Lifts - Elevator Tests

Operators of elevators, which are systems requiring monitoring, are responsible for the safe operation of their systems at all times. In Germany, the Product Safety Act (ProdSG) and the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) regulate the points that must be observed. This applies to all elevator systems. Insofar as these systems are classified as requiring inspection, they may only be inspected by notified bodies and approved inspection bodies (ZÜS).

To ensure that the legal requirements are reliably fulfilled, TÜV NORD, as a ZÜS, carries out the periodic inspections and intermediate inspections that are required during the entire service life of the system. Our ASIS II elevator testing system is a convenient substitute for test weights. 
The tests are performed by independent and competent experts.

Before a new elevator may be put into operation, it must be proven that it complies with all valid specifications, in accordance with the state of the art and that it fulfils the basic safety and health protection requirements of the EC- Elevator Directive. 

TÜV NORD supports the manufacturer in this process so that the elevator can be put into operation economically and safely. If all test steps, such as the preliminary inspection of the design documents and the inspection at the operating site upon completion, are successfully completed, a certificate is issued. 

The manufacturer can then issue the declaration of conformity and affix the CE-Mark to the elevator. 

If a certain type of elevator is to be built in larger numbers, it is advisable to subject the system to an EC type examination; essential parts of the conformity assessment then only have to be carried out once. TÜV NORD is also a competent partner for elevator manufacturers in this regard.

In addition, proof of one's own elevator competence through a quality safety system in accordance with the Elevator Directive can make it easier for the manufacturer to place elevators on the market. TÜV NORD certifies such systems - advantage for the manufacturer: he can carry out essential parts of the conformity assessment on his own responsibility.

In order to be able to perform recurring elevator inspections quickly, gently and cost-effectively for the system, TÜV NORD engineers use ASIS II. The innovative electronic testing system is based on the company's own patents and determines the safety indicators for the condition and development of the system without load weights.

The ASIS II testing system is a convenient replacement for test weights in the recurring testing of elevator systems. It replaces all legally required tests on an elevator system that would be necessary with weights. The patented measuring procedures of the ASIS II test system were developed by TÜV NORD and reflect the many years of experience of an independent testing organization.

The test system has proven itself in daily use for many years and is not only used for recurring tests, but also for the preparation of expert opinions and statements.

In addition to the one-time and recurring elevator inspections, TÜV NORD offers you further services and support for the safe operation of elevator systems.

On your audit report, you may have found this note: "Documentation to address cyber threats was not provided."

We have compiled information on this for you here:

Prüfung der Maßnahmen des Betreibers gegen Cyberbedrohungen von überwachungsbedürftigen Anlagen

The amended Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) came into force in June 2015 and is aimed at employers who provide work equipment and their equivalent operators of systems requiring monitoring. The following new regulations apply to elevators:

•    The elevator must be marked, e.g. in the form of an inspection sticker, with information about the month and year of the next inspection. 

•    By the end of 2020 at the latest, all elevators for passenger transportation must be equipped with a two-way communication (Zweiwege-Kommunikationssystem) system.

•    Exceptions exist for elevator systems in accordance with the Machinery Directive (Maschinenrichtlinie): the trapped person must only be able to call for help.

•    An emergency plan must be prepared for each elevator installation, as well as an up-to-date emergency rescue manual.

•    The inspection prior to commissioning now applies to all elevator systems with passenger transport.

•    The maximum inspection period for elevator systems according to the Machinery Directive is 2 years. (Exception: Inspection periods documented up to 31.05.2015 continue to apply).

•    The inspection period for recurring inspections (main inspection, intermediate inspection) can be shortened depending on the condition or operation of the system.

•    Elevator-external safety devices such as fire and evacuation controls must be assessed as part of the main inspection.

•    Test certificates can also be kept in electronic form.

The QR code is attached to the tested system by the TÜV NORD expert in the form of a sticker. Plant operators or authorized users then have the option of reading the QR code conveniently and paperlessly at any time using a suitable device (e.g. smartphone). Decoding takes place automatically using the appropriate app (QR code reader), and the user is taken directly to the corresponding TÜV NORD website to view the inspection certificate and other plant data.

We have prepared a sample emergency plan for you, which you are welcome to download and use. The emergency plans must be handed over to the responsible emergency service before commissioning or placed near the plant in case no emergency service is provided.

Our checklist for commissioned persons (formerly elevator attendants) according to TRBS 3121 issue 10/2018 enables a structured procedure of the tasks to be performed.