Product Overview

Summary: This Escalator and Elevator Safety Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for the safe operation, inspection and use of vertical transport systems in Australian workplaces. It helps duty holders manage entrapment, fall, electrical and mechanical risks while demonstrating compliance with WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards.

Escalators and elevators are critical to the safe and efficient movement of people in workplaces, shopping centres, hospitals, transport hubs and high‑rise buildings. When these systems are not managed correctly, the consequences can include serious entrapment injuries, crush hazards, falls, uncontrolled movements and public liability claims. This Escalator and Elevator Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS‑aligned framework for day‑to‑day operation, routine checks, incident response and contractor management so that both workers and building occupants are protected.

Developed for the Australian regulatory environment, this SOP translates legislative and technical requirements into clear, step‑by‑step instructions that front‑line staff can actually follow. It covers safe use rules for passengers, pre‑start and shutdown checks, signage and exclusion zones, emergency stop and alarm procedures, isolation and lock‑out for maintenance, and communication protocols with specialist lift contractors. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce the risk of injury, minimise equipment downtime, support consistent staff training and demonstrate due diligence during audits, inspections and incident investigations.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, safe operation of escalators and elevators across all sites and shifts.
• Reduce the likelihood of entrapment, crush injuries, slips, trips and falls involving building occupants and workers.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS laws and relevant lift and escalator standards during audits and regulator visits.
• Streamline staff training with a clear, step‑by‑step procedure for normal operation, faults and emergency situations.
• Minimise downtime and costly service disruptions through routine pre‑use checks and early fault identification.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Building Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Lift and Escalator Technicians
• Retail Centre Managers
• Hospital and Aged Care Facility Managers
• School and University Campus Managers
• Security and Concierge Teams

Hazards Addressed

• Entrapment of hands, feet, clothing or mobility aids in escalator comb plates and handrails
• Crush and shear points in elevator doors and moving components
• Falls on or from escalators due to sudden stops, crowding or misuse
• Falls into lift shafts or machine rooms during maintenance or access
• Electrical shock or arc flash during inspection or repair activities
• Uncontrolled movement of lift cars due to mechanical or control system failure
• Manual handling strains from handling luggage, trolleys or equipment on escalators
• Public crowding, panic and secondary injuries during breakdowns or emergency evacuations
• Slips and trips due to wet, contaminated or poorly lit landings and approaches

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Equipment Types (Lifts, Escalators, Moving Walks)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Escalators and Elevators
• 6.0 General Safety Rules for Use by Workers and the Public
• 7.0 Pre‑Start and Routine Operational Checks
• 8.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Elevators (Normal Use and Fault Conditions)
• 9.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Escalators and Moving Walks
• 10.0 Management of Vulnerable Users (Children, Elderly, Mobility Impaired)
• 11.0 Signage, Barricades and Access Control During Faults or Maintenance
• 12.0 Isolation, Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out and Handover to Lift Contractors
• 13.0 Emergency Procedures (Entrapment, Power Failure, Fire, Evacuation)
• 14.0 Incident, Near Miss and Fault Reporting and Investigation
• 15.0 Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Recordkeeping Requirements
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant State/Territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and relevant State/Territory variants)
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• AS 1735 series – Lifts, escalators and moving walks
• AS 1735.2 – Lifts, escalators and moving walks – Passenger and goods lifts
• AS 1735.5 – Lifts, escalators and moving walks – Escalators and moving walks
• AS 1735.10 – Lifts, escalators and moving walks – Service lifts
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 – Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS 3745:2010 – Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational health and safety management systems