Profession lift engineer

Lift engineers set lifts into a prepared framed hoistway. They install support assembly, set up the lift pump or motor, piston or cable, and mechanism. Lift engineers connect the necessary electronic elements to complete the installation and connection of the lift cabin. They also perform the necessary steps to inspect and repair lifts, as well as the shaft and any associated electronics. Lift engineers make sure every inspection and report action is noted in a log book, and report to the client on the state of the serviced lift.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Enterprising / Conventional
• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Lift safety legislation

  Local legislation on lift safety mechanisms, loading limits, speed limits and installation procedures.

• Types of lifts

  Various types of lifts, based on their mode of operation, such as hydraulically powered lifts. Various lift operation schemes and configurations.

• Electricity

  Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

• Electrical wiring plans

  Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

• Mechanical systems

  Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.

• Hydraulics

  The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.

• Pneumatics

  The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.

• Lift safety mechanisms

  The various mechanisms to prevent a lift from falling. Lift governor operation and safety brake operation mechanisms.

Skills

• Perform maintenance on installed equipment

  Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.

• Test lift operation

  Test all features of a lift to ensure proper and efficient functioning.

• Install hydraulic systems

  Install systems and components that use liquid fluid power to create mechanical movements such as hydraulic pumps, valves, hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders and other elements that power hydraulic machinery.

• Consult technical resources

  Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.

• Troubleshoot

  Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

• Resolve equipment malfunctions

  Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.

• Inspect construction supplies

  Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

• Operate welding equipment

  Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel; wear protective eyewear during the working process.

• Follow health and safety procedures in construction

  Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

• Use safety equipment in construction

  Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Program lift controller

  Configure the lift controller to make sure the lift operates correctly and efficiently. Set the desired operating mode for one lift or for lift group operation. Maximise comfort while minimising travel time.

• Install electrical and electronic equipment

  Install equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes switchboards, electric motors, generators or direct current systems.

• Install lift controller

  Install the lift controller, which processes and transmits lift control signals to the motor, in the machine room at the top of the shaft. Connect it to the hoist motor, a source of electricity, and the control input signal wires.

• Install lift governor

  Install the lift governor, which controls the movement speed and braking mechanisms of the lift, in the machine room at the top of the shaft. Calibrate the governor and link it up with the motor, control mechanism, and a source of electricity.

• Guide lift car installation

  Guide the process where a crane hoists the lift car to the top of the finished shaft and lowers it along the support rails. Communicate with the crane operator during the car installation to ensure correct and safe installation.

• Secure working area

  Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.

• Conduct routine machinery checks

  Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.

• Record test data

  Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

• Install lift shaft support equipment

  Securely install the necessary equipment to guide the movement of a lift in the shaft, and to facilitate maintenance. Attach rails to the sides of the shaft to guide the movement of the car. Install service ladders for maintenance and emergency purposes.

• Install pneumatic systems

  Install systems and components that use pneumatics to create mechanical movements such as air brakes, pneumatic cylinders, air compressors and other systems.

• Operate soldering equipment

  Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB