and ensures the lift is restored in a compliant and controlled way. How Lift Engineers Restore Lifts After Fire Alarms When a lift engineer attends a fire alarm-related shutdown, they don’t simply “switch it back on”. The process involves checking communication between the fire alarm system and the lift, resetting safety circuits correctly, and inspecting key components such as door locks and sensors. The engineer will then test the lift under normal operating conditions to make sure it responds properly before handing it back into service. This careful approach helps prevent repeat shutdowns and ensures passengers can use the lift safely. How to Reduce Future Fire Alarm Lift Shutdowns While not every shutdown can be avoided, regular lift maintenance can significantly reduce unnecessary downtime . Planned servicing helps identify components that are more likely to trigger lockouts after alarms, especially during colder months. Better coordination between fire alarm testing and lift servicing also helps. When systems are maintained together, issues are spotted earlier and resolved before they cause disruption. Need Help With a Lift Not Working After a Fire Alarm? If your lift isn’t working after a fire alarm and you need it safely back in service, professional support makes all the difference. These situations often require experience, proper testing, and a clear understanding of safety and compliance. ACE Elevators Northern provides reliable lift repair and support services across the North of England. Their engineers regularly deal with fire alarm-related shutdowns, false activations, and power-related issues, helping buildings restore lift service quickly and safely. If your lift has shut down and won’t restart, getting expert help early can reduce downtime, avoid repeat issues, and keep everyone moving safely.

If your lift doors are not opening, it can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a serious problem — especially in busy buildings such as offices, flats, care homes or schools. Door faults are one of the most common lift breakdown reasons in the UK, particularly during colder, wetter months. In this guide, we explain why lift doors stop opening, what you can safely check, and when it’s time to call a professional lift engineer. Why Lift Doors Fail to Open Lift doors are designed with multiple safety systems, so even a small issue can cause the lift to shut down as a precaution. The most common causes include: 1. Sensor or Light Curtain Problems Modern lifts use door sensors or light curtains to detect people or objects. Dirt, dust, moisture, or condensation can interfere with these sensors, making the lift think something is blocking the doors — even when nothing is there. Common signs: Doors start to open, then close again Lift won’t move once doors close Repeated door cycling 2. Cold Weather and Stiff Components In winter, cold and damp conditions can affect door rollers, tracks and lubricants. When components stiffen or seize, the lift may not be able to open the doors fully and will shut down for safety reasons. This is one of the main reasons January sees a spike in lift door callouts across the UK. 3. Door Lock or Interlock Faults Lift doors are fitted with safety locks that must engage correctly before the lift will operate. If a lock becomes worn, misaligned or damaged, the system prevents the doors from opening to avoid unsafe operation. 4. Electrical or Control Issues Power fluctuations, blown fuses or control board faults can stop door motors from responding. This is common after storms or local power interruptions. What You Can Safely Check Before Calling an Engineer: If the lift doors won’t open, there are a few safe checks you can make: Check if anything is physically blocking the doors Look for visible dirt or debris around the door edges See if a reset has already been attempted by building management Check if the issue affects all floors or just one ⚠️ Do not attempt to force the doors open or interfere with lift mechanisms. This can be dangerous and may make the fault worse. When You Should Call a Lift Engineer Immediately You should arrange a professional callout if: The lift doors won’t open at multiple floors People are trapped inside the lift The lift repeatedly shuts down The issue follows a power cut or fire alarm activation The fault keeps returning Door faults often indicate underlying wear or safety issues that require proper diagnosis and repair. How Lift Engineers Fix Door Opening Problems A qualified lift engineer will typically: Inspect and test door sensors and safety circuits Clean and realign tracks, rollers and guides Check door motors and control signals Replace worn or damaged door locks Reset and test the lift under safe operating conditions Fixing the root cause helps prevent repeat breakdowns and improves long-term reliability. Preventing Future Door Faults Regular lift maintenance is the best way to avoid door problems. Planned servicing helps to: Keep sensors clean and correctly aligned Identify worn components early Prevent cold-weather failures Reduce emergency callouts and downtime Buildings with preventative maintenance plans experience far fewer door-related breakdowns, particularly during winter. Need Help With Lift Doors Not Opening? If your lift doors are not opening and you need a reliable, professional repair, it’s important to use experienced engineers who understand both safety systems and real-world building demands. ACE Elevators Northern provides responsive lift repair and maintenance services across the North of England. Their qualified engineers diagnose door faults quickly, carry out safe, compliant repairs, and help prevent repeat issues through ongoing maintenance support. If your lift has stopped working or doors won’t open, getting expert help early can save time, money and disruption.

How Lift Service Contracts Save You Time, Money, and Stress If you’re responsible for a building with a lift, you already know how important it is to keep things running smoothly. But juggling repairs, scheduling maintenance, managing downtime, and staying compliant with UK regulations can quickly become overwhelming — especially if you’re doing it all reactively. This is where a lift service contract becomes an absolute game-changer. At ACE Elevators Northern, we’ve seen hundreds of clients across Yorkshire and Northern England switch from a “fix it when it breaks” approach to a planned maintenance contract — and the difference is always remarkable. If you’re wondering whether a service contract is worth it, here’s exactly how it saves you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. 1. You Avoid Costly Emergency Repairs Let’s be honest — emergency call-outs are expensive. When your lift breaks down unexpectedly, the costs stack up quickly: Emergency call-out fees Parts with priority shipping Downtime affecting staff, tenants, or customers Frustration and complaints from users A service contract drastically reduces these surprises because our engineers catch issues before they become serious. Most breakdowns aren’t sudden — they build up over time. Regular servicing keeps everything running smoothly and prevents those “sudden” failures that cost a fortune. 2. Your Lift Becomes More Reliable and Efficient Scheduled maintenance means your lift is checked regularly, lubricated, cleaned, tested, adjusted, and monitored by NVQ-qualified engineers who know exactly what to look for. This results in: Smoother, quieter travel Faster door operation Fewer stoppages Improved energy efficiency Extended equipment lifespan Many lifts run years longer when they’re properly maintained — saving thousands in early replacement costs. 3. You Stay Fully Compliant Without Having to Think About It UK lift regulations can feel like alphabet soup: LOLER, PUWER, BS EN 81, the Equality Act… With a service contract, you don’t have to worry about any of the following: When your next LOLER examination is due Whether your lift is safe to use If you’re meeting your legal duties as a building owner Whether your maintenance log is up to date Our team handles everything for you, including scheduling, reminders, and documentation. You stay compliant automatically — and avoid fines, insurance issues, or liability risks. 4. You Get Priority Response When You Need It Most Even with excellent maintenance, no lift is immune to occasional faults. But the difference between having a contract and not having one is huge. Contract clients receive: Priority call-out response Faster repairs Engineers who already know the lift’s history Reduced downtime Better access to parts In a busy building — especially care homes, schools, apartment blocks, or commercial sites — that level of priority makes a massive difference. 5. You Can Budget More Easily for the Year Ahead Instead of unpredictable repair bills, service contracts give you clear, consistent pricing. No surprises. No sudden expenses. No financial shocks. This makes it much easier to manage costs, allocate budgets, and plan ahead. If you’re responsible for facilities, this alone brings huge peace of mind. 6. Your Building Users Have a Better Experience When lifts work smoothly, people barely notice them. But when they break down… everyone notices. A service contract helps you: Reduce complaints Improve accessibility Maintain a positive reputation Provide a better environment for tenants and visitors For many buildings — particularly those with disabled or elderly residents — reliability is essential, not optional. Ready to Make Lift Maintenance Simple? Whether you run a care home, a school, an office building, an apartment block, or a retail site, having a lift service contract is one of the smartest decisions you can make. ACE Elevators Northern provides reliable, transparent, and cost-effective service contracts across Yorkshire and the North of England. Call us today on 01535 600 688 or Request Your Tailored Service Contract Quote Let’s keep your lift — and your building — running smoothly, safely, and stress-free.

New Lift Installation vs Modernisation: Which Is the Smarter Choice for Your Building? When your lift starts slowing down, breaking down, or causing frustration for tenants, a big question comes up: “Should we install a brand-new lift, or is modernisation enough?” It's a decision almost every building owner or facilities manager faces eventually — and the right answer depends on your lift’s condition, age, usage, and future plans for the building. At ACE Elevators Northern, we help clients across Yorkshire and Northern England make this choice every week. So let’s walk through the differences, the costs, and how to know which option makes the most sense for you. When Modernisation Is the Better Choice In many cases, your lift doesn’t need to be replaced. Modernisation upgrades the major components while keeping the existing structure — giving you a “new” lift without the full installation cost. Modernisation is usually the smarter option if: Your lift is mechanically sound but outdated - Older control panels, motors, or door operators can make a lift unreliable long before the structure wears out. You want better energy efficiency - Upgrading to modern motors, LED lighting, and regenerative drives can cut energy use by up to 70%. The ride is rough, noisy, or slow - New control systems can completely transform the ride quality — smoother, quieter, and more responsive. You need to improve safety or compliance - LOLER recommendations, BS EN 81 safety upgrades, and accessibility improvements can all be addressed through modernisation. Modernisation is more affordable than a full installation, and downtime is usually shorter. Most buildings see dramatic improvements from targeted upgrades — and many lifts gain another 10–15 years of reliable operation. When Installing a Brand-New Lift Makes More Sense There are times, however, when installing a new lift is the only option that truly makes financial or operational sense. A new lift is often the right choice if: Your lift is over 25–30 years old - At this age, parts become harder to source and overall reliability drops significantly. Breakdowns are becoming frequent - If repair costs are piling up each year, a new system may be more cost-effective long term. Your lift is no longer compliant with modern safety standards - Some older lifts cannot meet BS EN 81 standards without extensive work — making replacement more practical. You need higher capacity or faster travel - A new installation allows for bigger cabins, faster speeds, and modern accessibility layouts. The building is being refurbished or extended - If you're making major changes, it’s the perfect time to install a new lift designed around your updated building. While a new lift is a bigger investment, it delivers decades of reliability, better performance, and lower running costs. Cost Comparison: Modernisation vs New Installation Costs vary depending on lift type, floors served, and building structure — but here’s a general guide: Modernisation: More cost-effective Reduced downtime Lower energy use Extends the life of the existing lift Ideal for improving reliability and compliance New Lift Installation Higher initial investment Highest performance and energy efficiency Provides a modern cabin and updated design Future-proof for 20–30 years Essential if your lift is beyond economical repair Most property owners are surprised by how cost-effective modernisation can be, especially when compared with ongoing repair bills. How to Decide: A Simple Rule of Thumb At ACE Elevators Northern, we often give clients this simple guideline: If your lift is under 20–25 years old and structurally sound → modernise it. If it’s over 25 years old, unreliable, or failing major components → consider a new installation. Of course, every lift is different — which is why a professional survey is essential. What ACE Elevators Northern Recommends We offer both modernisation and full installation services — so our advice is always based on what’s genuinely best for you. During a survey, we assess: The age and condition of your lift Breakdown history Safety compliance Energy efficiency Parts availability Your building’s layout and usage Budget and future plans Then we give you clear, honest recommendations — no pressure, no upselling, just expert guidance from engineers with more than 30 years of experience. Ready to Find Out Which Option Is Right for You? If your lift is causing problems — or you’re planning a refurbishment — now is the perfect time to explore your options. Whether it’s modernisation or a complete replacement, we’ll make sure you get the best value, performance, and long-term reliability. Call ACE Elevators Northern on 01535 600 688 or Request a Free Lift Assessment Let’s find the smartest solution for your building.

With rising energy costs and growing sustainability goals, more building owners are asking the same question: “How can we make our lifts more energy-efficient?” At ACE Elevators Northern, we’ve seen a major shift over the last few years. Businesses, schools, care homes, and residential blocks across Yorkshire and Northern England are modernising their lift systems — not just for reliability and safety, but to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Here’s how the new generation of energy-efficient lifts is transforming modern buildings — and how you can benefit from upgrading yours. Why Energy Efficiency Matters More Than Ever Energy prices have soared, and with lifts often operating hundreds of times a day, inefficiency adds up quickly. An older lift system can account for up to 10% of a building’s total electricity use. For high-traffic buildings, that’s th ousands of pounds wasted every year. Modern, energy-efficient lifts use smarter control systems, lighter materials, and regenerative drives that recover and reuse power — reducing energy use by as much as 50–70% compared to outdated models. It’s a win- win for your budget and for the environment. What Makes a Lift “Energy-Efficient”? There’s more to it than just using less power. Modern lifts are designed to optimise every movement, from how they accelerate to how they stop. Here are some of the key features that make the difference: 1. Regenerative Drive Technology Instead of wasting energy as heat during braking, regenerative drives convert it back into reusable electricity. This power can then feed into your building’s grid, cutting overall consumption. 2. LED Lighting and Smart Controls Energy-saving LED lights and automatic switch-off features reduce power when the lift isn’t in use. Many systems even adjust lighting and ventilation depending on passenger load. 3. Efficient Traction Motors New-generation motors are smaller, lighter, and use permanent magnet technology — offering smoother rides with lower running costs. 4. Standby and Sleep Modes When idle, energy-efficient lifts automatically power down non-essential systems, reducing standby energy use by up to 80%. 5. Lighter, Sustainable Materials Modern lifts are built using recyclable components and eco-friendly finishes, reducing both weight and environme ntal impact. The Financial Benefits of Modernising Your Lift Switching to an energy-efficient lift system isn’t just good for sustainability — it’s smart business. You’ll benefit from: Lower electricity bills Reduced maintenance costs (fewer mechanical components = fewer breakdowns) Improved reliability Longer service life Better building performance ratings (helpful for ESG goals and tenant appeal) In many cases, modernisation pays for itself within a few years through energy savings alone. Upgrading vs. Replacing: What’s Best for You? The good news is, you don’t always need a brand-new lift to enjoy the benefits of modern efficiency. At ACE El evators Northern, we can retrofit your existing system with: New controllers and drive units LED lighting and control panels Upgraded door operators and motors Modern safety and monitoring systems These targeted upgrades bring your lift up to current standards, without the cost or downtime of a full repla cement. Why Work with ACE Elevators Northern We’ve been helping businesses and property owners modernise lifts across Yorkshire and Northern England for over 30 years. Our NVQ-qualified, CHAS-accredited engineers are experts in energy-efficient lift technology and retrofitting solutions. We handle everything — from initial site surveys and system design to installation, servicing, and ongoing maintenance. Our goal is simple: to keep your lift reliable, compliant, and as energy-efficient as possible. Ready to Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Lift? If your lift is more than 10 years old, it’s likely wasting energy every single day. Modernising now could save you money, improve performance, and help your building meet sustainability targets. Call 01535 600 688 or Request a Free Modernisation Quote Let ACE Elevators Northern help you take the next step toward a cleaner, greener, and more efficient building.

If your building has a passenger lift, you’re legally responsible for keeping it safe, compliant, and fully maintained. But understanding the regulations — LOLER, PUWER, building standards, and ongoing maintenance requirements — can quickly become overwhelming. At ACE Elevators Northern, we work with businesses, care homes, schools, housing providers, and commercial landlords across Yorkshire and Northern England, helping them stay compliant with all UK lift legislation. Whether you’re new to lift ownership or just want reassurance that everything is up to standard, this guide breaks down the key regulations in clear, simple language. Why Passenger Lift Regulations Exist Passenger lifts carry people every day — often dozens or even hundreds of times. With such frequent use, the law requires strict safety standards to protect: Lift users Your staff Vulnerable passengers (such as elderly or disabled individuals) The building owner or employer (that’s you) Lift regulations aren’t just red tape. They exist to prevent accidents, mechanical failures, and costly downtime. LOLER: The Most Important Regulation You Need to Know The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is the primary law governing passenger lifts in the UK. Here’s what LOLER requires: 1. Thorough Examination by a “Competent Person” A passenger lift must be examined every 6 months by a qualified professional. This is separate from regular maintenance — it’s a legally required safety inspection. 2. A Written Report of the Examination The examiner must provide a full report detailing: Any defects Actions needed to fix them Timescales for repairs Whether the lift is safe to use 3. Immediate Action for Safety-Critical Issues If a serious defect is found, you must take action immediately — sometimes meaning taking the lift out of service. 4. Proper Record-Keeping You must keep LOLER reports and inspection records available for authorities or insurers. Failing to comply with LOLER can lead to fines, liability, insurance problems, or worse — accidents that put lives at risk. PUWER: Your Responsibility as a Building Owner or Employer The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) requires lifts to be: Safe to use Properly maintained Inspected regularly Operated by trained individuals Even though lifts are mostly automatic, you still have duties under PUWER to ensure the equipment is kept in a safe condition. Regular maintenance from a qualified lift company — such as ACE Elevators Northern — helps you meet this requirement. Do You Need Both LOLER and Maintenance? Yes — They Are Not the Same A common misconception is that a LOLER examination replaces maintenance. It doesn’t. You must have both: LOLER → legal safety inspection every 6 months Maintenance → routine servicing to keep the lift in safe working order Think of LOLER as a “MOT test” and maintenance as the regular care that keeps everything running smoothly. ACE Elevators Northern offers fully tailored maintenance contracts to make this simple and cost-effective for your building. Other Regulations You Should Be Aware Of 1. The Equality Act 2010 If your building is open to the public, you must make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled users — which often includes ensuring lifts are: Accessible Reliable Appropriately sized This is especially important for schools, offices, shops, care homes, and public-facing businesses. 2. BS EN 81 Standards These British Standards cover the technical and safety requirements for lift design, installation, and operation. If your lift is old, it may no longer meet modern safety standards — meaning a modernisation could be recommended. 3. Health and Safety at Work Act As an employer or building owner, you are responsible for ensuring safe access throughout your building — including lifts. Common Compliance Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) Skipping routine maintenance and relying only on LOLER Delaying repairs after a failed examination Using non-qualified contractors Not keeping proper service records Ignoring accessibility requirements Allowing lifts to operate while faulty All of these put you at risk — legally, financially, and reputationally. A professional service contract takes the pressure off you and keeps everything up to date. How ACE Elevators Northern Keeps You Fully Compliant With more than 30 years’ experience, our engineers provide: LOLER support and preparation Regular maintenance Rapid repairs Modernisation to BS EN 81 standards Service contracts tailored to your building DBS-checked engineers for schools and care environments CHAS-accredited safety assurance We help you meet every legal requirement — without stress or confusion. Need Help Understanding Your Obligations? We’ve Got You. If you’re unsure whether your lift is compliant, or you simply want peace of mind, we can help. ACE Elevators Northern works across Yorkshire and the North of England, supporting businesses, landlords, and organisations of all sizes. Call us on 01535 600 688

Accessibility isn’t a luxury — it’s a legal and moral necessity. Whether you manage an office, a care home, a school, or a public building, ensuring that everyone can move freely and safely is part of your responsibility as an owner or manager. As we move into 2025, building regulations and equality standards continue to emphasise the importance of accessibility. And one of the best ways to achieve that is with a platform lift. But how do you know which type is right for your space? That’s where ACE Elevators Northern comes in. Why Platform Lifts Are So Important A platform lift is a simple yet powerful solution for overcoming short vertical barriers — like a few steps at an entrance, a split-level floor, or a stage area. Unlike full passenger lifts, platform lifts are compact, energy-efficient, and cost-effective, making them ideal for retrofitting into existing buildings where space or budget is limited. They’re also key to meeting the Equality Act 2010, which requires reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility for everyone — including wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. So, if your building doesn’t yet have full step-free access, now’s the time to change that. Understanding the Different Types of Platform Lifts Not all platform lifts are created equal. The right choice depends on your building’s layout, usage, and aesthetic. Let’s break it down in plain English. Vertical Platform Lifts These operate much like a small passenger lift, travelling vertically between floors — usually up to 12 metres. They’re perfect for multi-storey buildings or mezzanine areas and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Inclined Platform Lifts If your building has a staircase but limited room for a vertical shaft, an inclined lift travels along the line of the stairs. They’re especially popular in schools, listed buildings, or heritage sites where major structural work isn’t possible. Step or Low-Rise Lifts These compact units handle small height differences — up to around a metre — and are ideal for shops, entrances, or public counters where a ramp isn’t suitable. At ACE Elevators Northern, we install and maintain all of these types across Yorkshire and the North of England, tailoring each system to the site and the people using it. Key Things to Consider Before Installation When choosing your platform lift, there are a few important factors to think about: Space and layout – Do you have enough room for a vertical lift, or would an inclined option fit better? Users – Will it be used mainly by wheelchair users, or for general mobility access? Aesthetics – Modern lifts can blend seamlessly into your décor with glass panels or custom finishes. Safety and compliance – Make sure your lift meets Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and BS EN 81-41 standards. Maintenance and service – Regular checks keep your lift safe, smooth, and compliant long term. An experienced installer (like ACE) can help you evaluate all of this before making a decision — so you end up with a lift that’s compliant, reliable, and perfectly suited to your space. Future-Proofing Your Building for 2025 and Beyond Accessibility standards aren’t standing still. Local councils and regulatory bodies are putting more emphasis than ever on inclusive building design, particularly in public spaces, educational environments, and housing developments. By investing in a platform lift now, you’re not only ensuring compliance — you’re future-proofing your building and making it welcoming to everyone. Plus, with modern energy-efficient drive systems and smart controls, today’s lifts are quieter, cheaper to run, and easier to maintain than ever before. How ACE Elevators Northern Can Help We’ve been installing and maintaining platform lifts and mobility access solutions across Yorkshire and Northern England for over 30 years. Our friendly, qualified engineers handle everything — from initial survey and design, to installation, maintenance, and ongoing support. We work with all types of buildings, including: Care homes and schools Commercial and office spaces Residential properties Heritage and listed buildings And because every lift is different, we’ll always provide a bespoke solution that fits your budget, layout, and compliance needs. Ready to Improve Accessibility? Let’s Get Started If you’re unsure which platform lift is right for your building, we’re here to help. Our team at ACE Elevators Northern can assess your site, explain your options, and recommend the most practical, compliant solution. Call 01535 600 688 or Request a Free Quote Let’s make your building accessible, compliant, and welcoming to everyone in 2025 — and for many years to come.

When a lift seems to be working fine, it’s easy to push maintenance down the to-do list. After all, if it isn’t broken, why fix it — right? Unfortunately, that’s one of the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes building owners and managers make. At ACE Elevators Northern, we’ve seen first-hand how skipping routine maintenance leads to breakdowns, costly repairs, and even safety issues that could have been avoided with a quick service. Let’s talk about the real cost of neglecting lift maintenance — and why regular servicing is one of the smartest investments you can make for your building. 1. Breakdowns Don’t Just Happen — They Build Up A lift rarely fails out of the blue. Most breakdowns are the result of small issues that go unnoticed and untreated: worn cables, dirty sensors, minor electrical faults. Over time, those little things add up. What starts as a slight shudder or delay between floors can quickly become a full-scale failure — leaving tenants stranded and you with a hefty repair bill. Regular servicing from NVQ-qualified engineers means those minor problems are caught early, before they turn into emergencies. 2. The Hidden Financial Impact Neglecting maintenance doesn’t just risk safety — it drains your budget in sneaky ways: Emergency call-outs cost significantly more than scheduled services. Downtime interrupts daily operations, frustrating tenants and staff. Replacement parts for older systems can be expensive or difficult to source. Energy consumption increases as components wear down, making your lift less efficient. In many cases, we’ve seen businesses spend more on reactive repairs in one year than they would on three years of planned maintenance. 3. Safety and Legal Responsibility Under UK law — including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) — building owners are responsible for ensuring their lifts are safe to use. That means arranging thorough examinations by a competent person at regular intervals (every 6 months for passenger lifts, 12 months for goods lifts), alongside proper servicing. If a lift fails due to neglect and someone is injured, the legal and financial consequences can be severe — from fines and liability claims to reputational damage that lasts for years. Regular maintenance isn’t just best practice; it’s a legal duty. 4. Downtime Hurts More Than You Think A lift breakdown doesn’t just cause inconvenience — it can shut down essential access. For example: In a care home, it can isolate residents. In a school, it can disrupt accessibility compliance. In a commercial building, it can slow productivity and frustrate clients. Every hour your lift is out of action affects your tenants, your reputation, and sometimes even your legal standing under accessibility laws. A proactive maintenance schedule helps ensure your lift works when it’s needed most. 5. Regular Servicing Extends Your Lift’s Life Like any piece of machinery, a well-maintained lift lasts longer and performs better. Routine servicing can easily add five to ten years to your lift’s lifespan. It also makes it easier to plan for upgrades — for instance, scheduling lift modernisation at the right time rather than waiting for an unexpected failure. At ACE Elevators Northern, our service contracts are designed to keep your equipment performing at its best while giving you full visibility of what’s been checked, repaired, and recommended for the future. 6. Peace of Mind Is Priceless When your lift is on a proper maintenance schedule, you don’t have to worry every time it makes a sound or moves a bit slower than usual. You’ll know it’s being looked after by qualified professionals who understand your system and your building. Our clients across Yorkshire and the North of England often tell us that the best part of having a service contract isn’t just fewer breakdowns — it’s the confidence that everything’s compliant and running safely. The Smarter Way to Stay Ahead: If you can’t remember when your lift was last serviced, it’s probably overdue. A quick inspection today could save you thousands down the line. At ACE Elevators Northern, we provide tailored Lift Service Contracts that keep your system safe, efficient, and compliant — without unnecessary cost. Call us on 01535 600 688 or Request a Quick Quote today to arrange your next service. Let’s keep your lifts — and your business — moving smoothly.