Lifts, escalators and moving walkways

Lifts, escalators and moving walkways are used in many locations across NSW. These however can contribute to serious injury if not maintained.

People with management or control of lifts, escalators and moving walkways have duties to ensure they operate safety and are regularly inspected and maintained.

Must dos

There are specific laws about working with plant. Here we summarise those laws for people in control of lifts, escalators and moving walkways and give you some practical tips.

Manage the risks

You must manage the risks associated with lifts, escalators and moving walkways.

For lifts, the risks include:

  • uncontrolled movement 
  • lift doors closing on people
  • people trying to exit a lift that has malfunctioned
  • insufficient communication systems
  • unsecured lift during maintenance
  • mechanical failure
  • damage to the lift or its function.

For escalators and moving walkways, risks include:

  • people transporting items such as trolleys and prams
  • fall hazards upon entry and exit
  • people getting caught in moving parts
  • mechanical failure
  • damage to the escalator and moving walkway or its function.

Registration and records

Lifts, escalators and moving walkways are plant items that must be registered with SafeWork NSW. Learn about how to register items of plant.

Records must be kept of all inspection and maintenance undertaken.

Lift emergency communication systems

Every lift must have an emergency communication system to enable assistance in the event that passengers are trapped.

Information is available regarding the potential risks to health and safety when migrating emergency telecommunication systems to the nbn network.

Maintenance

If you have lifts at your workplace make sure you put barriers across the lift opening when it's being worked on, install secure platforms on which to work and ensure the worker is protected from falling objects.

All lifts must have a safe entry and exit at the base of the lift-well and a sign in the lift, to indicate its safe working load.

What you can do

Lifts

  • Conduct regular inspections
  • If a lift malfunctions, the lift service company should be called to assist anyone trapped
  • The lift must be put out of service by the service company or building management until it is repaired
  • Never exceed the lift capacity stated inside the lift.

Escalators and moving walkways

  • Conduct regular inspections
  • If an escalator or moving walkway malfunctions, this must be put out of service and appropriately isolated by the service company or building management until it is repaired
  • Must have appropriate guarding of moving parts
  • Provide sufficient lighting on landings
  • Ensure adequate signage about correct use.

More information

Back to top