Firefighting & Evacuation Lift Inspection Services Thanet
From firefighting lifts in Margate apartment blocks to evacuation lifts in Ramsgate care homes and Broadstairs hospitals, these specialist systems are vital for protecting life during emergencies. Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, building owners and managers in Thanet are legally required to carry out regular inspections and record-keeping to ensure these lifts remain safe and operational.
At Excel Inspection Solutions, we deliver firefighting and evacuation lift inspections across Thanet, helping property managers, housing associations and responsible persons meet their legal duties. Our qualified surveyors inspect lifts in Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and surrounding areas, ensuring compliance with Regulation 7 and guidance issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
What counts as a firefighting or evacuation lift?
Firefighting lifts are designed to enable firefighters to reach higher floors quickly and safely during an emergency. They are generally installed in buildings over 18 metres tall and include features such as water-resistant controls, smoke seals, and an independent power supply.
Evacuation lifts are designed to help people who cannot use stairs evacuate safely, such as wheelchair users or individuals with limited mobility. These lifts are essential in care homes, hospitals, schools, residential blocks and public buildings throughout Thanet.
Your responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Under Regulation 7, building owners and managers in Thanet must ensure:
-
Firefighting and evacuation lifts are inspected routinely
-
Monthly checks are carried out by a responsible person
-
All inspection records are retained and made available to residents and the fire service
-
Any faults or failures are reported promptly and rectified
These requirements apply to all high-rise residential buildings and form part of the national fire safety reforms introduced after the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Why regular inspection matters in Thanet
During an emergency, every second counts. A malfunctioning evacuation or firefighting lift can put lives at risk. Regular inspections help ensure that:
-
Backup power systems and emergency communications are functional
-
Fire-rated controls and override systems work correctly
-
The lift complies with Regulation 7 and NFCC best practice
-
Duty holders meet their legal and insurance obligations
For building owners and responsible persons in Thanet, routine inspections are critical to ensuring safety and compliance across all sites.
Our fire lift inspection process in Thanet
Our inspections are carried out in accordance with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and are designed to provide full legal compliance. The process includes:
-
Visual and functional inspection of firefighting and evacuation lift systems
-
Testing of power backups, alarms, intercoms and emergency controls
-
Verification against NFCC and Regulation 7 standards
-
Immediate notification of any safety-critical issues found
-
Digital reports with photographic evidence for record keeping and audits
All reports are suitable for sharing with residents, insurers or the fire service.
Why choose Excel Inspection Solutions in Thanet
Whether you manage a high-rise in Margate, a care facility in Ramsgate or a healthcare building in Broadstairs, we provide a professional, compliant inspection service across Thanet.
Thanet clients choose us for:
-
Specialist knowledge of Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
-
Qualified and experienced fire safety lift surveyors
-
Digital inspection reports compliant with Regulation 7
-
Practical, risk-based recommendations and fault reporting
-
Local coverage across Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and surrounding areas
Fire Lift Inspection FAQs Thanet
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 should firefighting and evacuation lifts in Thanet be checked?
Regulation 7 requires monthly checks by a responsible person. Professional inspections should be carried out at least annually, or more often based on risk.
Who is responsible for inspections in Thanet buildings?
The building owner, managing agent or appointed responsible person must ensure inspections and records are maintained.
Do your reports comply with Regulation 7?
Yes. All reports produced by Excel Inspection Solutions are fully compliant with Regulation 7 and NFCC guidance.
Do you inspect lifts in care homes and hospitals in Thanet?
Yes. We regularly inspect firefighting and evacuation lifts in hospitals, care facilities, residential blocks and schools across Thanet.
Firefighting and evacuation lift inspections across Thanet and beyond
Excel Inspection Solutions provides firefighting and evacuation lift inspections across Thanet, including Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and nearby towns. As part of the Engineer Surveyor Inspection Network (ESiNet), we also deliver inspections across Kent, the South East and nationwide.
Other statutory inspections in Thanet
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.