Recommendations The lift control panel had been submersed in sewage and the microprocessor printed circuit boards exposed to the necessary hygiene cleaning chemicals. Therefore, given the potential for an adverse effect on the safe operation of the lift and continued component failure we recommended complete replacement of the control panel. Furthermore the lift trailing cables were connected directly between the control panel and lift car. Consequently the trailing cables displayed evident of contamination and would require replacement. Our recommendations also included through cleansing of the lift shaft pit area and lift shaft. All the evident corrosion to lift guide rails, lift shaft steelwork and hydraulic ram support was to be cleaned, examined and re-painted. The hoisting ropes and rope termination hitches within the lift shaft pit were corroded. Therefore we recommended replacement of the hoisting ropes and hitches. Upon completion of the all the remedial repairs the lift was subject of a full series of commissioning/safety tests prior to restoration of normal operation. The aforementioned recommendations of J Bashford and Associates resulted in an early restoration of the lift service. Our knowledge and experience providing a safe and reliable long-term lift operation at the saving of several thousand pounds to the owners Future operation The existing lift control panel cabinet was a floor mounted design. Therefore given the layout of the communal sewage/drainage system and the juxtpositioning of the inspection manhole within the floor of the lift plant room, there was potential for a re-occurrence of this incident with similar cause and effect. Our recommendations for the future operation of the lift included the provision of a wall mounted replacement control panel complete with a sealed hinged access door and raising the hydraulic drive unit onto a suitable frame/stool. The key here is, although you think you are getting the advice of experts, check how independent it is.