A lift that is not compliant poses safety risks, creates legal and operational problems and can leave building owners or duty holders exposed to serious liability. The term sounds technical, but in most cases non compliance comes down to a few clear issues. The positive news is that the majority of these problems can be identified and resolved with the right steps.
This guide explains what causes a lift to become non compliant, how these issues are identified and what building owners can do to put things right.
What Non Compliance Actually Means
A lift is classed as non compliant when it does not meet the safety, performance or documentation standards required in the UK. This can relate to legislation, technical standards or inspection outcomes.
Common reasons include missing safety features, poor maintenance practices, outdated components or failures highlighted during LOLER examinations. In some cases the lift may still operate, but not in a way that meets legal or safety expectations.
Non compliance should be taken seriously, as it can affect insurance validity, expose organisations to enforcement action and put users at risk.
Why Lifts Become Non Compliant
There are several reasons a lift may lose compliance. Some are caused by age, others by missed servicing or poor record keeping.
Typical causes include:
- Components that have worn over time, especially safety critical parts
- Missed or incomplete lift maintenance visits
- A history of ignored faults or temporary repairs
- Failing or outdated door safety edges and sensors
- Alarm systems that no longer function correctly
- Damaged wiring or old control panels
- Outdated safety standards that the lift no longer meets
- Missing documentation or unclear maintenance records
When several of these issues occur together, the risk increases significantly.
How LOLER Identifies Non Compliance
LOLER inspections play a central role in identifying whether a lift is meeting its legal safety obligations. During an inspection, a competent person reviews the lift’s condition, tests safety systems and checks documentation.
There are two types of defect notices. A standard defect highlights an issue that must be fixed within a set period. A serious defect requires immediate action and may result in the lift being removed from service.
Repeated LOLER failures often indicate deeper maintenance issues or a lack of ongoing care.
How EN Standards Affect Lift Compliance
Modern lifts are designed to meet specific technical standards, including EN 81 20 and EN 81 50. Older lifts may not include the features required by these standards, particularly around safety, access and equipment layout.
Common gaps include:
- Insufficient lighting levels inside the lift car or shaft
- Outdated emergency communication systems
- Limited accessibility features
- Control systems that no longer meet modern requirements
In many cases these gaps can be addressed through modernisation rather than full replacement.
How to Fix a Non Compliant Lift
Resolving non compliance does not always mean large scale work. In most situations, issues can be fixed through a structured approach.
Start with a full assessment to identify every defect and confirm which issues are safety critical. Prioritise faults that directly affect passenger safety or prevent the lift from passing LOLER.
From there, the steps usually include replacing worn components, repairing or upgrading safety edges, renewing alarm and communication systems, updating control panels and ensuring the documentation is complete and accurate.
Modernisation may be recommended when parts have become obsolete or when upgrades provide a more reliable long term solution.
Staying Compliant in the Long Term
Once a lift has been brought back into compliance, ongoing care is essential. Regular servicing keeps the lift operating safely and helps prevent further failures. Keeping LOLER reports organised and acting on recommendations promptly also protects long term reliability.
Working with accredited engineers ensures any issues are spotted early and resolved before they develop into safety concerns.
A lift becomes non compliant for many reasons, but almost all of them are fixable. With proper assessment, professional repairs and regular maintenance, building owners can restore safety, meet their legal obligations and improve reliability.
To discuss a compliance review or modernisation assessment, speak to Deltron’s specialist team today. We look forward to helping you.
