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Critical to all elevator operations are elevator mechanics, the front liners out in the field. The support system, "the elevator contractor/company" behind the mechanics is also of prime importance. This article focuses on the mechanic, what it takes to be one, and the role mechanics play in installing and maintaining elevator systems.
From country to country, area-to-area, the way that a mechanic enters the elevator industry can vary considerably.
To begin with, mechanics are individuals who are very willing to learn, are inquisitive and ideally have the aptitude for mechanical, electrical/electronic and hydraulic systems. Common sense plays a vital role, as safety must be number one on the priority list, not only for the individual mechanic, but also for any helpers, coworkers and riders of the elevators.
Some countries have fully fledged indentured apprenticeship training programs ranging in time from four to six years. Others have on the job training programs, where the schooling to complete an apprenticeship training program is outside of regular working hours.
The industry is split into construction, preventative maintenance, and modernization and service. Each area requires specific skills. How an individual enters into the trade/profession can differ, as often it relates to where the industry demand for workers lies.
In a construction boom, the emphasis by the contractors will be on the installation of new elevators. Such booms attract many mechanics to the elevator industry. Mechanics install guide rails the height of the building, assemble the prefabricated elevator cab, install the machine and the controller etc., in the elevator machine room, install the hoisting cables, the electrical traveling cable from the elevator cab to the controller and connect all the necessary wiring and push buttons etc., in the elevator cab and at every floor entrance.
In general terms, those individuals with the aptitude towards the electrical/electronic/mechanical skills gravitate to the preventative maintenance area of the elevator industry. Progression in the industry will lean towards modernization, troubleshooting and adjusting/fine tuning of elevator systems. Others specialize in service, and many remain specialists in the installation/construction side of the industry. Often those with management and leadership aspirations move into sales, management, and field supervision. In all areas, mechanics must continue to study and keep pace with technological changes in order to advance.
A well-rounded mechanic needs specific training in three key areas: electrical, mechanical and hydraulic. Many industry changes have occurred in the previous decades. Mechanics must contend with many different makes of elevators, as well as the different types and generations that have been produced within each make. Mechanics will encounter such intricacies as the design layout methods of electrical schematic drawings--some are read front to back, others back to front (or top to bottom vs. bottom to top). Then there are the technological changes that have taken place in the last decades, from telephone type relay systems to ultra high tech electronic computer controlled systems as well as the mandatory code upgrades that have been introduced over time.
Each and every aspect mentioned has very specific skills, expertise and knowledge requirements. There is a wide range and type of assemblies, products, and equipment involved in an elevator system. Understanding and comprehending how an elevator system functions is critical. A mechanic adjusting a controller must anticipate how the work will affect an elevator many floors away. The answer might depend on whether he is working on a single elevator system or a system consisting of many elevators.
Another factor to consider is the composition of the elevator system. A turnkey system, where one firm has produced all of the components of the system, may be easier to maintain than a system purchased in separate package form, where the controller, door operator, machine, motor, elevator cab and the required fixtures have all been produced by different suppliers. Both arrangements can produce high-quality elevator systems. However, one may be more difficult to maintain and service than another.
Mechanics must deal with more than the ordinary wear and tear that occur in the course of normal operation. They must also deal with the effects of vandalism, accidents, and environmental factors, such as dust and moisture, or varying seasonal temperature and humidity.
Often mechanics with different skills, knowledge, and familiarity with specific systems will work as a team. If several are together in a coffee shop, more often than not it is their opportunity to meet, discuss job-related problems, and exchange possible solutions.
An important part of an elevator mechanic's duties and responsibilities is the documentation of the work performed. Documentation must lay out with total clarity all requirements and maintenance tasks performed on a planned and systematic schedule, which meets all applicable codes, manufactures specifications, and safety requirements for the safe operation of an elevator system. In many cases, the documentation provided to the mechanic is inadequate or poorly laid out, and can easily lead to tasks and tests not being performed. The elevator contractor generally supplies this preventative maintenance documentation in the form of a logbook, schedule of tasks, and tests. From a liability standpoint and for efficient time management, the best thing for all parties is for the mechanic to have in place a Maintenance Control Program (MCP) specific to the equipment; as such a program helps a mechanic perform the required work in the correct sequence. Maintenance documentation, along with a record of all visitations, required tasks and tests entered into a logbook, becomes the documented evidence of work performed for the building owner.
For numerous reasons, the logbook of work performed is very important. It provides a record of the work performed, including the date and time of completion and the mechanic's name and signature. In some cases, the mechanic's certificate number must also be identified. All this is required to ensure longevity of the system. For safe operation and liability reasons, it must be a living document.
Qualifications of elevator mechanics vary considerably from one country or, jurisdiction area, to another. Some jurisdictions group all elevator mechanics in just one category. Other areas have as many as nine different levels, with each level of certification based upon experience, knowledge, ability and examinations passed. A good example of what it takes to become a qualified/certified elevator mechanic is 8,000 field hours (4 years) and 720 hours (6 months) of classroom training.
Some say it is only after the completion of four years of training that a good elevator mechanic begins to learn. For cable (traction) elevators, the mechanic must read a schematic drawing and understand how the different electrical and mechanical components all function together. For hydraulic elevators, the mechanic must understand the functioning of the electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems, all working and operating in combination. Then there are the multitude of different generations of elevators to work on and the multitude of different types/makes of elevators. One day a mechanic might perform preventative maintenance on brand new high-tech, high-speed installation; the next, he might troubleshoot a 50-60 year old mechanical relay model.
Ongoing training is critical for the elevator industry, with the initial four years of training undertaken being only the basis required to become a fully-fledged elevator mechanic. The learning process must continue, however, and should ideally be supported by the company the mechanic works for with regular technical upgrading training sessions.
Safety is the first priority. All mechanics must enter the industry with a certified safety-training program. A mechanic should fully participate in all ongoing safety training sessions offered, and these sessions must be treated as a very serious aspect of the mechanic's working life.
Vertical transportation is no different than the horizontal transportation provided by a bicycle, car, bus, tram, train, ship or airplane--they all require initial assembly and ongoing preventative maintenance. While some transportation systems may demand greater technological sophistication than others, they nevertheless all require regular and systematic preventative maintenance. A growing population creates a demand for ever-higher buildings, which in turn creates a need for elevators and the work they require-installation, service, upgrading / modernization, and the ongoing preventative maintenance. The demand for trained mechanics will only increase.
<>Mechanics must present themselves as professionals, both verbally and in appearance. Mechanics must consider the work environment, exiting from working surroundings to the clean building without transmitting dirt and grease. If problems exist and detailed explanations are required, it is far better to have the elevator's service providers supervisory/management takes care of difficult and lengthy explanations. Mechanics should avoid getting tangled up in responsibilities that are the work of others. Far better to have the elevator company management sort out issues that are not in the mechanic's job description. Far better solution for the building management to be handling issues directly with the elevator company's office management team. Mechanics should also make sure the company vehicle is spotless, as the vehicle's appearance often forms the first impression a mechanic will make on a property and building manager when he or she arrives to perform the designated duties.
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