Safety, Regulations & Compliance in the Elevator Industry (India)

In a country like India, where high-rises are becoming the norm and vertical mobility is part of daily life, elevator safety isn’t just a technical topic – it’s a public safety priority. From residential towers and corporate parks to hospitals and malls, thousands of passengers step into lifts every day, trusting that every ride is safe, compliant and well-maintained.

This is where elevator safety standards, strong regulations and strict compliance practices come together – and where responsible brands like Polo Elevators make a real difference.

Why Elevator Safety Standards Matter in India

India sees a growing number of lift installations every year, and with that growth comes an increased risk of accidents if safety is neglected. Most incidents are traced back to one of these causes:

• Poor or irregular maintenance

• Non-compliance with local laws and standards

• Use of substandard components

• Untrained technicians or unauthorized repairs

Robust lift compliance in India ensures that every installed elevator follows a defined safety protocol, from design and installation to testing and periodic maintenance.

Key Regulations Governing Elevators in India

Elevators in India are governed by a mix of:

• State Lift Acts & Rules – Many states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, etc., have their own Lift Acts that regulate licensing, installation permissions, periodic inspections and penalties for non-compliance.

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Codes – Standards such as IS codes for electric lifts, hydraulic lifts, safety components and maintenance practices guide manufacturers and building owners on what is considered safe and compliant.

• Local Building By-laws & Fire Safety Norms – High-rise buildings must follow additional rules related to fire-fighting lifts, emergency power backup, accessibility, and evacuation planning.

For a brand committed to safety like Polo Elevators, compliance isn’t a one-time checkbox – it’s an ongoing commitment across the entire lifecycle of the lift.

The Essentials of Lift Compliance in India

1. Design & Manufacturing Compliance

• Use of BIS-compliant components and safety devices (overspeed governor, safety gear, buffers, interlocks, door sensors, emergency alarm, etc.).

• Proper load calculations, speed limits and car dimensions as per usage (residential, hospital, freight, capsule, etc.).

• Integration of emergency features like auto-rescue device (ARD), emergency lighting and ventilation.

2. Licensed Installation & Commissioning

• Installation must be carried out by a competent, licensed agency.

• All structural, electrical and safety checks should be completed before commissioning.

• Load testing and trial runs are mandatory before the elevator is opened for public use.

3. Statutory Permissions & Approvals

• Application to the respective state Lift Inspectorate or designated authority.

• Inspection by a government-approved lift inspector.

• Grant of license/permission to operate, which must be displayed in or near the lift.

Polo Elevators aligns its processes with these compliance steps to ensure that every installation is not just efficient, but also fully legal and safe.

Elevator Inspection Checklist: What Should Be Checked Regularly?

A structured elevator inspection checklist helps prevent failures and detect risks early. Key points typically include:

• Inside the Car

  • Door operation: smooth opening/closing, door sensors working

  • Car lighting and ventilation

  • Condition of car operating panel, floor indicators and handrails

  • Emergency alarm, intercom/phone and ARD status

• On the Landings

  • Landing door locks functioning correctly

  • Floor level accuracy – minimal gap between landing and car

  • Proper signage, load capacity and license details displayed

• Machine Room / Control Panel

  • Condition of ropes, pulleys and motor noise levels

  • Cleanliness and proper lighting in the machine room

  • Electrical connections, control panel condition, earthing

  • Safety devices functioning: overspeed governor, brakes and limit switches

• Shaft & Pit Area

  • Clean, dry pit with no debris or water logging

  • Buffers and safety stoppers in place

  • Shaft lighting and safe access for technicians

Polo Elevators incorporates such detailed checklists into its elevator maintenance safety programs to ensure no detail is left unattended.

Elevator Maintenance Safety: More Than Just Repair

Many building owners think of maintenance only when something breaks. In reality, a preventive and predictive approach is the backbone of elevator maintenance safety. That includes:

• Scheduled Preventive Maintenance

  • Regular visits based on usage and building type

  • Timely lubrication, cleaning and minor adjustments

  • Replacement of worn-out parts before failure

• Documentation & Reporting

  • Clear records of each service visit, findings and corrective action

  • Maintenance logbook available for inspectors and building management

• Qualified, Trained Technicians

  • Only certified personnel should carry out maintenance

  • Training on new technologies, safety protocols and emergency handling

For Polo Elevators, maintenance is an extension of their safety promise – not an afterthought.

Lift Accident Prevention: Safety Culture in Everyday Use

Even the safest, most compliant elevator can become risky if used carelessly. Lift accident prevention is a shared responsibility between manufacturers, building management and end-users. Some simple, high-impact practices include:

• Do not overload the lift beyond the specified capacity.

• Never force doors open or block them with objects.

• Children should not play with buttons or use lifts unsupervised.

• In case of power failure or sudden stoppage, stay calm inside and use the alarm/intercom – never attempt to force the doors or climb out.

• Regular safety drills and awareness communication in large complexes.

Polo Elevators often encourages building owners to display safety instructions prominently and educate residents, staff and visitors on safe lift usage.

Why Choosing a Compliant Elevator Partner Matters

When a project chooses a trusted partner like Polo Elevators, it is not just buying a product – it is investing in:

• End-to-end compliance with elevator regulations in India

• Transparent documentation and support during inspections and licensing

• Robust maintenance plans that keep the lift safe and efficient for years

• A team that understands state-wise regulatory nuances and evolving standards

In an industry where shortcuts can have serious consequences, a safety-first, regulation-led approach is the only way forward.

Final Word: Safe Elevators, Confident Users

As cities in India grow taller and busier, ensuring elevator safety standards are followed is no longer optional – it is essential. From design and installation to inspection, maintenance and daily use, every step must align with the laws, codes and best practices that keep passengers safe.

For builders, architects and facility managers, partnering with an experienced, compliant brand like Polo Elevators means peace of mind:

• Lifts that meet or exceed regulatory requirements

• Smooth, reliable operations

• A significantly reduced risk of accidents or legal issues

Because in the elevator industry, true progress isn’t just about moving people faster – it’s about moving them safer.