Elevator Emergency Call Checklist – Template for Functional Testing & Documentation

What is Inspected in an Elevator Emergency Call System?

A modern elevator emergency call system must do much more than simply trigger an acoustic signal in the shaft. For elevator installations covered by Annex 1 No. 4.1 of the German Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV), an effective two-way communication system in the car is mandatory. This system must allow an emergency service to be reached at all times.

The Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS 3121) specify these requirements: The system must enable voice communication in both directions. An entrapped person must not only be able to send an alert but also communicate actively with the emergency service. During an elevator emergency call functional test, the focus is therefore on the following aspects:

The currently applicable standard is DIN EN 81-28:2022-08, which covers remote alarms for passenger and goods passenger lifts. Although a draft for a revised version (DIN EN 81-28:2025-09) was published in 2025, the 2022 edition remains the authoritative standard until its final replacement.

• Can the emergency call be triggered properly from inside the cabin?
• Is the connection to the designated emergency service established without errors?
• Is clear two-way voice communication possible in both directions?
• Can the emergency service immediately identify which elevator the call is coming from?
• Does the emergency call system work during a power outage of the elevator installation (backup power)?
• Are existing faults or error messages detected automatically?
• Are all labels, instructions, and pictograms in the cabin clearly legible and present?

Why a Mobile Phone in the Elevator is Not a Valid Emergency System

In practice, the question sometimes arises whether carrying a mobile phone is sufficient to call for help in an emergency. TRBS 3121 makes it unmistakably clear: The two-way communication system must be permanently connected to the elevator installation. A simple mobile phone does not meet these requirements.

This regulation is highly practical: In an emergency, it cannot be assumed that every trapped person has a functioning, charged smartphone. Furthermore, mobile reception is often extremely limited or non-existent inside closed elevator cars. The permanently installed elevator emergency call system must therefore function completely independently of private mobile devices.

Another critical point is reliability. The legislator requires that the two-way communication system remains fully effective even during a power failure of the elevator. While technical experts often refer precisely to a 'two-way communication system', users in everyday life usually search for 'emergency call system' – both terms refer to the same life-saving technology in this context.

Typical Mistakes in Elevator Emergency Call Inspections

During regular inspections, errors often creep in that can have serious consequences in an emergency. An incomplete check not only endangers passenger safety but can also lead to liability issues for operators.

A situation where a connection is technically established but the emergency service cannot identify which building or elevator the call is coming from is particularly critical. TRBS 3121 explicitly requires that the emergency service must be able to identify the exact location of the elevator and document incoming messages seamlessly.

• The emergency call button is pressed, but the actual voice connection is not verified.
• A connection is established, but the voice quality is too poor for clear communication.
• The emergency service cannot uniquely identify the affected elevator due to outdated data.
• The system was modified or the telephone number changed without adapting the emergency call system accordingly.
• Testing the power supply or the backup battery function is neglected.
• Detected defects are only reported verbally and are not recorded in writing or digitally.
• The results of the functional check are not documented in a traceable manner.

Digital Inspection Workflow and Practical Example

With a digital elevator emergency call checklist, you optimize the entire inspection process. The service technician arrives at the property, opens the template on their smartphone or tablet, and records the elevator data. Step by step, they are guided through the inspection: trigger the emergency call, test the connection to the emergency desk, check two-way communication, inspect the backup power supply, and record the result. Any faults can be documented immediately with photos and a description of the required action. Once the inspection is complete, there is no need to manually transfer handwritten notes in the office.

A realistic practical example illustrates the benefit: A service technician inspects the emergency call of a passenger elevator in an apartment building. After pressing the emergency button, the connection is established. The receiver can speak with the technician and states the correct location of the system. In a second elevator in the same building, a connection is also established, but the audio from the cabin is extremely quiet and incomprehensible. The technician documents this fault digitally in the checklist, assigns it to the affected elevator, and initiates the repair. This makes it easy for the property management to see exactly which elevator required attention.

Emergency Call System and Emergency Plan Go Hand in Hand

A functioning elevator emergency call is a key element, but it does not represent the entire rescue concept. The Industrial Safety Regulation also requires operators to maintain an up-to-date emergency plan. While the emergency call system ensures that an entrapped person can call for help, the emergency plan regulates the exact process of passenger rescue.

The emergency plan contains important information on the location of the system, responsible persons, contact details for first aid, and detailed instructions for emergency release. TRBS 3121 requires that the rescue of trapped persons must be initiated at any time and as quickly as possible. A functioning interplay of the emergency call system, the 24/7 emergency service, and the locally available emergency plan is therefore essential.

How Often Should the Elevator Emergency Call Be Tested?

There is no generic statutory interval such as 'exactly every three months' for testing elevator emergency call systems. TRBS 3121 provides for regular operational checks of the elevator installation and explicitly names the functionality of the two-way communication system as a required control point.

The specific intervals for checks and maintenance work must be determined by the operator as part of a risk assessment. This must take into account the manufacturer's specifications of the emergency call system, the operating conditions, and the frequency of elevator use. The emergency call system is also always closely examined during officially prescribed inspections by approved inspection agencies (ZÜS).