How Often Does An Elevator Need To Be Inspected?

If you’re in charge of a building with an elevator or just curious about how often they get checked, you’re not alone.

Elevators are part of daily life for tons of people, and they don’t usually get much attention until something goes wrong. But like anything mechanical, elevators need regular care. 

And yes, inspections are a huge part of keeping things safe, legal, and running smoothly.

In this post, we’ll shed some light on how often an elevator needs to be inspected, who performs the inspection, and what happens if you skip them.

Why Elevator Inspections Are So Important

Elevators are basically metal boxes on ropes guided by computers. 

Sounds simple, but those ropes and computers can get cranky. A frayed cable or a sensor that’s off by a hair can turn a smooth ride into a very bad day. 

Inspections help catch problems early before they turn into serious safety issues.

Think of it like taking your car for an oil change. Ignore it long enough and one day the engine coughs, sputters, and you’re stuck on the side of the road. Elevators don’t get a shoulder to pull onto and they’re stuck between floors with people inside. 

Regular inspections keep the ride boring, and boring is good when you’re in a small metal room dangling in a shaft.

Also Check Out Our: Virginia Escalator Maintenance Services

How Often Does An Elevator Need To Be Inspected?

An elevator needs to be inspected once a year. That’s the minimum for a full, official inspection by a licensed professional. 

On top of that, many elevator service companies do monthly or quarterly maintenance visits just to keep things running smoothly between inspections.

Then there’s the “big test” which is usually every five years. 

This is when they do a full load test to make sure the elevator can handle maximum weight safely. It’s a more intense check-up, kind of like a full physical for the elevator.

Here’s a quick look at the usual inspection rhythm:

• Annual inspection by the state or local authority
  
• Monthly or quarterly maintenance checks by your service provider
  
• 5-year load test to check major safety systems under stress

That’s the general rhythm in most U.S. states, but of course, each place can have its own twist.

Virginia State Laws

Let’s zoom in on Virginia, because that’s where most of us live or work.

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) oversees elevator safety here, and they take it seriously. Virginia requires annual elevator inspections for any building that uses elevators, escalators, or similar devices. 

These inspections must be done by a certified third-party elevator inspector. 

After the inspection, the results are submitted to the state, and you’ll need to address any issues they find.

In addition to that, building owners are also expected to stay on top of routine maintenance, which usually means monthly service from a certified technician. 

Virginia follows the ASME A17.1 which is a national standard. That means even local inspections are pretty thorough.

Who Performs The Inspection And What They Look For

Elevator inspections aren’t done by your average handyman. These are licensed professionals who are trained to know exactly what to look for.

They’ll usually check:

• The brakes, cables, and doors
  
• Emergency communication systems and alarms
  
• The machine room (where all the behind-the-scenes parts live)
  
• How smoothly the elevator rides and stops
  
• Safety mechanisms like door sensors and overload protection

They also review maintenance logs to make sure you’ve been keeping up with regular service. Basically, they want to make sure every part of that elevator is working exactly like it should.

Also Check Out Our: Elevator Testing Services in Virginia

What Happens If You Skip Or Delay Elevator Inspections

Skipping inspections isn’t just risky and it can come back to bite you hard. Let’s look at what can happen when you put it off too long:

Fines Or Penalties

Most local and state governments have set rules, and if you miss the deadline, you’ll likely get hit with a fine.

These aren’t tiny slaps on the wrist either – some places charge $250 – $100 per violation. If your building is open to the public or houses tenants, those fines can pile up fast.

And it’s not just about money. In some areas, you could also lose your certificate of operation, which means your elevator legally can’t be used until it passes an inspection. 

Liability In Case Of Accidents

If someone gets injured because the elevator wasn’t inspected or maintained properly, you could be in serious legal trouble. 

The building owner is on the hook for medical bills, lost wages, and pain-and-suffering claims. Insurance adjusters will dig for proof of neglect, and an expired inspection sticker is Exhibit A. 

Settlements for minor injuries start in the five-figure range; serious ones climb fast. 

Even if no one’s hurt, just the legal fees to defend a claim can wipe out the annual maintenance budget.

Increased Wear And Tear

Skipping the yearly tune-up means small issues (like a slightly slack cable or a door track that needs lube) get worse every day. A $75 adjustment today becomes a $3,000 door operator replacement in six months.

Worn parts stress other parts, so the motor works harder, runs hotter, and dies sooner. 

Next thing you know, you’re staring at a full modernization quote instead of a simple fix.

Also Check Out Our: Virginia Escalator Repair Services

Potential Shutdown Of The Elevator

If your elevator gets flagged as unsafe, DOLI inspectors can red-tag a unit on the spot. No warning, no grace period. Just a notice saying it’s out of service until everything is fixed.

That might not sound too bad… until you have a full office building or apartment complex with no working elevator.

This kind of shutdown creates a big disruption. Tenants start complaining. Visitors get annoyed. 

And if your building is legally required to have an operational elevator (like in the case of ADA compliance), you could face even more penalties or legal trouble. 

Bottom Line

Elevator inspections are a non-negotiable part of running a safe, functional building. 

Most places, including Virginia, require at least one inspection every year, plus ongoing maintenance in between. Stick to that schedule, and you’ll keep your elevator safe, your riders happy, and your building in good shape.

So don’t skip it. Set reminders, sign up for a service contract, and work with professionals who know what they’re doing.