Safety Alert – Required Maintenance for Elevator Drum Brakes

The maintenance schedule for drum brakes is different from the maintenance schedule for more modern disc brakes. Failure to test, inspect, lubricate, or break down drum brakes as required by the manufacturer based on usage, and/or any delay in replacing worn or damaged components of the braking system, could lead to brake failure and serious harm to riders.

Although some older elevators with drum brakes may have been retrofitted with a secondary braking system, proper drum brake maintenance is still required to ensure that the elevator’s primary braking system functions as designed.
In the interest of public safety, TDLR urges all building owners and contractors to discuss this safety alert to ensure that proper maintenance of drum brakes is occurring as required.

While licensed elevator contractors must have the necessary technical expertise to maintain and repair elevators, escalators, and related equipment, the building owner is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and maintenance standards.

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/elevator/ele.htm