Elevator Annual Inspection Prep Checklist [FREE PDF]

Annual elevator inspections are mandated by state elevator safety boards and must align with ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, which governs mechanical, electrical, and safety device requirements for all vertical conveyances. Property managers and maintenance supervisors must conduct thorough pre-inspection preparation to ensure equipment is compliant, documentation is current, and all safety devices function properly before the official state inspector arrives. Failure to pas

  • Industry: Property Management
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes
  • Role: Maintenance Supervisor
  • Total Items: 41
  • Compliance: ASME A17.1-2019 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design Section 407, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.261 – Vertical Transportation, Local State Elevator Safety Act (varies by jurisdiction), NFPA 101 Section 9.4 – Elevators and Escalators

Permits & Required Documentation

Confirm all required certificates, maintenance logs, and permits are current, on file, and available for the state inspector.

  • Is the current state elevator operating certificate/permit posted inside the elevator cab?
  • Are maintenance company records and service logs available for the past 12 months?
  • Is the elevator's load capacity and rated speed placard displayed inside the cab?
  • Is the emergency contact information for the elevator maintenance company posted in or near the cab?
  • Have all previous inspection violation corrections been documented and verified as complete?

Elevator Cab Interior

Inspect the cab interior for ADA compliance, safety signage, lighting, and condition of all interior components.

  • Are all cab interior buttons and controls operable, labeled in Braille, and mounted at ADA-compliant heights?
  • Is cab interior lighting at or above the minimum required level (minimum 5 foot-candles)?
  • Are cab floor, walls, ceiling, and door finishes in good condition without hazards or damage?
  • Is the cab floor level within 1/2 inch of the landing floor when stopped at each floor?
  • Is an audible and visual floor indicator (position indicator) functioning properly inside the cab?

Doors & Landing Areas

Verify proper door operation, safety devices, and landing area conditions at each floor served.

  • Do elevator cab and hoistway doors open and close smoothly without hesitation or excessive noise?
  • Is the door reopening device (safety edge or light curtain) functioning properly to prevent door contact?
  • Do hoistway doors at all landings close and latch properly with no gaps exceeding 3/8 inch?
  • Are all landing call buttons operable and illuminating when pressed?
  • Are landing areas at all floors level, unobstructed, and free of trip hazards within 60 inches of the elevator?

Safety Devices & Emergency Systems

Test and verify all required safety devices, emergency communication systems, and overload protection.

  • Is the emergency two-way communication system inside the cab operational and connected to a monitored location?
  • Does the emergency lighting in the cab activate upon power failure and provide minimum illumination?
  • Is the emergency stop switch (if present) functioning and clearly labeled inside the cab?
  • Has the governor and safety device system been tested within the required test interval?
  • Is the load weighing device or overload protection system functional and preventing operation when overloaded?
  • Are firefighter emergency operation (FEO) Phase I and Phase II functions tested and operational?

Machine Room & Mechanical Components

Inspect the elevator machine room, hoisting equipment, hydraulic systems, and mechanical components.

  • Is the machine room secured, accessed only by authorized personnel, and free of unauthorized storage?
  • Is the machine room temperature maintained within the acceptable range (50–90°F)?
  • Is the machine room adequately illuminated (minimum 19 foot-candles at floor level)?
  • Are hydraulic fluid levels within the normal operating range and free of visible leaks? (Hydraulic elevators only)
  • Are wire ropes, sheaves, or hydraulic cylinders free of visible wear, fraying, or corrosion?

Pit & Hoistway Inspection

Examine the elevator pit and hoistway for code compliance, cleanliness, and safety hazard conditions.

  • Is the elevator pit clean, dry, and free of debris, water accumulation, or oil accumulation?
  • Is pit lighting operational and the pit stop switch accessible and functional?
  • Is the pit ladder (if required) secure, in good condition, and accessible?
  • Are all hoistway clearances and buffer zones free of obstructions and within required dimensions?
  • Is there a means of two-way communication available in the pit?

ADA Accessibility Compliance

Verify elevator accessibility features meet ADA 2010 Standards for all users including those with disabilities.

  • Is the elevator cab interior at least 80 inches wide x 54 inches deep to accommodate wheelchairs?
  • Are elevator door clear widths at least 36 inches when open?
  • Do door dwell times allow adequate time for mobility-impaired users to enter and exit safely?
  • Is a verbal/audible floor announcement system operational in the cab?
  • Have any ADA accessibility deficiencies been noted and are corrective actions planned?

Pre-Inspection Summary & Readiness

Summarize findings, confirm readiness for state inspection, and document any items requiring immediate attention.

  • Are there any outstanding deficiencies that must be corrected before the state inspection?
  • Number of deficiencies identified during this pre-inspection review:
  • Is the elevator maintenance contractor notified of all pre-inspection findings?
  • Provide a summary of all deficiencies found, corrective actions assigned, and target completion dates:
  • Have photos of all identified deficiencies been captured for documentation?

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Why Use This Elevator Annual Inspection Prep Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This elevator annual inspection prep checklist [free pdf] helps property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for maintenance supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 41 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with ASME A17.1-2019 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design Section 407, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.261 – Vertical Transportation, Local State Elevator Safety Act (varies by jurisdiction), NFPA 101 Section 9.4 – Elevators and Escalators. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Elevator Annual Inspection Prep Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 41 inspection items across 8 sections: Permits & Required Documentation, Elevator Cab Interior, Doors & Landing Areas, Safety Devices & Emergency Systems, Machine Room & Mechanical Components, Pit & Hoistway Inspection, ADA Accessibility Compliance, Pre-Inspection Summary & Readiness. It is designed for property management operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 45-75 minutes.

Who should use this Elevator Annual Inspection Prep Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Maintenance Supervisor 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.

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