Building Elevator Monthly Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Monthly elevator safety inspections are required under ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, which serves as the basis for elevator regulations adopted by most U.S. jurisdictions. ADA Standards for Accessible Design (28 CFR Part 36) mandate that elevators in multi-story commercial buildings remain continuously accessible to persons with disabilities, making functionality checks a legal obligation. Property managers who defer elevator maintenance face liability under both O

Industry: Property Management
Frequency: Monthly
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Facility Manager
Total Items: 43
Compliance: ASME A17.1-2022/CSA B44-22 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ADA Standards for Accessible Design 28 CFR Part 36 Section 4.10, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 (Ladders and Walking-Working Surfaces), International Building Code Section 3001-3009 (Elevators and Conveying Systems), NFPA 70 NEC Article 620 (Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators)

Permits, Certificates & Compliance Documentation

Verify all required permits and certificates are current, posted, and accessible.

Is the current elevator operating certificate/permit posted inside the cab and valid?
Is the elevator's rated load capacity placard clearly posted and legible inside the cab?
Is the date of the last state-mandated annual inspection within the required timeframe?
Are the elevator maintenance company contact information and emergency procedures posted?
Is the previous month's inspection report available and reviewed prior to this inspection?

Cab Interior Condition & Accessibility

Inspect the elevator cab interior for safety, cleanliness, ADA compliance, and operational readiness.

Is the cab interior free of damage, graffiti, and trip hazards including loose flooring?
Are all interior cab lights fully functional with no burned-out fixtures?
Are all control panel buttons, displays, and floor indicators operational?
Is the emergency two-way communication system tested and operational?
Is the cab ventilation system operational and providing adequate airflow?
Please upload a photo of the cab interior showing control panel and flooring condition?

Door Operation & Landing Accuracy

Test door operation, safety edges, and landing accuracy at each floor served.

Do cab and hoistway doors open, close, and reverse fully at all served floors?
Is the door safety edge or light curtain functioning correctly when tested with an obstruction?
Is the door open and close time within acceptable limits (typically 2-4 seconds each)?
Is the car landing level accurate within ½ inch of the floor at all landings?
Are all hoistway door interlocks functioning to prevent door opening between floors?

Emergency Systems & Safety Devices

Verify all emergency systems including alarm, lighting, and safety controls are operational.

Is the emergency stop button functional and does it halt car movement immediately?
Does the emergency alarm bell ring audibly inside and outside the hoistway when activated?
Does the emergency lighting activate automatically upon power failure and remain lit for ≥4 hours?
Is the firefighters' emergency operation (Phase I & Phase II) tested and documented this month?
Is the overload sensing device (if present) operational and preventing car movement when overloaded?

Machine Room / Machine Space Inspection

Inspect the machine room or machine space for safety, cleanliness, and equipment condition.

Is the machine room/space access restricted to authorized elevator personnel only?
Is the machine room/space free of storage, water intrusion, and excessive heat or humidity?
Is the machine room temperature within the acceptable operating range (50-90°F)?
Is machine room lighting adequate (minimum 19 fc at floor level) and all fixtures operational?
Is the fire extinguisher in the machine room present, charged, and within inspection date?
Are all electrical panels in the machine room properly labeled, covered, and accessible?

Hydraulic System Inspection (Hydraulic Units Only)

Inspect hydraulic fluid, cylinder, pump, and pressure relief systems specific to hydraulic elevator units.

Is the hydraulic fluid level within the specified range on the reservoir sight glass?
Is the hydraulic unit free of oil leaks at pump, cylinder, fittings, and valve connections?
Is the car descent rate (lowering) within acceptable limits with no excessive drift?
Is the pressure relief valve set to the correct pressure and does it operate properly?
Is the hydraulic fluid temperature within normal operating range and the cooling system functional?

ADA Accessibility & Usability Compliance

Verify elevator compliance with ADA accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

Are all cab control buttons mounted between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor?
Do all floor designation buttons have raised Braille and visual characters?
Is the elevator cab interior minimum 51 x 68 inches to accommodate wheelchair turning?
Does the elevator announce floors audibly and visually with floor number indicators?
Is the door clear opening width a minimum of 36 inches when doors are fully open?

Findings, Corrective Actions & Closeout

Document all inspection findings, assign corrective actions, and complete required reporting.

Were any deficiencies identified that require the elevator to be taken out of service immediately?
Have all non-critical deficiencies been documented with assigned corrective actions and due dates?
Has the elevator maintenance contractor been notified of any deficiencies found during this inspection?
What is the overall safety rating of this elevator based on today's inspection?
Please provide detailed notes on all deficiencies, observations, and recommended actions?
Please upload photos of any deficiencies or areas of concern identified during this inspection?

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Why Use This Building Elevator Monthly Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This building elevator monthly safety inspection checklist [free pdf] helps property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for facility manager professionals, this checklist covers 43 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with ASME A17.1-2022/CSA B44-22 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ADA Standards for Accessible Design 28 CFR Part 36 Section 4.10, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 (Ladders and Walking-Working Surfaces), International Building Code Section 3001-3009 (Elevators and Conveying Systems), NFPA 70 NEC Article 620 (Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Building Elevator Monthly Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 43 inspection items across 8 sections: Permits, Certificates & Compliance Documentation, Cab Interior Condition & Accessibility, Door Operation & Landing Accuracy, Emergency Systems & Safety Devices, Machine Room / Machine Space Inspection, Hydraulic System Inspection (Hydraulic Units Only), ADA Accessibility & Usability Compliance, Findings, Corrective Actions & Closeout. It is designed for property management operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Building Elevator Monthly Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Facility Manager professionals in the property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.