1. Introduction
The new Complementary Technical Inspection (ITC by its acronym in Spanish) for lifts will come into force in 2023, which the Ministry of Industry has updated regarding the Regulation on lifting and handling devices of Royal Decree 2291/1985 of 08 November.
This new regulation introduces important and necessary innovations to improve the safety of lifts and the users thereof. Its main objectives are focused on technological advances, improved safety, training and accessibility, as well as updating maintenance measures and quality when carrying out this service.
Would you like to find out a little more about this regulation and how it affects the servicing of your lift and mandatory periodic inspections? Fine, we will tell you all about it here.
2. New ITC regulations for lifts
2.1. New obligations for lift owners
- Lifts will only be allowed to operate while the maintenance agreement is in force to ensure they run smoothly.
- If you any see that a component that needs to be repaired or replaced as it fails to comply with the current safety conditions, you should act in accordance with the maintenance company´s recommendations.
- The maintenance company will be required to withdraw the lift from service in the event it fails to meet the applicable safety guarantees, either at the request of the maintenance company itself or of the Public Administration.
- You will be required to keep the original version of the lift documentation or a copy thereof.
2.2. New mandatory periodic inspection times
The new timeframes established for inspections will be:
- Every 2 years for lifts installed in buildings for industrial use and places attended by the general public.
- Every 4 years for lifts installed in buildings with more than twenty residential units or more than four floors served by the lift.
- Every 6 years for lifts not included in the aforementioned cases.
- N.B: if the lift is more than 24 years old, the inspection times are reduced by half.
2.3. Lift maintenance news
Changes in the minimum safety measures of the new ITC for lifts
- All lifts must guarantee stopping accuracy of 10 mm and a levelling accuracy of 20 mm.
- All lifts must be equipped with a two-way communication device to facilitate the rescue of trapped users.
- All lifts must be fitted with a load control device to prevent the overloading of the cabin.
- The installation of photoelectric barriers designed to prevent the automatic doors from striking users when entering and leaving the cabin.
- The implementation of safety devices designed to prevent uncontrolled upward movements of the cabin and uncontrolled movements of the cabin when stationary with the doors open.
- Lifts must not be fitted with wooden, cylindrical or rail cabin rails and/or counterweights.
What´s the news regarding maintenance companies?
- When carrying out maintenance activity, companies must register the work carried out, indicating the date, the visit start and end time, in addition to specifying the minimum tasks performed.
- The maintenance company is also required to have civil liability insurance of € 600,000 per event.
- The rectification of faults, and the consequences thereof, arising from the poor execution of mandatory maintenance work will be guaranteed for a period of two years.