Behind the scenes: a day in the life of a Caledonian lift engineer

Often underappreciated and operating unnoticed, lift engineers work round the clock behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. From providing vital accessibility to simply saving our thighs the burn of an extra four flights of stairs. Well-maintained and swiftly repaired lifts are an essential feature of daily life for most of us. Lift engineers are the gatekeepers of safe and reliable transport – they don't just fix problems, they prevent them.

In this blog, we walk you through a day in the life of a Caledonian lift engineer, sharing some of the unique challenges they face, the most common callouts they deal with and their technical expertise. If you've ever considered a career in lift engineering or wondered what goes on behind the scenes, continue reading below to learn more about what the role involves.

Morning preparation and task planning

A typical day for our lift engineers starts early (usually at around 8 a.m.) with a 'toolbox talk' – a quick meeting to review safety protocols, the day's schedule, and any particular issues and hazards they might face. These briefings prime the day for a safe and productive session, which is especially important as the lift industry involves high-risk environments that require our engineers to be vigilant at all times.

Once the safety elements are boxed off, engineers check their tools and equipment. This means they'll ensure that items like multimeters, screwdrivers, harnesses, and their diagnostic software are all operating optimally, primed, and ready for use during the day. Each tool has a unique and specific purpose, be it measuring electrical currents or analysing the lift control systems. Preparing the toolbox before the job means fewer interruptions and a more efficient workday and service.

The next step is to plan the route for the day and prioritise tasks. Engineers are allocated a mix of scheduled maintenance and repair trips, with planned tasks prioritised based on the lift's maintenance schedule, while emergency callouts are handled as they pop up. Our engineers work hand in hand with the customer support team to confirm their appointment times and ensure smooth access to each site they visit. Keeping open lines of communication with building managers is essential to prevent unwelcome surprises and provide quicker solutions to problems.

On-site work and problem-solving

When engineers hit the road and go to their first job of the day, they could be headed for a commercial building, residential property or even a hospital – and each location brings unique challenges. One of the most frequent callouts is for faulty lift doors. Doors that fail to open or close correctly can cause significant disruption, and the issue is often more complex than it appears on the surface. The first step is to check the sensors and door alignment, but the problem could lie deeper with the lift control system.

Diagnosing lift issues is like detective work in many ways. It's piecing together unusual sounds, issues, and error codes and combining them with the latest technology, in depth knowledge, experience and good old gut instinct. Through diagnostic tests, issues with the lift control system or the lift's 'brain' can be identified. Our engineers are highly trained to interpret this information and make the required repairs.

Challenges arise, such as unexpected system errors or parts needing replacing. So, engineers use their experience and the manufacturer's guidelines to complete the job to a high standard. Each repair must adhere to all safety and technical standards. Compliance isn't just a tick-box exercise—it's about ensuring the safety of every person who enters the lift.

Emergency responses and safety protocols

The most unpredictable part of an engineer's day is when they need to respond to emergencies. Lift entrapments are the most urgent situations they face, where passengers are stuck inside the lift. These calls demand immediate action to rectify the problem safely and reassure those involved. Engineers are professionally trained to deal with these situations, talking to trapped passengers to keep them informed and calm in what could be a stressful situation whilst simultaneously fixing the issue.

Engineers need to be mentally and physically prepared to act quickly, given the urgency of emergency calls, and have strict response timelines to adhere to. Safety is always a priority, whether it's a stuck lift or a malfunction that causes a shutdown. Safety harnesses and fall protection equipment are used particularly when accessing the lift shaft in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The well-being of passengers and occupants is always a priority, and the goal is to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

Wrapping up and daily reflections

Essential paperwork fills the wind-down period of engineers' days. Job sheets are filled out in detail, documenting everything from routine checks to emergency callout repairs and any remaining issues for future visits. This paperwork goes beyond record-keeping; it's a core part of compliance with the UK Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). It ensures all lifts are safe for daily use.

Customer feedback is also an essential part of our engineers' process. They gather insight from occupants and building managers through forms or verbal feedback, and this is directly fed back to improve future services. Customer satisfaction is a priority, as feedback helps to inform planning for future projects or prevent specific issues from recurring. Before clocking off for the day, our engineers proactively prepare for their next shift by re-stocking their spare parts and materials, so they're ready for the following day's challenges.

The unsung heroes of vertical transport

Our engineers bring expertise, dedication and a commitment to safety that goes beyond just routine maintenance, ensuring that our lifts (and daily activities) run smoothly and seamlessly. Understanding the day-to-day of the lift engineer workforce shines a light on their skill and diligence in this invisible yet essential field. Whether you're considering a career in lift engineering or investing in reliable lift services, Caledonian Lifts Manchester specialises in vertical technology. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about working with us.