Property clinic: Access to the lift shaft is in the bathroom – is that safe?

Q. I recently viewed a ground-floor apartment adjacent to the lift.There was direct access to the lift shaft via a cupboard-type door in the bathroom. I have never seen this before, is this usual?

The access door wasn’t locked and the agent said access needed to be available at all times for services, but it appeared to me it could be a danger to children. Please advise.

A. This is wrong on many levels and I imagine the building in question is quite old and that the lift installation predates building regulations. If the lift is still in operation it should be examined immediately and certified by a suitably qualified professional that it complies with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. What typically happens in apartment blocks is that the lift is subject to thorough inspection twice annually, together with quarterly maintenance visits.

The agent is quite correct in suggesting that access should be available at all times for service and use by authorised personnel to attend to any emergencies and maintenance. In this circumstance it is clear that access is not freely available as it requires entry through a private residence.

European Standard EN 81 outlines the safety rules in respect of lift installations and directs that “Lift machines, their associated equipment and pulleys, shall be in a special room. . . and shall be accessible only to authorised persons (maintenance, inspections and rescue).”

HSA guidance requires entities in control of lifts to ensure the lift plant room door is kept locked to prevent unauthorised access and that a warning notice restricting access should be placed on the door.

Lift motor rooms are extremely dangerous places with heavy machinery, moving parts and high voltage and should never be left unlocked or accessed by unauthorised parties.

Your question raises a further concern: it appears the door was not signposted and looked like a “cupboard” which suggests the door is not fire-rated and that in the event of an outbreak of fire, smoke and fire could possibly spread quickly through the lift shaft reaching all floors serviced by the lift.

It is not clear in the question whether you were viewing for the purpose of renting or purchase or whether the building is in the control of a single landlord or an owners’ management company (OMC). In either circumstance it is the building owners’ responsibility and duty to maintain the lift in a safe condition and to protect the public from hazards and keep the lift motor room locked. If you are buying tell your solicitor of your concern and seek advice. From the brief information in the question provided it would appear the lift installation should be inspected by a suitably qualified professional as a matter of urgency.

Paul Mooney is a chartered property and facilities management surveyor and member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, scsi.ie