Firefighting & Evacuation Lift Inspection Services Kent
In Kent’s hospitals, residential towers, care homes and public buildings, firefighting and evacuation lifts play a vital role in protecting lives during an emergency. These lifts are subject to strict legal duties under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which place clear responsibilities on building owners and managers. Regular inspection is not only a compliance requirement — it ensures critical life-saving systems work when needed most.
At Excel Inspection Solutions, we provide firefighting and evacuation lift inspections across Kent, helping building owners, housing associations and facilities managers in Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Dartford, Medway and Thanet meet their duties under Regulation 7. Our engineer surveyors carry out detailed inspections and provide fully compliant digital reports suitable for fire service and resident transparency.
What counts as a firefighting or evacuation lift?
Firefighting lifts are designed to allow firefighters to reach upper floors of high-rise buildings quickly and safely. They typically include water-resistant controls, smoke protection and emergency power supplies, and are required in most buildings over 18 metres tall.
Evacuation lifts, by contrast, are used to assist in the evacuation of people who cannot use stairs, such as wheelchair users or residents with mobility challenges. These lifts are vital in care homes, hospitals, schools and high-rise residential blocks across Kent.
Your responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Under Regulation 7, all high-rise residential buildings in Kent must have:
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Routine inspections of firefighting and evacuation lifts
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Monthly checks carried out by a responsible person
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Accurate records of all inspections, accessible to residents and the fire service
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Prompt reporting and repair of any faults or failures
These obligations apply to both new and existing buildings and are part of the post-Grenfell reforms designed to improve building safety across England.
Why regular inspection matters in Kent
A malfunctioning evacuation or firefighting lift could put lives at risk during an emergency. Regular inspections ensure:
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Backup power and communication systems are operational
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Fire-rated controls and override functions work correctly
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Equipment meets the requirements of Regulation 7 and NFCC guidance
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Duty holders demonstrate full compliance and due diligence
For Kent building owners and managers, regular inspection is not just about legal compliance — it’s about ensuring safety for residents and first responders.
Our fire lift inspection process in Kent
We provide reliable, detailed inspections that help you meet your obligations under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Our process includes:
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Visual and functional inspection of all lift components
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Testing of alarms, intercoms, power backup and emergency controls
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Verification of compliance with NFCC guidance and Regulation 7
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Digital reporting with compliance notes and photographic evidence
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Immediate notification of faults or high-risk issues
All findings are clearly documented for audit purposes and can be shared with residents or the fire service as required.
Why choose Excel Inspection Solutions in Kent
Whether you manage residential flats in Canterbury, care facilities in Ashford or commercial buildings in Dartford, we deliver professional, compliant inspection services across Kent.
Local clients choose us for:
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Full knowledge of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
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Qualified surveyors experienced with firefighting and evacuation lifts
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Digital reports suitable for regulatory or resident review
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Flexible scheduling to minimise disruption
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Reliable coverage across Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Dartford, Medway and Thanet
Fire Lift Inspection FAQs Kent
Are firefighting lifts and evacuation lifts the same?
No. Firefighting lifts are for firefighter access during emergencies, while evacuation lifts are used to assist residents or staff who cannot use stairs.
How often must firefighting and evacuation lifts be checked in Kent?
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require monthly checks and prompt fault reporting. We recommend professional inspections at least annually or more frequently depending on building risk.
Who is responsible for these inspections in Kent?
The building owner, managing agent or responsible person must ensure inspections are completed and recorded.
Do your reports meet the legal requirements of Regulation 7?
Yes. Our reports are fully compliant and suitable for submission to fire services or residents.
Do you inspect lifts in care homes and hospitals in Kent?
Absolutely. We work with healthcare providers, housing associations and commercial buildings across Kent.
Firefighting and evacuation lift inspections across Kent and the South East
Excel Inspection Solutions provides firefighting and evacuation lift inspections across Kent, including Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Dartford, Medway and Thanet. As part of the Engineer Surveyor Inspection Network (ESiNet), we also carry out inspections across the South East and throughout the UK.
Other statutory inspections in Kent
Looking for support with more than just lift inspections? Excel Inspection Solutions provides a full range of statutory inspection services across multiple equipment types — from mobile plant and pressure systems to cranes and work at height equipment. Explore our other core services below.