Lift Mechanic
Summary
Lift mechanics assemble, install, adjust, maintain and repair electric and hydraulic freight and passenger lifts and escalators.
Duties & Tasks
Lift mechanics may perform the following tasks:
- study drawings and lay out the position of steelwork, guide rails, motors, pumps and cylinders
- install lift guide rails and check that they are correctly aligned
- install cables, counterweights, pumps, motor foundations, escalator drives, lift cars, doors, entrance frames and safety and control devices
- connect electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors
- test and adjust assemblies, including cables, wiring and electric controls, and adjust safety devices such as brakes and speed governors
- carry out regular maintenance programs on lifts and escalators
- use laptop computers in the field for tuning and diagnostic work in fault finding
- find the causes of faults in motors, brakes, switches and electrical and electronic control systems
- repair hydraulic or mechanical brakes by adjusting or replacing valves, ratchets, seals and brake linings.
Working Conditions
Lift mechanics working on installation and modernisation projects generally work in teams on building construction sites. In these instances they work closely with building and other specialist tradespeople.
Lift mechanics are required by state and territory government regulations to wear protective clothing, including a safety helmet, goggles, gloves, shield, spats and safety shoes or boots.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy technical work
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- normal colour vision
- able to work at heights and in confined spaces
- good communication skills
- good interpersonal skills
- aptitude in mechanical and electrical reasoning
- able to work independently or as part of a team.
