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Isolation and maintenance questions for the Lifts and escalators (LAEE) specialist test

6 free questions on Isolation and maintenance, from section E. Specialist: Lifts and escalators. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are about to work on a lift motor in the machine room.

What must happen to the power supply first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is left on so you can test as you go
  2. B. It is switched off at the lift car only
  3. C. A note is put on the door
  4. D. It is isolated and locked off
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Work on equipment that has been made safe.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Isolate the supply and lock it off.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A note won't stop someone switching it on.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says isolate power supplies and lock off if there is a chance the power could be switched back on.

Explanation

Before maintenance, stop the equipment, isolate the power and lock it off.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

An electrician is about to work on a lift controller.

What does HSE say must be done before work starts?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Make it dead and prove it dead
  2. B. Switch it off and assume it is dead
  3. C. Check it with a wet finger
  4. D. Work on it live to save time
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says electricity supplies should be made dead and proved to be dead before work starts.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. It must be proved dead.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That could kill you.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Don't work live if it can be avoided.

Explanation

Make the supply dead, prove it is dead, and stop it being switched back on.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A hydraulic lift is being repaired.

What does HSE say about stored energy?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only worry about it in winter
  2. B. Release it first
  3. C. Leave it, as the power is off
  4. D. Top it up before you start
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Stored energy is a risk at any time.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says release stored energy, such as hydraulic pressure, that could make a machine move.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Stored pressure can move the lift with the power off.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. That adds more stored energy.

Explanation

Release stored energy, such as hydraulic pressure, before maintenance.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A lift repair is high risk, with several people working in the well and machine room.

What may be needed to control it?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Louder radios
  2. B. Nothing beyond a chat
  3. C. A permit to work
  4. D. A shorter tea break
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A formal system of work is needed.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. High-risk work needs a formal system.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says formal systems such as a permit to work are needed in some cases to manage high-risk maintenance safely.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A formal system of work is needed.

Explanation

Use a permit to work for high-risk maintenance.

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Question 5

Easier ·Link to this question (question 5)

A client asks a general handyman to adjust the lift controls to save money.

What does HSE say about who does maintenance?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Anyone handy can do it
  2. B. The cheapest person available
  3. C. The person who uses the lift most, as they know its faults
  4. D. A competent person must do it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Maintenance needs a competent person.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Choose on competence, not price.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Maintenance needs a competent person.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says make sure maintenance is carried out by a competent person.

Explanation

Lift maintenance must be done by a competent person.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

You need to reach equipment at the top of a lift well to service it.

What does HSE say about access?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Provide safe access and a safe place of work
  2. B. Stand on the car roof with no protection, holding the ropes
  3. C. Climb the guide rails
  4. D. Lean in from the landing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says you must provide safe access and a safe place of work for maintenance.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. You need a safe place of work.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Guide rails are not access equipment.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. You could fall down the well.

Explanation

Maintenance needs safe access and a safe place of work, with falls prevented.

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