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Independent Inspection Avoids Unnecessary Firefighting Lift Replacement

Written by Innovus | 21 November 2025

The Client
A Higher Risk Building with a Firefighting lift that had been out of service for an extended period, creating both operational and regulatory concerns.

The Challenge
Outages of Firefighting lifts are reportable under Mandatory Occurrence Reporting in the Building Safety Act 2022, meaning the client needed an urgent, reliable solution. The incumbent maintenance contractor inspected the lift and concluded that the steel guide rails were warped, recommending full replacement. Their proposal was treated as a major works project with an estimated cost of over £50,000, placing significant financial and logistical strain on the client.

Our Solution
Innovus was approached to independently review the situation. Our team carried out a detailed desktop analysis of the contractor’s reports and maintenance records, followed by a site inspection led by our Head of Lifts. The inspection identified that the steel guides were not as compromised as initially reported and that full replacement was unnecessary.

We prepared a detailed report outlining our findings, practical options, and associated risks. We developed a revised technical specification, recommended suitable specialist contractors, and supported the client through the tender evaluation process. This approach ensured that the solution was both technically sound and cost-effective.

The Result
The lift was returned to safe and reliable service without requiring major works. The client avoided unnecessary disruption and achieved an overall cost reduction of 80 percent compared with the original proposal. By taking an independent, technical approach, Innovus ensured the client could make informed decisions, maintain operational performance, and meet their regulatory obligations with confidence.