Emergency Lift Repairs: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
When a lift breaks down, time matters. Whether it’s a busy commercial property, residential building, or public facility, a faulty lift can disrupt daily operations, limit access, and even pose a safety risk — especially for vulnerable users.
In this guide, we’ll explain what to do when your lift stops working, how to assess the situation, and how AMS Group can help get you moving again quickly and safely.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Lift breakdowns can be alarming — especially if people are inside. But most faults are manageable when dealt with promptly.
- If passengers are stuck inside, speak to them calmly via the intercom system (if available), and contact emergency services if necessary.
- Do not attempt to open lift doors manually. This can be extremely dangerous and should only be done by trained engineers.
If the lift is unoccupied and simply non-operational, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 2: Isolate the Power if Safe to Do So
If the lift is displaying unusual behaviour — for example, juddering or making abnormal noises — you may need to isolate power to prevent further damage or risk.
Warning: Only qualified personnel should attempt this. If you’re unsure, leave it to the engineers.
Step 3: Call a Certified Emergency Lift Repair Engineer
The safest and most effective course of action is to contact a professional emergency lift repair company.
At AMS Group, we provide:
✅ 24/7 emergency callouts
✅ Fast response times across the South West & Wales
✅ Repairs for all lift types and manufacturers
✅ Fully LOLER-compliant engineers
✅ Over 98% of issues fixed on first visit
Common Emergency Lift Faults We Handle
- Lift not moving or stuck between floors
- Doors failing to open/close
- Sudden power failure
- Overheating in lift motor room
- Lift error codes or display faults
- Alarm system not working
Many of these issues can be resolved on-site within the first visit, especially when handled by experienced engineers with the right tools and manufacturer knowledge.
Step 4: Log the Incident and Inform Occupants
Once help is on the way, it’s good practice to log the incident — including time, symptoms, and any steps taken. This information may help engineers diagnose the issue more quickly and is useful for ongoing maintenance tracking.
If the building has tenants, staff or residents who rely on the lift, keep them updated on the situation and expected repair times.
Step 5: Book a Follow-Up Inspection
Once the emergency repair is complete, it’s important to ensure the issue doesn’t reoccur.
At AMS Group, we’ll always:
- Conduct post-repair safety checks
- Recommend preventative maintenance
- Offer ongoing service plans for full peace of mind
Regular lift maintenance is the most effective way to prevent future breakdowns. If your building doesn’t already have a maintenance contract in place, now’s the time to consider one.