What Building Owners Should Know About Elevator Inspections: Insights from John Triplett

Most people step into elevators without giving a second thought to the safety systems at work behind the scenes. But keeping those systems up to code requires careful inspection — and that’s where professionals like John Triplett come in. With more than a decade of experience in inspections and a background in maintenance, John offered us a behind-the-scenes look at what elevator inspections entail, how building owners can prepare, and why collaboration between all parties is key to keeping people safe.

A Day in the Life

John’s inspection days begin with careful preparation. He typically confirms his schedule in advance with building management and maintenance teams to ensure smooth coordination.

Once on-site, he checks in with property staff, outlines the tests that will be performed, and discusses any potential impact to the building’s daily operations — especially if generator or weight testing is involved. “We try to be as minimally disruptive as possible,” he explains.

Working Together for Compliance

Inspections can be scheduled either by the building owner or by the elevator company, depending on the arrangement. John often performs “witness testing” — observing elevator technicians conduct required safety tests while ensuring everything is done properly and meets code.

“We’re not hands-on during those,” he says. “We’re there as a third-party to make sure everything’s being tested correctly and the elevator responds the way it should.”

Types of Elevator Inspections

There are several types of inspections required at different intervals, each focused on verifying the safety and performance of elevators and related equipment:

• Routine Safety Checks: Annual checks that include verifying emergency lighting, communication systems, door operation, and machine room conditions.

• Category 1 (CAT 1): Annual inspection that verifies elevator safety systems at inspection speeds, without added weight.

• Category 3 (CAT 3): Required every three years, typically for hydraulic elevators, focusing on internal components like piping and cylinders.

• Category 5 (CAT 5): A more in-depth test performed every five years that includes full load testing, emergency braking, and unintended motion evaluations.

“With CAT 5,” John says, “you’re putting it through the wringer — full weight, full speed. If something’s going to fail, that’s where it’ll show.”

Documentation: Who’s Responsible?

One of the most important things building owners should understand is their responsibility for on-site documentation. Items like maintenance logs, fire service records, and the Maintenance Control Program (MCP) need to be kept up-to-date and accessible in the machine room.

“Even if you’ve hired a maintenance company, the responsibility for those documents can still fall on the building owner,” John says. “It’s their elevator. Their name’s on the certificate.”

What to Expect — and Watch For

A typical elevator inspection for a mid-rise building usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes per car. For buildings with multiple elevators, inspectors often test them together to streamline the process.

Between inspections, John encourages property teams to:

• Confirm that elevator phones and emergency lighting are functional

• Keep machine rooms clean and free of storage items

• Ensure fire service systems operate as expected

• Notify tenants or residents in advance of upcoming inspections

“If the phone doesn’t work, the bell doesn’t ring, and someone gets stuck, they’re banging on the door with no way to call for help,” John says. “That’s not a position anyone wants to be in.”

Safety First — Always

While the inspections are thorough, John’s approach is educational and safety-focused. “I’m really just looking out for safety — for your building and the people in it.”

His passion for the job runs deep. “My wife laughs at me — even on vacation, I’m checking elevator certificates and listening for noises,” he says with a grin. “I care about this stuff.”

He even has a favorite icebreaker for tense inspection days: “Sometimes I’ll tell them, ‘This is my first day on the job — I’ll do my best.’ That usually gets a laugh and lightens the mood.”

Final Thoughts

So what’s the one thing John wishes every customer knew? “I’m not the bad guy. I’m actually on their side,” he says. “If I find something wrong, I’ll explain why it matters. I want people to understand what’s at stake — and I want them to pass.”

Whether it's a routine check or a major safety test, inspectors like John play a critical role in keeping elevators safe, compliant, and dependable — one building at a time. Schedule your elevator inspection today.