Wheelchair lifts must undergo routine maintenance performed by an elevator service company every six months. Since this is a long period of time between service visits, building owners or facility managers are required to conduct weekly tests.

The person conducting the test should stand outside the wheelchair lift on the lowest level and try to open the door or gate. It should not open.

The tester should press the call button, open the door or gate, and enter the lift when it arrives. The door or gate should close behind the person.

The person should press and hold the up button for half of the travel distance and then let go. After the wheelchair lift stops, the person performing the test should press the emergency button and ensure that the emergency alarm button is activated. While the wheelchair lift is stopped, the person should attempt to make a phone call.

The person conducting the test should continue pressing the up button until the wheelchair lift arrives at level two. He or she should then exit the lift and make sure that the door or gate closes. Fifteen seconds after exiting, the tester should try to open the door or gate. It should not open.

The person conducting the test should then press the call button on level two, enter the wheelchair lift, and be sure that the door or gate closes. The person should press the down button until the wheelchair lift reaches level one and exit. The door or gate should close.

All of these procedures must be completed on a weekly basis. The results of the test must be recorded in the Maintenance Log Book under “Test Documentation.” The log book must be kept on site. If an elevator inspector visits the site, he or she can request to see the log book to confirm that the test has been conducted and recorded every week as required.

If any feature inspected during the test does not function correctly, the person conducting the test should contact a local representative to have the problem repaired.