Start with what your lift is designed to carry.

The name ‘goods lift’ covers several arrangements. The lift’s instructions and markings determine its permitted use; its size alone does not tell you whether someone may travel inside.

  • Goods-only lifts: carry loads between floors without a person travelling with them. Some designs allow access for loading when stationary; that does not permit riding in the lift.
  • Lifts designed for an attendant: allow an accompanying person within the limits and operating arrangements specified for that installation.
  • Goods/passenger lifts: are designed for both people and goods, subject to their stated capacity and use.

Manufacturers such as BKG distinguish goods-only equipment from their designated attendant lifts. For smaller items, a dumbwaiter or service lift may be the equipment you have.

Plan maintenance around the loading and workload.

A lift moving stock all day needs a maintenance plan that reflects its use, condition and manufacturer’s instructions. Tell us about busy periods, loading methods and any changes in the loads being carried.

Doors, gates, locks and thresholds are important parts of the installation, particularly where trolleys or goods can strike them. The drive, suspension or hydraulic equipment, controls and stopping arrangement also need attention appropriate to the design.

The rated load includes the goods and their containers or trolley, plus any person the installation is permitted to carry. Load distribution and the loading method may have additional limits. HSE explains equipment suitability and safe-working-load markings.

We can discuss planned maintenance and coordinate visits around deliveries or production. Our visit report records the work, findings and follow-up.

Investigate the fault before choosing the repair.

A lift that will not accept a call, stops unevenly at a landing or develops a recurring door fault needs investigation. A damaged gate, unusual noise or repeated stopping can have different causes; the symptom alone is not a diagnosis.

Describe what happened, which floor was involved and whether the problem occurred empty or loaded. Include any displayed fault message and recent service findings. Photos from safe, accessible areas can help; do not enter the shaft or remove covers to obtain them.

Forge welcomes one-off repairs. We’ll explain the findings, proposed work and any parts or further investigation needed. For recurring faults or ageing equipment, targeted modernisation may be worth assessing. Replacing controls does not, by itself, change a goods-only lift into one permitted to carry people.

Keep maintenance and examinations working together.

Servicing and thorough examination have different purposes. Maintenance looks after the equipment; an examination assesses its safety-critical condition and produces a separate report. Where LOLER applies, the equipment and its use determine the examination arrangements.

Forge can help arrange an independent third-party examination, or put you in touch with a provider. We do not carry out LOLER examinations in-house. Share any outstanding report items so that repairs or requested testing can be considered alongside the examiner’s requirements.

Agree a practical access window and an alternative way to handle deliveries while work takes place. If a defect makes the lift unsafe, keep it out of use and seek assistance; do not force a door or bypass a protective device.

Start with your installation

What to send us.

  • Site postcode, lift make, model and identification number, if known.
  • Rated capacity and whether goods-only, attendant or passenger use is permitted.
  • Loading method, typical loads, floors served and busy operating periods.
  • Fault symptoms, service records, examination reports and access arrangements.

Existing reports and photographs from safe, accessible areas are useful. You do not need to open equipment or enter a lift shaft to make an enquiry.

Send an enquiry

Before you call

Common questions.

Can someone travel with the goods?

Only if that particular installation is designed and permitted for it. Do not ride in a goods-only lift, even if there is room. If the permitted use is unclear, check the equipment documents and obtain advice before allowing anyone to travel.

Can you help without a maintenance contract?

Yes. One-off repair enquiries are welcome. Send the lift details and the problem so we can assess suitability and attendance. An older installation may need investigation before parts availability and repair options can be confirmed.

Can we increase the capacity or change how we use it?

That needs a separate engineering assessment. A different load, loading method or proposal to carry people can affect more than the controls. Continue to follow the existing restrictions until any proposed change has been properly assessed and completed.

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