Elevator Installers and Repairers

On the Job

Overview

Elevator installers and repairers assemble and maintain elevators.


Most people think that flying is the safest way to travel. Wrong! Did you know it's actually safest to ride in an elevator? While elevators can't take you from Los Angeles to New York, they can get you from the lobby to the 30th floor quickly and safely.Elevator installers put in new elevators. They start by studying the blueprints so that they know where each part goes. This also helps them plan each step of the installation process. The first thing they install is the guide rails. These rails guide the elevator as it moves up and down. If the rails are not the right length, installers cut them to fit. Installers weld or bolt the rails to the walls of the elevator shaft. Next, elevator installers put in the electrical wiring. They also put together the elevator cars, platforms, walls, and doors. Finally, installers put in the equipment that moves the cars. This type of equipment varies. Some elevators use cables to raise the cars and some use hydraulics.

Once the elevator is running, installers run tests to make sure the elevator is working correctly. For example, they test whether the elevator is using too much electricity or going too fast. Installers make adjustments to the elevator so that it is working properly and can pass inspection. Sometimes elevator installers put in dumbwaiters, which are similar to small elevators. Some installers put in escalators. Occasionally they replace old elevators with new systems.

Installing elevators is only part of the job of elevator installers and repairers. They also maintain elevators or fix those that are broken. When maintaining elevators, repairers oil or clean the moving parts and replace worn parts. When fixing broken elevators, they start by figuring out what the problem is. Repairers may run tests to find out what is wrong. Fixing problems may involve replacing broken or worn parts. After maintaining or fixing elevators, repairers fill out service reports. In these reports, repairers list the work they did. In general, workers in this field specialize in installing, maintaining, or repairing elevators.

Elevator installers and repairers must keep their skills up to date. They may take courses from elevator manufacturers to learn about new technology. In addition, installers and repairers need some knowledge about how to repair computers. This is because computers are used to control some elevators.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Study blueprints that describe the equipment to be installed.
• Cut rails and other parts to specific measurements.
• Bolt and weld steel frames.
• Connect electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors.
• Assemble, install, and repair elevator cars, platforms, walls, and doors.
• Set up and connect the equipment that moves the cars.
• Test and fine-tune the elevator system.
• Write service reports that list maintenance or repairs.
• Locate and repair problems within the elevator system.
• Install dumbwaiters and escalators.
• Make sure safety regulations and building codes are met.
• Keep a log of all repairs and checks performed.
• Take training to keep skills up to date.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Perform activities that use the whole body.
• Handle and move objects.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Control machines and processes.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment.
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Use computers.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Think creatively.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures.
• Communicate with people from outside the organization.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of responsibility for the health and safety of the people who use the elevators they work on.
• Communicate mostly on the phone and in person.
• Have a medium level of social interaction with others. They often work alone but also spend time talking with other workers and supervisors.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.

Physical Work Conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• Always wear protective or safety attire, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses.
• Are exposed to hazardous conditions on a daily basis, such as unfinished building sites.
• Daily are exposed to hazardous equipment, such as welding torches.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants.
• Are often exposed to extremely bright or dim lighting conditions.
• May work in hot or cold temperatures, depending on the work site.
• Sometimes get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Are occasionally exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations that may cause cuts or burns.
• May travel to and from work sites in a vehicle, such as a truck or van.
• May work physically close to others, such as within several feet.

Work Performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work so that elevators function properly. Errors could seriously injure passengers if the elevator were to fall.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Often make decisions that greatly impact other workers and elevator passengers.
• They nearly all of their decisions and set most of their daily tasks and goals without checking with a supervisor first.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere in which weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/Travel

• Travel to different sites to install or repair elevators.
• May work nights or weekends to maintain elevators in busy buildings.
• Usually work full time.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand, walk, or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist the body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Climb ladders and scaffolds.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See objects in very bright light.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.