Lift Management and Upgrade Program

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Background
The University of Adelaide has 59 lifts installed in various buildings across its main campuses. The lifts vary in terms of their manufacture, type, size, age, use and condition. Lift locations (pdf 58kB)

On the North Terrace Campus there are 38 lifts in service. These comprise passenger, disabled access and service lifts and are installed in 28 separate buildings. The oldest equipment is now over 45 years old and the newest, being the external lift east of the Staff Club building, is 2 years old.

In mid 2005 Property Services engaged a specialist lift consultant to undertake an audit and review of the University's passenger and service lifts as part of the process to develop and implement a long-term lift maintenance and upgrade program. That project was completed and a comprehensive report provided to the University.

Over 2006 Property Services has developed and implemented a number of strategies associated with the lift management and upgrade program.

Property Services has:

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive site specific performance based lift maintenance contract
• Completed a number of projects that addressed the urgent/high risk issues identified in the consultant's report
• Developed a long term upgrade program

Lift Operation and Maintenance
The consultant's report identified that the University's lifts are maintained, tested and inspected in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards; they are in a serviceable condition and are safe for passenger use.

In order to improve the lift maintenance arrangements Property Services undertook a formal procurement process for the provision of comprehensive site specific performance based lift maintenance services early in 2006. Otis Elevators were selected as the successful tenderer. The contract commenced 1 April 2006.

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Issues
The consultants report identified that the occupational health and safety issues identified as part of the audit and review process related mainly to lift company personnel undertaking maintenance, repair and/or upgrade work on lift equipment. Recent changes to the occupational health and safety requirements and Australian Standards for lifts and escalators has increased the obligations of the University to ensure that the lifts are maintained in a "Safe to Operate" condition. The University has taken the necessary steps to ensure compliance with (as appropriate) the current requirements.

Works Completed to date
Property Services has arranged for and completed a number of repairs and maintenance activities to address the issues identified in the consultant's report.
Works completed (pdf 39kB)

In April 2006, Whitfield Rose Elevator Consultants were appointed by the University to commence the design, documentation and procurement process to upgrade a number of lifts on the North Terrace Campus. This image is only concept view of how lift cars may look after the upgrade.

The following lifts have been identified for upgrade:

• Schulz Building (4 lifts re-engineered to service L12)
• Napier Building (3 lifts)
• Hughes Building (2 lifts)
• Medical School North (2 lifts)
• Medical School South (2 lifts)
• Union House (3 lifts)
• Badger Building (2 lifts)
• Ligertwood Building (1 lift)

Whitfield Rose has prepared a Concept Design report outlining the specific upgrade recommendations for the North Terrace Campus, together with a probable order of costs and project timelines.

Whitfield Rose has advised the University of a number of upcoming changes in elevator drive technology that, if selected, would provide significant benefit to the University.

The benefits include:

• Reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions (ABGR ratings)
• Improved lifts reliability and performance
• Reduced waiting times
• Improved floor levelling accuracy and passenger ride quality
• Improved standards of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare
• Improved standards of Equity of Access
• Improved lift/passenger door protection devices
• Electronic floor positioning voice annunciation
• Remote monitoring of lifts

On the basis that this technology would be available in early/mid 2007 it was decided to delay any major upgrade works in order that the University could take advantage of the latest technology.

Works Procurement Program
The lift upgrade project is now progressing. The table (pdf 38kB) details the milestone start and completion dates for each stage of the works.

Based upon the planned contract start date of 22 June, 2007 and the lead times for equipment, works are planned to commence on site in the latter part of 2007.

Construction Program
In order to minimise disruption to building occupants, we have, as far as is reasonably practicable, developed the construction program to have works undertaken over semester breaks. The table (pdf 38kB) sets out the proposed construction timetable.
Works scheduled for 2007 (pdf 36kB)

For enquiries, contact Maintenance Service Centre or phone 8303 4008.