DA Form 7485-R PDF: Army Elevator Inspection Checklist – If you manage facilities on U.S. Army installations, work as a contractor for the Department of Defense (DoD), or handle maintenance for military elevators, DA Form 7485-R is the official document you need. Titled ELEVATOR INSPECTION CHECKLIST (LRA), this form ensures elevators in Army facilities meet rigorous safety and operational standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything about DA Form 7485-R: what it is, why it matters for U.S. Army facilities, how to complete it, key sections, and direct access to the latest official PDF. Whether you’re searching for “DA Form 7485-R PDF,” “Army elevator inspection checklist,” or compliance requirements for military base elevators, this article has you covered.
What Is DA Form 7485-R?
DA Form 7485-R (December 2002 edition) is a standardized U.S. Army form used to document elevator inspections in Army facilities. “LRA” stands for Local Reproduction Authorized, meaning units and contractors can print and reproduce it locally as needed.
The form is specifically referenced in TM 5-697 (Commissioning of Mechanical Systems for C4ISR Facilities), with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) as the proponent agency. It serves as a detailed checklist for visual, mechanical, calibration, and functional testing of elevators (including hydraulic and electric types) commonly found in barracks, headquarters buildings, hospitals, and other military structures across the United States.
This checklist helps inspectors verify that elevators comply with Army safety protocols and broader industry standards such as ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, which the Department of Defense incorporates for facility safety.
Why Is the DA Form 7485-R Elevator Inspection Checklist Critical?
Elevators on U.S. military bases transport personnel, equipment, and patients daily. A single failure can lead to serious injury, downtime, or regulatory violations. Regular use of DA Form 7485-R:
- Ensures life-safety compliance — protecting soldiers, civilians, and contractors.
- Supports preventive maintenance programs under Army regulations.
- Documents inspections for audits, commissioning, and liability protection.
- Identifies issues early in visual/mechanical checks, calibration, and load/safety tests.
Facility managers at bases like Fort Liberty, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, or anywhere in the continental U.S. rely on this form to maintain operational readiness while meeting federal and DoD safety mandates.
Key Sections of DA Form 7485-R
The one-page form is structured for efficiency and thoroughness. Here’s a breakdown of its main sections (based on the official PDF):
Section A – Customer Data
Records the installation details: Plant, Location, Job Number, Equipment, System Designation, Date (YYYYMMDD), Test Equipment, and Tested By.
Section B – Equipment Data
Captures technical specifications:
- Elevator Manufacturer, Model No., Serial No., Location, Capacity
- Drive Manufacturer, Model No., Serial No., Location, Capacity
Section C – Visual and Mechanical Inspection
The core checklist. Inspectors evaluate:
- Equipment identification and condition
- Capacity identification, labeling, and tagging
- Alarms, telephone, and intercom systems
- Access and anchorage
- Comparison to drawings
- Alignment
- Hydraulic leaks
- Exterior of equipment, completeness of assembly, control systems, safety interlocks, doors, entrance ways, cables/chains, grounding, insulation, and more.
Each item is marked with condition codes:
A = Acceptable
R = Needs Repair/Replacement/Adjustment
C = Corrected
NA = Not Applicable
Section D – Calibration and Set Point
Documents calibration results and set points with dedicated notes fields.
Section E – Lifting and Moving Devices Equipment Tests
Critical functional tests, including:
- Load test
- Brake testing
- Safeties test
- Alarms
- Operational test
Inspectors mark PASS/FAIL and add detailed NOTES or COMMENTS for any deficiencies.
How to Complete DA Form 7485-R? (Step-by-Step)
- Gather information — Review building drawings, previous inspection reports, and manufacturer manuals.
- Perform the physical inspection — Follow TM 5-697 guidance while using the checklist.
- Record findings — Use the condition codes (A/R/C/NA) and note any issues.
- Conduct functional tests — Perform load, brake, safety, and operational tests.
- Sign and date — The inspector (“Tested By”) certifies the results.
- Submit and retain — File with facility maintenance records and forward to the appropriate Army authority.
Pro Tip: Always use the most current version from the official Army Publishing Directorate (APD) site. The December 2002 form remains the authorized edition.
Official Download: DA Form 7485-R PDF
Direct official link (U.S. Army Publishing Directorate):
Download DA FORM 7485-R PDF
This is the fillable, government-issued version. Save it to your device, print as needed, or use with PDF editing software for digital workflows.
Who Should Use This Form?
- U.S. Army facility managers and public works personnel
- Corps of Engineers inspectors
- DoD contractors performing maintenance on military installations
- Safety officers responsible for vertical transportation systems
Related Resources for U.S. Army Elevator Compliance
- TM 5-697 (Commissioning of Mechanical Systems)
- ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (current edition)
- Army Regulation 420-1 (Army Facilities Management)
- Local base safety and occupational health offices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DA Form 7485-R still current in 2026?
Yes. The December 2002 edition remains the official active form for Army elevator inspections.
Can civilians or contractors use it?
Absolutely—especially those under Army contracts or working on DoD installations. LRA status allows local reproduction.
How often should elevators be inspected using this form?
Follow TM 5-697 and ASME A17.1 requirements. Annual inspections are standard, with more frequent checks for high-traffic or critical facilities.
Where can I find instructions for filling it out?
The form itself states “For use of this form, see TM 5-697.” No separate fillable instructions exist beyond the official technical manual.
Is there a digital version?
The official PDF is fillable. Many bases use electronic maintenance management systems (e.g., GFEBS) to track results.
Ensure Elevator Safety on U.S. Military Bases Today
Proper use of DA Form 7485-R is more than paperwork—it’s a commitment to the safety of everyone who relies on elevators in Army facilities across the United States. Download the official PDF, train your team on its sections, and integrate it into your preventive maintenance program.
Need the form right now?
Click here to download the official DA Form 7485-R PDF
Stay compliant, stay safe, and keep Army operations running smoothly.