Elevator Access and Maintenance Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all activities related to elevator car control, hoistway, and pit access procedures performed by elevator personnel. It includes inspection, maintenance, repair, and modernization activities within the elevator shaft, car, and pit. Excluded are elevator installation and dismantling activities, which require a separate risk assessment.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls is applied to identify and implement appropriate control measures, starting with elimination and substitution, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally, personal protective equipment (PPE).

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Falls from height while working in the hoistway or pit

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities due to falls from unguarded openings or heights.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians, inspectors, and contractors

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Ensure proper lighting in the hoistway and pit.
• Use a safety harness with a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) when working at heights.
• Install temporary guardrails or barriers around open hoistway entrances.
• Implement a 'no work alone' policy or provide a safety watch.
• Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Electrical shock or electrocution during maintenance or repair work

Potential Consequences: Severe burns, cardiac arrest, or death due to contact with live electrical components.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians, maintenance personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• Implement a comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program.
• Verify isolation of electrical and mechanical systems before commencing work.
• Use multi-lock hasps to ensure all workers are protected.
• Train all personnel on LOTO procedures and responsibilities.
• Regularly audit LOTO procedures to ensure effectiveness.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

3. Confined space hazards (oxygen deficiency, toxic gases) in the elevator pit

Potential Consequences: Asphyxiation, poisoning, or death due to hazardous atmospheric conditions.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians, rescue personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement a permit-required confined space entry program.
• Conduct atmospheric testing before entry to identify hazards (oxygen deficiency, toxic gases).
• Provide adequate ventilation and continuous air monitoring.
• Ensure a trained attendant is present outside the confined space.
• Develop and practice rescue procedures and provide necessary rescue equipment.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

4. Struck by falling objects (tools, equipment) in the hoistway

Potential Consequences: Head injuries, lacerations, or fractures due to falling tools or equipment.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians, other workers in the vicinity

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats and safety glasses.
• Implement a tool tethering program to prevent dropped objects.
• Use barriers and signage to restrict access to the area below the work zone.
• Conduct regular inspections of tools and equipment.
• Provide training on dropped object prevention.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

5. Musculoskeletal injuries due to heavy lifting or awkward postures

Potential Consequences: Strains, sprains, or back injuries due to manual handling of heavy elevator components.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide ergonomic training on proper lifting techniques.
• Use mechanical aids (e.g., dollies, hand trucks) to move heavy components.
• Implement a 'team lift' policy for heavy or awkward loads.
• Ensure adequate lighting and clear pathways to prevent slips and trips.
• Encourage regular breaks and stretching exercises.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Low

5. General Control Measures

• All personnel must wear approved head gear.

Ensure hard hats meet ANSI Z89.1 standards. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

• Regular safety meetings and toolbox talks to discuss potential hazards and safe work practices.

Conduct meetings weekly or before critical tasks.

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to prevent trips and falls.

Regular housekeeping and waste disposal.

• Ensure all personnel are trained and competent in their assigned tasks.

Provide documented training and competency assessments.

• Provide and enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE includes safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate footwear.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Establish emergency communication protocols (e.g., two-way radios, cell phones).
• Provide first aid kits and ensure trained first aiders are available on site.
• Develop and practice emergency evacuation procedures for the hoistway and pit.
• Ensure emergency lighting is available in case of power failure.
• Coordinate with local emergency services (fire department, paramedics) for rescue plans.

7. Training Requirements

• Fall Protection Training: Comprehensive training on fall protection systems, including proper use of harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training: Detailed instruction on lockout/tagout procedures, including energy isolation and verification.
• Confined Space Entry Training: Training on confined space entry procedures, atmospheric testing, and rescue techniques.
• Ergonomics and Safe Lifting Training: Training on safe lifting techniques and the use of mechanical aids to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
• Hazard Communication (HazCom) Training: Training on hazard communication, including SDS review and chemical handling procedures.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, and after any incident or near miss

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Monthly	Safety Officer	Regular inspections of fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, SRLs) for damage or defects.
Audit	Quarterly	Safety Manager	Periodic audits of lockout/tagout procedures to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Performance Indicator	Continuous	Confined Space Attendant	Continuous air monitoring in the elevator pit during confined space entry.
Performance Indicator	Monthly	Safety Committee	Review of incident reports and near-miss investigations to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Regular Inspection	Weekly	Supervisor	Observation of work practices to ensure adherence to safe procedures and use of PPE.

9. Special Circumstances

• Adverse weather conditions (e.g., high winds, rain) may increase the risk of falls and electrical hazards.
• Night work may reduce visibility and increase the risk of trips and falls.
• Lone work in the hoistway or pit may delay emergency response in case of an incident.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, and after any incident or near miss or when significant changes occur.

Safety powered by SALUS