Lift Attendant Visual Inspection Template: Digital Operator Control

What Does a Lift Attendant Visual Inspection Involve?

The regular operator control is not a full-scale technical elevator inspection. Its primary purpose is to identify obvious defects and functional errors early before they can impair the safe operation of the elevator. Under German regulations (such as BetrSichV Annex 1 No. 4.6 and TRBS 3121), regular checks for obvious defects are mandatory for operators. The designated person performing these checks is commonly referred to as the lift attendant (Aufzugswärter).

The regulations strongly recommend documenting these checks and their results. Key inspection points include:

• Clear and safe access routes to the elevator shaft and machine room
• No foreign objects stored in the machine room
• The elevator car does not start when the shaft door is open
• Shaft doors cannot be opened outside the designated unlocking zone
• The elevator car does not start when the car door is open
• Sufficient leveling accuracy at each landing
• Functioning two-way communication system or emergency call button
• Correct function of the door-open button and safety light barriers
• Functioning light inside the elevator car
• No visible mechanical damage to the car, shaft, or door areas

Typical Mistakes in Lift Attendant Inspections

In daily operations, inspections are often carried out but either not documented at all or documented poorly. A quick glance into the car is simply not enough. Typical mistakes include skipping the door safety tests, overlooking leveling inaccuracies, or failing to test the emergency call system. Relaying defects only verbally without a written record also poses high liability risks – especially if a damaged elevator remains in operation despite a potential hazard to passengers.

A vague note like "Elevator checked – all okay" is far less meaningful than a structured check of individual functions. When a defect is found, you must clearly document: Where is the defect located? What exactly was observed? Does it affect safe operation? What action was taken?

Regulations require that identified defects must be reported immediately to the employer or responsible manager. If a defect poses an immediate danger to passengers, the elevator must be shut down and secured immediately.

Differentiating Operator Controls from Statutory Inspections

It is crucial to understand the difference: The regular visual and functional check by an appointed lift attendant is not the same as the statutory inspection required by an approved notified body (ZÜS, e.g., TÜV or DEKRA). The lift attendant visual inspection is a routine operational check focusing on obvious defects and basic functionality.

In contrast, the ZÜS Main Inspection is a comprehensive recurring technical audit of the elevator system, typically required every two years. Between these main audits, a ZÜS Intermediate Inspection is performed to test safety devices and critical components. Therefore, the lift attendant inspection never replaces the official technical inspection; it merely complements it to ensure safety between official audits.

Practical Example and Digital Workflow in Facility Management

Consider this practical scenario: A facility technician performs the regular visual inspection of a passenger elevator in an office building. The access routes are clear, and the lighting and emergency call work perfectly. However, when stopping on the second floor, the technician notices that the elevator car does not stop level with the building floor (poor leveling accuracy).

Using ProtocolHero's digital template, the technician opens the checklist on their smartphone, identifies the elevator, notes the specific landing and defect, attaches a photo, and submits the report. The system automatically notifies the elevator service company. Every step remains fully traceable.

How Often and What Can Be Inspected?

Regulations do not dictate a single universal inspection interval for all elevators. The frequency of operator controls depends on the type, age, and intensity of use of the elevator system. Key factors include operational conditions, manufacturer guidelines, and the building's specific risk assessment. A heavily used elevator in a public train station requires much more frequent checks than a goods lift in a small warehouse.

Additionally, the visual inspection is not maintenance or repair work. Regular operator controls are strictly separated from technical maintenance. The lift attendant is only responsible for identifying and reporting defects early; repairs to safety-critical components must always be carried out by qualified elevator technicians.