Every day in Singapore, over 70,000 lifts and escalators operate quietly in the background, moving people in homes, hospitals, MRT stations, malls, offices and workplaces. They are so embedded into our daily life that most of us rarely stop to think about them. However, when something goes wrong, everything stops. Entrapments, breakdowns, and sudden stops don’t just cause inconvenience, they create real risks, especially for the elderly, young children, and mobility-challenged.
Behind the seamless operation of these systems lies a rigorous regulatory framework and technical inspections carried out by registered Specialist Professional Engineers (SPE) and Lift and Escalators Inspectors (LEI) In Singapore. It is a statutory requirement under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management (Lift, Escalator and Building Maintenance) Regulations that all lifts and escalators undergo a first time commissioning inspection and subsequently annual inspections before a Permit-to-Operate (PTO) would be issued and allowed to operate.
At Emaan Inspection, our registered SPEs and LEIs conduct these statutory inspections independently and objectively, ensuring that your system complies with the law and is safe for daily use. We work closely with lifts and escalators service contractors, managing agents, Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST), facility managers, and building owners to provide timely, objective, and expert lift and escalator inspections across Singapore and beyond.
The Importance of Annual Inspections
The necessity of lifts and escalators annual inspections becomes more apparent when considering the risks involved. Over time, even well-maintained systems and components experience wear and tear due to age, eg. lift doors misalignment, lift hoisting ropes deterioration or users experience jerky, noisy and uncomfortable rides. When these issues go unnoticed or ignored during routine maintenance, they can pose significant safety hazards if left unaddressed.
In response, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the agency responsible for lifts and escalators safety and enforcement, has been actively working with industry partners, professionals and stakeholders to enhance lifts and escalators safety and public awareness. This reinforces the importance of engaging certified professionals who can detect early warning signs and make evidence-based recommendations for repair or upgrade.
The Role of the Specialist Professional Engineer
A statutory inspection conducted by a Specialist Professional Engineer or his appointed LEI is distinct from regular servicing by the service contractor. SPEs are registered with the Professional Engineers Board, Singapore (PEB) and are responsible for independently certifying that lifts and escalators are safe to operate.
During the inspection, the SPE assesses the entire system, including mechanical, electrical, and safety features. They evaluate the condition of braking systems, inspect the door interlocks, review the control panels, test emergency communications and back-up services, and ensure the lift or escalator operates reliably under full load. These inspections must be thorough, objective, and compliant with BCA’s requirement and recognised local and international technical standards and codes of practice.
For newly-installed lifts and escalators and after major alterations or upgrading works, the SPE is also responsible to witness commissioning and re-commissioning tests respectively before a PTO is issued by BCA.
Why Engage an Independent SPE
Engaging an independent SPE, separate from your regular service contractor offers an extra layer of assurance and mandatory by law. It creates a clear separation between those who install and service the system and those who certify it, reducing the risks of overlooked faults or biased assessments.
At Emaan Inspection, independence and integrity is our strength. We offer objective, and expert technical assessments of the devices and systems and provide practical recommendations when issues and potential failures arise. Our reports are easy to understand and fully aligned with PTO submission requirements. We liaise with your service contractors to help ensure that any required rectifications are carried out promptly and correctly. While service contractors can engage our services on owners’ behalf, we encourage owners to engage us direct to get first-hand and direct inspection reports and brief advise if necessary.
Whether managing a single lift in a building or overseeing multiple systems in a commercial complex, our team supports you through every stage of the inspection cycle, from scheduling to documentation and ultimately to full compliance.
Trusted Experience. Reliable Certification.
With over 20 years of experience in statutory inspections, Emaan Inspection brings both technical expertise and professional reliability and integrity to every site we serve. Our SPEs and LEIs, with a combined experience of over 60 years in inspections and testings are not only certified but well-versed in the latest regulatory changes, local and international technical standards, inspection protocols, and operational requirements of effective lift and escalator systems.
We work with clients across residential, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial sectors, tailoring our services to meet unique property operational needs while maintaining consistent inspection quality and turnaround times. Our focus is not just on helping you pass the inspection but also on ensuring that your vertical transportation systems operate safely every day.
Keep Your Lifts and Escalators Safe, Compliant, and Reliable – Year After Year
Ensure your lifts meet safety and regulatory standards with Emaan inspections. Our thorough and independent assessments help you detect issues early and maintain peace of mind—all while staying fully compliant.
Scan the QR code on the PTO certificate of your lift or escalator to determine the due date for the next annual inspection.
To schedule an inspection, or a quick professional advise, contact us at:
📧 hello@emaan.com.sg
📞 +65 6292 3549
🌐 www.emaan.com.sg
Every inspection counts when it comes to public safety and statutory compliance. Let’s make sure yours is done right with professionalism, precision, and peace of mind.
