If your church has any type of lift—whether for goods, people, or even a simple dumb waiter—you may not realise the full extent of your legal responsibilities. Ensuring your lift is safe to use involves two separate processes: servicing and maintenance and a thorough examination by a competent person. Here’s what you need to know:
What counts as a lift?
Lifts come in various forms, including:
- Goods lifts (e.g., dumb waiters)
- Platform lifts for wheelchair access
- Passenger lifts between floors
- Hoists, vehicle tail lifts, and chairlifts
If your church uses any of these, you are legally required to:
- Service and maintain them regularly (every 12 months for goods lifts and every 6 months for passenger lifts).
- Arrange a separate, thorough examination at the same intervals.
What is the difference between ‘maintenance’ and a ‘thorough examination’?
- Maintenance ensures the lift continues to operate safely day-to-day.
- Thorough examination (as required by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) involves a competent person assessing the lift’s safety and determining any additional checks or repairs needed.
These checks must be carried out by different individuals or companies, to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Why does this matter?
Churches are encouraged to put in place both regular maintenance contracts and to engage a competent person to carry out the thorough inspection as soon as possible as failing to comply can:
- Put users of your building at risk
- Invalidate your insurance policy
- Lead to legal consequences for your church.
What should you do next?
- Set up a maintenance contract to ensure regular servicing
- Engage a competent person for thorough examinations
- Review the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on lift safety here.
Taking these steps not only ensures compliance but also protects everyone using your facilities.
Further reading:
Thorough examination and testing of lifts: Simple guidance for lift owners INDG339
Lift Inspections for Churches – Edwards Insurance Brokers
For more information and further advice please contact:
Jonny Heaney, Architect
T: 01536 647162, E: jo**********@**************rg.uk
