Lift Module B+F Final Inspection

The route known in the industry as Module B+F combines the Module B type-examination of a model lift with an Annex V final inspection carried out on every completed lift.

In the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU, the official name of this stage is “final inspection for lifts”. The “F” comes from general module terminology and industry usage. The legal basis is the Annex IV-B type-examination together with the Annex V final inspection.

How Does B+F Work?

1. The model lift passes EU type-examination under Module B.
2. The lift is installed according to the approved type and the applicable technical requirements.
3. Before it is placed on the market, an application for final inspection of the completed lift is made to a notified body.
4. The body checks the documents, the lift’s conformity to the type and the safety requirements on site.
5. If the inspection and tests are positive, a final inspection certificate is issued.
6. The installer draws up the declaration of conformity and completes the CE marking obligations.

These steps are carried out separately for every completed lift.

Who Is B+F Suitable For?

B+F can be considered when:

• the number of installations is limited or irregular,
• the company prefers to submit each lift to a third-party final inspection rather than set up a Module E/D quality system,
• installations stay within the scope of an approved model lift,
• an on-site notified body inspection can be planned for each project.

Inspection and revisit costs, site preparation and the project schedule should be taken into account when choosing.

Documents Required for a Final Inspection

Annex V of the directive essentially requires:

• a plan of the completed lift,
• the plans and diagrams needed for the final inspection, in particular the control circuit diagrams,
• a copy of the instructions,
• a written declaration that the same application has not been lodged with another notified body.

In practice, the notified body may also request the type-examination certificate and its annexes, safety component certificates, calculations, test records, the risk assessment and lift details.

It is critical that the file and the lift on site reflect the same revision.

What Is Checked During the Final Inspection?

The notified body examines the lift’s conformity with:

• the type approved under Module B,
• the applicable essential health and safety requirements,
• the technical file and projects,
• the relevant harmonised standards or equivalent solutions.

The directive requires the final inspection tests to include at least:

• operation of the lift both unladen and at rated load, to verify that the safety devices are correctly installed and functioning,
• the operation of the safety devices in the event of a power failure,
• a static test with a load equal to 1.25 times the rated load.

The relevant standards and the characteristics of the lift may require further checks. The test method and acceptance criteria should be confirmed with the notified body before the inspection.

Preparing for the On-Site Inspection

On the inspection date, the lift must be complete, safe and ready for testing. The readiness check covers:

• safe access to the shaft, machinery spaces and working areas,
• matching of the components on site with the project,
• the scope of the type certificate,
• door locks and safety circuits,
• brake, overspeed governor, safety gear and buffers,
• alarm, communication and emergency rescue arrangements,
• earthing and electrical protection,
• rated load test equipment,
• labels, instructions and the logbook.

Incomplete preparation may cause the inspection to be postponed or require an additional site visit.

What Happens If Nonconformities Are Found?

The notified body reports the nonconformities and the reasons for refusal. The installer:

1. corrects the nonconformity technically,
2. prepares evidence such as revised documents and photo or test records,
3. requests a document review or follow-up inspection according to the body’s procedure.

The placing on the market of the lift should not be completed until conformity has been verified.

B+F Compared with B+E

Topic	B+F / Annex V	B+E / Annex X
Basis	Approved type	Approved type
Final inspection	Notified body inspection on every lift	Within the company’s approved quality system
System audit	Not the main element of the Annex V final inspection	Quality system audit and surveillance apply
Repetition	Separately for each lift	Continuous within the system and type scope

B+E can be considered for regular installation with a mature final inspection structure; B+F suits companies that prefer each lift to be submitted to a separate third-party inspection.

B+F Compared with Module G

Both routes involve on-site examination and testing of a specific lift. However:

• B+F is based on the type of a previously approved model lift.
• Module G assesses the lift directly through unit verification and its own technical file.

If the lift falls outside the scope of the type certificate, options such as G instead of B+F, or a change to the type certificate, may be considered.

Is Final Inspection the Same as Periodic Inspection?

No. The Annex V final inspection is the conformity assessment before the lift is placed on the market and is carried out by a notified body. Periodic inspection is a different activity carried out during the service life by an authorised Type A inspection body.

A positive result in one does not replace the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a final inspection required for every lift?

If the B+F route is chosen, every completed lift to be placed on the market is submitted to a separate final inspection.

Does B+F require a quality system certificate?

Annex V is not based on product or production quality system approval as in B+E or B+D. Nevertheless, the company should have regular processes to fulfil its legal obligations and control its technical files.

Who affixes the CE marking after the final inspection?

The installer is responsible for the CE marking and the EU declaration of conformity. The identification number of the notified body involved in the final inspection appears next to the CE marking in accordance with the rules of the directive.