Usually is, isn’t it?

Keep that in mind if by chance you receive an addendum to your existing elevator maintenance agreement wherein the service company offers to provide AND pay for the services of an independent elevator inspector. Chances are, the elevator inspector in question has an arrangement with the service company to perform safety inspections and test witnessing on ALL of the elevators the company has under contract.

Now I ask you, if YOU were the inspector hired by the service company to perform a bulk of inspections and were receving compensation by the same company….

How many violations would you cite against the service company on your inspection reports?

Conversely, how many would you write against the building?

Be very careful when considering these options. According to Florida law, the building owner is responsible for the safety of their own elevator. Consider this when you decide to hand over the inspections to your service company. If something (heaven forbid) should happen and there was an accident; you’re still liable. Even if the inspector did a lackluster job of evaluating your elevator equipment, the onus still falls on the elevator owner.

When presented with an option like this, the best thing you can do is decline it and continue to contract your own independent elevator inspector. It may cost you a little more, but you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your elevators are being thoroughly inspected. If you’re not sure which elevator inspector to hire, or need a little more information on this subject, drop us a line and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Alliance Elevator Consultants has a short list of it’s own, and we can put you in touch with an elevator inspector in your area that has a proven track record; and best of all, no ties to any companies.