Lift and Machinery Inspection Service in Nairobi
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Why This Isn't Optional: Kenya's Legal Requirement
Kenya's Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 requires that the occupier of any premises using a hoist or lift formally notify the Director of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) within one month of first use, via the DOSH 20 form, including the lift's make, serial number, designed working load, and date of last statutory inspection, with the manufacturer's test certificate attached.
What Counts as "Machinery" Under DOSHS Oversight
| Equipment Type | Common Inspection Focus |
|---|---|
| Passenger & Goods Lifts | Brakes, door safety, overload protection, emergency communication |
| Hoists | Load capacity, cable condition, structural integrity |
| Cranes & Lifting Gear | Load testing, cable/chain wear, control function |
| Factory Machinery | Guarding, interlocks, emergency stops |
What a Proper Inspection Actually Covers
Mechanical Assessment
Cables, guides, brakes, and structural components checked for wear.
Safety Device Testing
Emergency brakes, door interlocks, and alarms tested functionally.
Electrical System Check
Control panel, wiring, and emergency lighting/communication verified.
Load Testing
Confirming equipment safely handles its designed working load.
Documentation Review
Maintenance records and prior certificates checked for completeness.
Certification
A formal inspection report and certificate reflecting compliance status.
Certified, Compliant, Documented
The Registration Process Most Building Owners Miss
- Install the lift or hoist.
- Within one month of first use, submit the DOSH 20 notice to DOSHS, with the manufacturer's test certificate attached.
- Maintain ongoing statutory inspection records, updating documentation as inspections occur.
- Keep inspection certificates accessible on-site for DOSHS workplace visits.
If you've installed a lift and never filed this notice, or inherited a building with a lift and no inspection history, that's worth addressing before it becomes a compliance problem.
Consequences of Skipping Inspection
Problems that would be caught by a proper inspection, a fraying cable, a failing brake, a bypassed safety interlock, are exactly the kind of faults that cause serious accidents when missed. DOSHS findings can result in improvement notices, prohibition notices, or prosecution in serious cases, on top of direct liability exposure.
If your building runs backup generators, confirm your lift has an appropriate power failure protocol as part of your backup power planning. Facilities with production machinery often combine this with our industrial automation andmotor solutions services. See ourservices in detail, and if you're inNairobi CBD, Upper Hill, or Industrial Area, we handle lift and machinery inspection and DOSHS paperwork directly from our Nairobi CBD office.
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Whether it's a scheduled inspection or sorting out DOSHS registration for equipment never formally notified.
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FAQs - Lift & Machinery Inspection in Nairobi
Do I need to register my building's lift with the government?+
Yes, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 requires notifying DOSHS within one month of a lift or hoist first being used, via the DOSH 20 form.
What happens if I inherited a building with a lift and don't have its inspection records?+
This should be addressed promptly, an inspection and updated registration is the right first step to establish current compliance status.
How often should a lift be inspected?+
Statutory inspection intervals are set by DOSHS regulations; your inspection provider should confirm the applicable schedule for your specific equipment.
Does this apply to goods hoists as well as passenger lifts?+
Yes, hoists fall under the same regulatory framework as lifts under the Act.
What documentation should I keep on-site?+
Current inspection certificates, maintenance records, and the manufacturer's test certificate should be accessible, since DOSHS inspectors can request them.
Can factory machinery guarding be inspected as part of the same visit?+
Yes, general machinery safety, including guarding and interlocks, falls under the same broad DOSHS inspection remit and can often be combined.
What's the difference between inspection and maintenance?+
Inspection assesses and certifies condition and compliance; maintenance is the ongoing servicing that keeps equipment in good working order between inspections.
Who is responsible for ensuring a lift is inspected, the building owner or the tenant?+
Generally the occupier of the premises where the equipment is used holds this responsibility, though this can be addressed contractually between owner and tenant.