The Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts is the Spanish standard that regulates in detail all aspects related to the safety, commissioning, maintenance, and periodic inspections of lifts. Its objective is to ensure that these lifting equipment operate in optimal conditions, protecting both users and the technicians who work on them. A new version has been in force since July 2024, which updates and expands the obligations for both homeowner associations and maintenance companies, installers, and regulatory bodies.
Evolution of the complementary technical instruction for lifts
The Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts originates from the Lifting and Handling Equipment Regulations approved in 1985. Since then, various revisions have been approved to adapt to technological advances and European regulations. Royal Decree 355/2024 was published in April 2024, approving the new ITC AEM-1 and repealing the previous ones. This new standard came into force on July 1, 2024, with important new features regarding maintenance, inspections, and safety improvements for existing lifts.
Scope of application of the Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts
The scope of the Supplementary Technical Instruction for Lifts is very broad. It affects all public and private lifts, except for some special equipment such as construction hoists or industrial platforms with specific characteristics. Its provisions cover:
- Neighborhood communities with lift.
- Public buildings.
- Lifts in industrial facilities.
- Installation and maintenance companies.
- Authorized control bodies.
This establishes a common legal framework that standardizes minimum safety and operational requirements throughout Spain.
Main obligations for lift owners
One of the most important sections of the Supplementary Technical Instruction for Lifts is the one that establishes the obligations of the owners or proprietors of the equipment. They must:
- Process the commissioning of the lift with the competent administration.
- Facilitate access to the conservation company and the supervisory body for inspections.
- Keep the operating manual up to date.
- Implement mandatory security improvements within established timeframes.
- Report incidents or accidents when they occur.
Maintenance requirements in the Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts
Maintenance is one of the cornerstones of the Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts. Each device must have a preventive maintenance plan, compliant with the UNE 58720 standard, which includes periodic inspections and specific safety controls. Maintenance companies must develop a plan tailored to each installation and keep records of all interventions.
In addition, obligations are established such as:
- Communicate the addition and removal of maintenance contracts to the administration.
- Thoroughly inspect any lift that has been idle for more than three months before being put into service.
- Issue periodic conservation reports that can be consulted by the community of owners.
Periodic inspections according to the Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts
Lift safety is reinforced by a schedule of mandatory technical inspections performed by authorized inspection bodies. The Supplementary Technical Instruction for Lifts establishes different deadlines depending on the type of building and its use:
- Every 2 years in buildings used by the public or for industrial use.
- Every 4 years in communities with more than 20 homes or more than 4 floors.
- Every 6 years in all other cases.
These inspections detect potential defects, which are classified as minor, serious, or very serious. If a very serious defect is found, the lift must be taken out of service until it is corrected.
Minimum mandatory safety measures
Another key section of the Supplementary Technical Instruction for Lifts addresses the safety measures that must be implemented in existing equipment. These include:
- Precise cabin leveling systems to prevent unevenness at the stop.
- Photoelectric curtains or other devices that prevent doors from closing on users.
- Protection against uncontrolled movements of the cabin with the doors open.
- Replacement of non-approved wooden guides or counterweights.
- Incorporation of overload detection systems.
- Improved lighting and accessibility in the lift shaft.
These measures are applied within specific timeframes that depend on the age of the facility and the type of deficiency detected during the initial inspection.
Responsibilities of conservative companies
Maintenance companies also have very specific responsibilities according to the Supplementary Technical Instruction for Lifts. They must:
- Be enabled by means of a responsible declaration.
- Develop and execute maintenance plans tailored to each device.
- Keep technical documentation for at least ten years.
- Make the operating manual available to users.
- Act immediately in case of rescuing trapped people.
Role of supervisory bodies
The Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts also regulates the role of inspection bodies. These bodies are responsible for conducting initial and periodic inspections, verifying major modifications to lifts, and classifying any defects detected. They must also report the results to the regional government and ensure that the equipment meets safety requirements.
Relationship with European regulations
A key aspect is the harmonization of the Complementary Technical Instruction for Lifts with European regulations. This ITC aligns with Directive 2014/33/EU on lifts and the European Machinery Regulation, in addition to referring to UNE standards such as EN 81-20 and EN 81-21, which detail the technical design and safety requirements.
Impact on homeowners' associations
For residential communities, the Supplementary Technical Instruction for Lifts represents a reinforcement of safety, but also greater administrative and financial responsibility. They must plan for the necessary investments to adapt the equipment to the new requirements, especially in buildings with older lifts. Although it requires an effort, these measures translate into greater reliability, fewer breakdowns, and a significant increase in user safety.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lift maintenance in Mallorca.
At Eleva Balear, we work every day to ensure the safety and proper functioning of lifting equipment on the island. We are fully familiar with the Complementary Technical Instructions for lifts and apply all legal and technical requirements during each inspection. If your community or business needs a reliable service, we invite you to contact us. We are specialists in lift maintenance in Mallorca, offering tailored solutions with the highest guarantee.
