Vertical transportation

Whether it’s to transport people or freight, mechanical handling has been commonplace worldwide since Elisha Otis first invented the safety elevator in 1853. But despite the increase in the number of systems, their safety features, speed, capacity, automation and innovation - and a commensurate increase in cost - very few consultancies offer an independent client service when there is a need to install, review, refurbish or replace equipment. And yet this need has become more critical following the introduction of an array of legislation including Lift Regulations, Machinery Directive and the Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations in 1998 plus existing British and European Standards.

That’s why Gifford offers a range of services addressing all forms of vertical transportation; elevators and lifting equipment, escalators, moving walkways and other hydraulic and mechanical installations.

We work with developers, contractors, building owners, architects, system designers, local authorities and insurance companies offering a bespoke consultancy service or a program of surveys, reports and advice as part of a wider engineering brief. Our capabilities include:

For new and modernised installations

New or re-furbished installations can be an expensive operation both financially and in downtime, so it’s important that the process goes smoothly with results which are pleasing technically and in keeping with the required finish. Gifford is able to give impartial advice, provide lift traffic analysis studies, a full technical specification, analyse subsequent tenders and, if required, attend the bidders’ presentations. We can oversee the project and attend again before the end of the defects liability period to review and report.

Help prepare client brief in respect of system, budget and any special features

• Review drawings and specifications.
• Stages during installation and witness commissioning tests.
• Oversee completion.

For condition survey and recommendation

• Independent professional review of equipment and associated parts
• Undertake risk assessment in accordance with current legislation
• Identify components which no longer comply with current legislation or standards
• Review breakdowns and appraise maintenance contractors’ performance or proposals
• Comment on suitability for remaining life expectancy

For maintenance management

We will draw up a maintenance proposition which, as the equipment owner, is relevant to your needs and can then be tendered to suitable maintenance companies to achieve best value and best service.  We shall review the appointed maintenance company’s level of service against a number of agreed Key Performance Indicators.  In the event of any particular machines causing problems, we will review them to ensure suitable repairs are completed and endeavour to reduce the level of downtime to a minimum.

Our dedicated VT team is led by Gifford Technical Director Pat Ahern CEng FSOE FIPlantE MCGI. Pat has over 30 years’ experience of lifts, escalators and suspended access equipment developed with lift service companies, inspection bodies and consulting engineers. As a member of a number of relevant institutions, including the British Standards committee responsible for agreeing the protocols for lifts and lifting equipment, Pat can provide a full range of services from a single unit assessment to full project management for a major multi-unit installation. Elsewhere, and as required, Pat can draw on Gifford’s inter-disciplinary skills to provide a truly holistic capability.