The elevator industry has a close relationship with the construction industry, and changes in one market lead to changes in the other. Certainly, with the increase in the construction of multi-story apartment buildings and skyscrapers in urban areas, the need for elevator installation and easy movement between floors has increased. Therefore, there is a greater demand for elevator installers in the construction industry. Due to the increasing demand for elevator installation in new building projects and existing buildings, there is a significant demand in the market for elevator installers, and many individuals are willing to enter this market. In this article, we will define the job of an elevator installer, list the necessary skills and training, and examine the characteristics and risks of this profession.
An elevator installer is someone who has extensive knowledge and experience in elevator components and their operation. Based on this knowledge, their responsibilities include installing and commissioning elevators in elevator shafts, installing elevator rails and doors, installing mechanical or electrical components of elevators, and commissioning, testing, and handing over the elevator. However, due to the specialization of tasks, an elevator installer may specialize in only one or two stages of the installation process. Additionally, individuals may also work in elevator repair and maintenance, or refer the employer to a service technician or elevator technician in such cases.
Elevator installation requires comprehensive operational planning and project organization. Since elevator installation is carried out in several different stages, it should be approached as a process.
An elevator installer must have the necessary technical knowledge and expertise to install, repair, and maintain elevators, and be familiar with relevant safety regulations and standards. The elevator installer is responsible for inspecting the installation site, assessing the conditions and location of installation, and designing and equipping the device based on the building plan and elevator installation plan. Some of the duties of an elevator installer in the field of elevator installation, repair, and maintenance include:
Elevator installation | Installing various components of the elevator includes the frame, hydraulic or electric system, doors, control system, and other parts. |
Elevator Repair: | Responsible for diagnosing and repairing elevator defects and malfunctions, including repairing doors, hydraulic or electric systems, command systems, and other components. |
Elevator Maintenance and Servicing: | Responsible for performing routine maintenance operations on elevators, including testing and troubleshooting systems, adjusting and repairing parts, greasing and lubricating mechanical components, inspecting control systems, and conducting repairs. |
To enter the profession of elevator installation, an individual must possess and work on strengthening the following skills:
An elevator installer must have the necessary technical skills for installation, repair, and maintenance of elevators and should have sufficient knowledge of different elevator systems. Due to the sensitivity of the work, an elevator installer must perform their tasks with precision and the required technical knowledge in the field of elevator installation.
An elevator installer should be aware of installation and performance standards for elevators. Additionally, adherence to national and local building standards and safety regulations, as well as the use of standard components for equipping elevators, is necessary and essential.
Sometimes, installing and repairing elevators requires the individual to move heavy parts and engage in physical activities. Therefore, an elevator installer must have the necessary physical strength to perform their tasks correctly.
As previously mentioned, an elevator installer must be able to communicate with customers, provide necessary advice and recommendations, establish communication with other team members, and have the ability to explain the necessary activities for implementation in the building.
Due to the heavy-duty and sensitive nature of the installation process, individuals or teams involved in elevator installation face various hazards in different stages of installation. Below, we review some of the occupational hazards of elevator installation:
Physical hazards of this profession include bodily injuries from working at heights, moving heavy parts, injuries from power tools and mechanical devices, and encountering sharp and dangerous materials and components.
During elevator installation and repair, individuals are exposed to electrical hazards such as the risk of electric shock, electrical malfunction, and dealing with electrical and electronic systems.
Elevator installers must adhere to safety precautions when using safety equipment to prevent falling from heights or other physical injuries.
During elevator installation, repair, or maintenance, elevator installers may face operational hazards such as the risk of doors getting stuck, incorrect control of elevator movement, getting caught between components, and other operational issues.
Failure to observe general safety precautions poses a threat to the safety of elevator installers and other individuals present at the site. Therefore, elevator installers must use appropriate protective equipment and warning signs and carry out installation operations with precision. Safety equipment during work includes gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes, which must be accompanied by strict adherence to safety regulations and the use of tools and equipment.
Given the hazards and job characteristics mentioned above, elevator installers must receive necessary safety training and keep their knowledge updated in the field of elevator installation and equipment.
Sometimes the question arises of what it takes to become an elevator installer. A good elevator installer typically receives a combination of practical and theoretical training through elevator manufacturing companies, technical and vocational institutions, and organizations related to the elevator industry and gains several years of work experience in this field.
Among the theoretical training programs that individuals must go through to enter the elevator installation profession are:
- Familiarization with elevator components and systems: During these training sessions, individuals become acquainted with the various components and systems of elevators, including their mechanical, electrical, and electronic parts.
- Methods and procedures for elevator repair and maintenance: In this section, individuals learn about various aspects of elevator repair and maintenance, including adjusting and replacing parts, troubleshooting and rectifying errors, replacing drive units, and familiarizing themselves with elevator control systems.
- Familiarization with safety standards and regulations: Individuals must be familiar with safety regulations and standards related to the installation and operation of elevators, including the use of safety equipment, safety procedures during installation and repair operations, and compliance with local and national regulations.
- Reading blueprints and instructions: Elevator installers must be able to correctly interpret technical blueprints and installation and repair instructions to execute tasks accurately.
In continuation of the work, individuals must undergo practical training courses and gain the necessary practical experience to enter this profession. To do this, individuals are required to spend a specified period as an apprentice at elevator installation and repair sites, under the supervision of experienced installers and trainers, and receive practical training. During practical training, individuals become familiar with issues such as installing components and systems, emergency repairs and troubleshooting, adjusting and programming elevator performance, and other installation and repair activities in a practical manner.
After completing these training courses and practical training, individuals can obtain the necessary licenses and certificates to perform elevator installation activities to demonstrate that they have the necessary technical qualifications for elevator installation work.
Given that the elevator and construction industry is constantly evolving and advancing, individuals must continually update their knowledge in areas such as smart control systems, communication systems, advanced safety systems, and other related technologies and become familiar with the latest industry technologies and innovations.
However, installing various types of elevators, including traction elevators (gearbox, gearless, and roomless) and hydraulic elevators, requires specialized knowledge. Before using the services of an elevator installer, we must ensure that the individual has sufficient knowledge about installing the specific type of elevator we have in mind. It is recommended to use elevator companies' installers that have a good reputation and expertise. Owjlift is one of these elevator companies that installs, launches, and maintains elevators and escalators in Mashhad, which has gained a high reputation in this industry due to its experience, specialized knowledge, consulting services, and after-sales elevator services.
What types of hazards are elevator installers mainly exposed to?
Elevator installers are mainly exposed to physical, electrical, fall, physical injury, elevator operation-related hazards, and general safety hazards.
What are the main duties of an elevator installer?
The main duties of an elevator installer include installation, repair, and maintenance of elevators.
Is an elevator service technician necessarily an elevator installer too?
An elevator installer can perform elevator repair and service tasks, but an elevator service technician may not necessarily be able to provide installation services because it requires additional knowledge and skills.
What characteristics should an elevator installer have?
An elevator installer should have the necessary technical skills and physical strength, be aware of building and elevator industry regulations and standards, and be able to effectively communicate issues to customers and other team members using their communication skills.