In an urban setting, elevators have become an indispensable part of our lives. From shopping complexes to residential homes, they are no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, given their frequent usage, safety is of paramount importance. Government authorities have established specific safety protocols that building management agencies and elevator companies must adhere to, both during installation and afterward.
With some building owners opting for local maintenance companies for elevator repair and maintenance, instead of delegating the work to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), there is a concern about the potential long-term adverse impact on elevator functionality and passenger safety. To ensure the well-being of passengers, elevator companies should take the initiative and launch an awareness campaign that highlights the importance of selecting after-sales service from OEMs. This proactive approach will promote safety and ensure proper maintenance of elevators.
OEMs can contribute to improving the lifeline of elevators with their expertise and knowledge.
OEMs possess extensive knowledge of their elevator systems as they handle every aspect from manufacturing and design to installation. Moreover, they offer proper maintenance and repair services for the elevators that they install. Consequently, the OEMs bear the responsibility for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the lifts.
The quality of the elevator system is directly linked to the OEM’s expertise. Reputable OEMs take great care to ensure that their elevator systems comply with all safety regulations and standards, while also providing necessary support throughout the elevator system’s lifespan. Legitimate OEMs employ high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient elevator systems. They maintain a team of experienced specialists who thoroughly grasp the complexities of lift systems, ensuring compliance with all safety requirements and standards.
As leading players in the industry, we strongly urge developers, building management agencies, and building owners to prioritize the safety of their passengers and the overall health of elevators by opting for maintenance services from OEMs.
Sebi Joseph - President, Otis India
By choosing a reputable OEM, building owners, and facility managers can rest assured that their elevator system will be in capable hands.
By providing consistent maintenance and repair services, OEMs play a vital role in ensuring that the lift system continues to operate safely and efficiently throughout its entire lifespan.
Elevator OEMs believe in strict adherence to compliances and regulations.
To maintain the safety of passengers, elevator companies must adhere to specific standards and regulations imposed by government authorities and regulatory bodies. OEMs possess expertise in these compliances, ensuring their expert professionals are well-versed in them. Some crucial compliances that they must follow include:
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) establishes safety standards for elevators and escalators, obligating OEMs to comply with these standards to ensure the safety and reliability of their equipment.
- The Lifts, Escalators, and Moving Walkways (LEMs) Act, enacted in 2016, regulates the installation and maintenance of lifts, escalators, and moving walkways in India. OEMs must adhere to this act to ensure that their equipment meets the necessary safety standards.
- The National Building Code (NBC) requires that OEMs comply with the guidelines for building design, construction, and maintenance. This ensures equipment is installed safely and reliably in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
- Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations apply to workplaces in the United States, many OEMs follow their guidelines to meet international safety standards, even though OSHA itself does not directly govern in India.
Third-party parts lack the rigorous testing for quality and reliability that OEM-approved parts undergo.
When it comes to repair and maintenance, the decision to replace a part holds significant importance. While some may consider contacting local vendors and substituting original parts with alternatives, this seemingly small choice can have a massive impact on a machine’s uptime. It is essential to acknowledge that third-party parts lack the rigorous testing for quality and reliability that OEM-approved parts undergo. Consequently, these parts may have unknown fit and compatibility issues with certain elevators, leading to potential complications and safety risks.
By looking at short-term solutions and choosing parts with uncertain durability, there might be potential implications for the overall performance and safety of the elevator. To mitigate any associated risks, it is strongly advised to opt for original spare parts approved by the OEMs. This approach ensures reliability and enhances the long-term functionality and safety of an elevator.
Elevator companies should take the initiative to launch an awareness campaign that highlights the importance of after-sales services by OEMs.
OEM-approved parts come with a brand promise that ensures you get the right part every time, from the very first installation to subsequent repairs. These parts undergo comprehensive cycle tests, evaluating their reliability, durability, and stability over time. The parts shipped to customers are the exact same ones used on the assembly line – meticulously fitted, tested, and precisely matched to the specific elevator model. Therefore, the use of authentic parts during installation, maintenance, and repairs is of utmost importance to guarantee the safe operation of elevators, ensuring optimal performance and passenger safety.
