In Singapore’s dense urban landscape, lifts and escalators are lifelines. From high-rise residences to hospitals, shopping malls, factories, and offices, vertical transportation keeps people moving safely and efficiently. But as systems age, the risks of wear and tear, material fatigue, and unplanned service interruptions rise significantly.
For property owners, MCSTs, and facility managers, the stakes are high: safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, financial planning, and user trust all hinge on proper maintenance and auditing.
This is where independent lift and escalator audits become essential. They provide an unbiased evaluation of system performance, safety, and long-term reliability, helping stakeholders make informed decisions on maintenance, modernisation, or replacement. With rising user expectations and tighter regulatory requirements, proactive audits are no longer optional; they’re part of responsible property management.
The Evolving Regulatory Landscape
Over the past decade, BCA has introduced stricter measures to raise lift and escalator safety standards across Singapore. New safety features, including unintended car movement protection, double brake systems, and ascending overspeed protection, are now required in modernised lifts.
BCA has also placed greater emphasis on Maintenance Control Plans (MCPs). With these growing expectations, property managers need unbiased assessments beyond what maintenance contractors provide. These measures are designed to protect users, enhance public confidence, and ensure Singapore’s infrastructure keeps pace with rising safety needs.
Why Independent Audits Matter
Routine servicing addresses immediate operational needs but may not provide the full picture of a lift or escalator’s health. Independent audits fill this gap by:
- Identifying hidden risks and components nearing failure
- Measuring performance against safety standards
- Recommending timely modernisations or replacements
- Providing unbiased reports for budgeting and planning
As we explained in our earlier article on why lift and escalator checks are more than just a formality, annual statutory inspections alone are not enough. For systems past 15 years, audits reveal risks and provide modernisation roadmaps, allowing property owners and MCSTs to plan upgrades systematically rather than react to breakdowns.
This proactive approach saves costs, reduces downtime, and protects residents, tenants, and visitors from hazards and frustrations. Independent audits also strengthen compliance with BCA’s framework and provide documented evidence of due diligence when required.
Any safety-related lift incident must be reported immediately via BCA’s official incident reporting process Having a recent audit ensures property managers can respond effectively.
How Emaan Supports Compliance and Safety
At Emaan Inspection, our mission is to help property owners and managers navigate evolving requirements with confidence. Our team of certified Lift & Escalator Inspectors (LEIs) and Specialist Professional Engineers (SPEs) brings deep expertise in technical evaluation and regulatory compliance.
Unlike contractors, Emaan’s independence ensures every recommendation is based solely on safety, performance, and compliance needs. Our audits include:
- Evaluating ride comfort, operational performance, and wear and tear
- Verifying compliance with BCA’s requirements and relevant industry codes of practice
- Developing modernisation plans that balance safety and cost considerations
For MCSTs, we provide clear, actionable reports to support decision-making and communicate effectively with residents.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Lift and escalator issues are often addressed only after a breakdown occurs but the consequences can be severe. This include :
- Unexpected downtime and emergency repairs
- Safety incidents and reputational risks
- Non-compliance penalties from BCA
For older systems, delays increase the risk of failures. In residential estates, this could leave residents including the elderly, families, and persons with disabilities stranded. In commercial properties, breakdowns disrupt tenants and business operations.
Independent audits provide the foresight to prevent costly emergencies and maintain smooth, safe operations.
Taking the Next Step
Singapore’s approach to lift and escalator safety is clear: proactive, professional, and impartial evaluation is the new standard. For property managers and MCSTs, booking a Lift & Escalator Health Audit is no longer a question of “if” but “when.”
At Emaan Inspection, we ensure your systems comply with BCA’s requirements, identify risks early, and provide unbiased reporting. By planning upgrades systematically, you’ll protect residents, control costs, and stay compliant.
Don’t wait for failures to happen. Take control of your building’s safety today. Book your Lift & Escalator Health Audit with Emaan or email us at hello@emaan.com.sg.
