Lift pit item retrieval

Keep clear of the lift pit

A lift pit is part of the lift equipment and is not a safe place to enter. Do not force landing doors, reach through gaps or lower hooks, magnets or cords into the shaft. Recovering an item is work for a lift technician with authorised access.

What to tell the building manager

Note what was dropped, which lift and landing it fell at, and roughly when. Tell the building manager, who may need to arrange or authorise access, and whose lift company may already be able to help. Where the item appears to have fallen does not establish where it landed or whether it can be recovered undamaged.

Arranging the retrieval

Retrieval is arranged directly with the lift company for the particular building and lift. Timing and cost depend on the site, access and the equipment. If someone is trapped, or there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 000 first.

Can I get my keys back from the bottom of a lift shaft?

Often an item can be retrieved from the lift pit, but this depends on where it landed and the equipment. Have a lift technician retrieve it rather than attempting it yourself.

Does the lift need to stop for a retrieval?

A technician needs safe access to the pit, which usually affects the lift while the work is done. The lift company will discuss the arrangements for your building.