Which Lift Is Right for You? Exploring Different Lift Types

Introduction:

Choosing the right lift for your specific needs is crucial when it comes to ensuring safe and efficient vertical transportation. With a variety of lift types available, it can be overwhelming to understand the differences between them. In this blog post, we will explore the most common lift types and the standards they are designed to. The standards are split into two main groups.

1. The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (The Machinery Directive 2006/42) which incorporates, Step Lifts, Platform Lifts, Home Lifts, and Goods Lifts (with or without an attendant).

2.     The Lift regulations 2016, EN81-20/EN81-50 – Passenger Lifts and Goods Passenger Lifts.

What are the key differences between the two regulations?

1. The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (Replaces The Machinery Directive 2006/42)

Since 1995 all machinery in the scope of the Machinery Directive, (now replaced with Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 No. 1597) establishes the essential health and safety requirements for machinery and related equipment. It aims to ensure a high level of safety for machinery users, operators, and other individuals who may be affected by machinery operation.

The directive applies to a wide range of machinery and equipment, including industrial machinery, consumer products, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and more. It covers both new machinery and used machinery that is placed on the UK market or put into service within the UK.

Some key provisions of the Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 / (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC) include:

Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs): The directive sets out a list of EHSRs that machinery must meet to be considered safe. These requirements cover various aspects such as design, construction, electrical systems, control systems, and user instructions.

CE/UKCA Marking: Machinery complying with the directive must bear the CE/UKCA marking, which indicates that it meets the essential requirements and has undergone the relevant conformity assessment procedures.

Risk Assessment: Manufacturers must conduct a thorough risk assessment for their machinery and take appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce any identified risks. This includes designing and manufacturing machinery that is safe to use and providing necessary safeguards and protective measures.

Technical Documentation: Manufacturers must prepare technical documentation that demonstrates the conformity of the machinery with the essential requirements. This documentation should be made available to market surveillance authorities upon request.

Conformity Assessment: Depending on the category and type of machinery, different conformity assessment procedures may apply. These procedures involve various steps such as type examination, internal production control, and assessment of technical documentation.

The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC was intended to harmonise safety requirements across the EU, facilitating the free movement of machinery within the European Single Market while ensuring a high level of protection for users and other individuals. It was implemented by member states through their national legislation and enforced by market surveillance authorities. But since the UK has left the EU it has been replaced by “The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008”.

Under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC), certain lifts can receive CE/UKCA certification, indicating compliance with essential health and safety requirements set out within the regulations.

Design Standards for lifts that are certified to The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC)

EN81-41:2010 - "Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Special lifts for the transport of persons and goods - Vertical lifting platforms intended for use by persons with impaired mobility." This standard specifically addresses lifts designed to meet the needs of persons with impaired mobility that are certified to The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 / Machinery Directive 2006/42.

BS 6440:2011 is a British Standard that provides guidance and recommendations for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of powered lifting platforms having non-enclosed or partially enclosed liftways used for the vertical transportation of persons with impaired mobility, such as wheelchair users. It covers various aspects including safety, accessibility, dimensions, controls, signalling, and maintenance requirements.

Key Specifications to note:

• Maximum Speed is 0.15 metres per second when designed to carry passengers.
• Maximum speed 0.30 metres per second when designed for goods only.
• Hold to run controls on platform when not in fully enclosed cabin.
• Low pit as little as 50mm / or a ramp can be supplied.
• Low headroom min 2000mm.
• Limited load capacity for passengers (not goods)
• Quick and easy to install.
• Domestic Single phase power supply.
• Low maintenance costs (minimum 2 visits per year).
• Short travel requirements (max travel 20m 6 floors).
• No motor room requirements.
• Part M compliant for commercial buildings

2. The Lifts Regulations 2016 (replaced the EU Lift Directive 2014/33/EU).

The Lifts Regulations 2016 (No. 1093) applies to lifts that permanently service buildings and constructions intended for the transport of persons, persons and goods, goods alone if the carrier is accessible. The Lift Regulations cover any product carrying passengers with a speed of over 0.15 metres per second.

It defines a new passenger lift, including lifts installed in new and existing buildings, those installed in existing wells (in replacement of other lifts) and when the existing guide rails and their fixings (or the fixings alone) are retained. It only applies to lifts when they are first placed on the market and put into service.

The Lifts Regulations 2016 identifies a “lift” as a lifting appliance serving specific levels, having a carrier moving along guides or moving along a fixed course that is rigid. Therefore, lifts under these Regulations are typically hydraulic and traction passenger lifts or passenger/goods lifts and fall under the BSEN81 series of standards mainly BSEN81-20 and BSEN81-50 British standards.

Design Standards, BSEN81-20/BSEN81-50

BSEN 81-20 and BSEN 81-50 are standards that regulate the design, construction, and installation of lifts (elevators) within the UK. These standards are part of a series of standards known as the EN 81 series, which were developed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) to ensure the safety and performance of lifts then incorporated into the British standards.

BSEN 81-20: This standard, titled "Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Particular applications for passenger and goods passenger lifts," specifies the safety requirements for the design, construction, and installation of passenger lifts and goods passenger lifts. It covers aspects such as:

• Structural design and strength of lift components
• Control systems and safety devices
• Emergency operations and signalling
• Access and protection against electrical hazards
• Safety gears and brakes
• Noise and vibration levels
• Requirements for installation, testing, and maintenance

BSEN 81-20 aims to ensure the safety of passengers, lift operators, and maintenance personnel during the use and maintenance of passenger and goods passenger lifts.

BSEN 81-50: This standard, titled "Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Examinations and tests - Particular applications for passenger and goods passenger lifts," provides guidelines for the examination and testing of lifts during their installation, modernization, or significant alteration. It covers aspects such as:

• Verification of compliance with relevant safety requirements
• Testing of safety components and systems
• Measurement of performance parameters
• Validation and documentation of test results

BSEN 81-50 ensures that lifts meet the necessary safety standards and performance criteria before being put into service or undergoing significant modifications.

Compliance with these standards is essential for manufacturers, installers, and maintenance companies involved in the lift industry, ensuring that lifts meet the required safety standards and provide reliable and safe transportation for users.

Additional BSEN81 Series Standards - For specific elements that fall outside of the main EN81-20/50 standards.

• EN 81-21:2009+A1:2012 - New passenger and goods passenger lifts in existing building where the pit and/or headroom spaces are outside of those stipulated in EN81-20/50 (note - Special derogation / dispensation is required).
• EN 81-28:2003 - Remote alarm on passenger and goods passenger lifts.
• EN 81-58:2003 - Landing doors fire resistance test.
• EN 81-70:2003/A1:2004 - Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability.
• EN 81-71:2005+A1:2006 - Vandal resistant lifts.
• EN 81-72:2015 - Firefighters lifts.
• EN 81-73:2016 - Behaviour of lifts in the event of fire.

Key Specifications to note:

• Pit and headroom required.
• Speed up to 4m per second.
• Multiple Floors.
•  Large travel.
•  High use environments.
• 3 phase power.
• Large cabins for many passengers (i.e., 33 person).
• Higher maintenance costs.
• Part M compliant for commercial buildings.

By understanding the unique features and applications of each lift, you can make an informed decision that meets your requirements.

Lift Type Overview.

Step Lift:

Step lifts are designed to provide accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. They are commonly installed in residential or commercial settings where stairs pose a barrier. Step lifts consist of a platform that moves vertically, enabling users to easily navigate inclines or small flights of stairs. With safety features such as handrails and non-slip surfaces, step lifts ensure secure transportation for individuals with limited mobility. They are an excellent choice for homes, shops, or public buildings where space is limited.

• Certified to - The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (formerly The Machinery Directive 2006/42)
• Design standard - BS6440:2011
• Speed - Max 0.15m/s
• Drive Types – Scissor, Hydraulic, Belt, Screw & nut.

Platform Lift:

Platform lifts, also known as wheelchair lifts, are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs and individuals with disabilities. These lifts are installed within a liftway with a moving platform (no lift cabin) and have hold to run controls on the platform. A pit depth of as little as 50mm or a ramp reduce the building works required. Platform lifts can be installed indoors or outdoors and are commonly found in schools, offices, and public spaces. With their user-friendly design and accessibility features, platform lifts enhance inclusivity and convenience for people with mobility challenges.

• Certified to - The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (formerly The Machinery Directive 2006/42)
• Design standard – BSEN81-41:2010
• Speed - Max 0.15m/s
• Drive Types – Screw & nut, Hydraulic, Traction Belt.

Home Lift / Cabin Lift:

Home lifts are residential lifts that comply with strict safety standards. They offer homeowners the convenience of vertical transportation just like a traditional passenger lift with a fully enclosed cabin within their own homes, without the need for deep pits and large headroom over-runs and expensive 3 phase electrical upgrades. These lifts are typically compact and require minimal construction work during installation. Home lifts provide a smooth and comfortable ride between different floors, making them an excellent choice for individuals who desire enhanced mobility and convenience within their homes.

• Certified to - The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (formerly The Machinery Directive 2006/42)
• Design standard – BSEN81-41:2010
• Speed - Max 0.15m/s
• Drive Types – Traction Rope, Hydraulic, Traction Belt.

Public/Commercial Lift:

Public/Commercial Cabin lifts are very similar to traditional passenger lifts using many of the same components that comply with strict safety standards. These lifts are ideal for 2-3 floor applications where usage is low.  They offer users the convenience of vertical transportation just like a traditional passenger lift with a fully enclosed cabin, without the need for deep pits and large headroom over-runs and expensive 3 phase electrical upgrades. These lifts are typically compact and require minimal construction work during installation. providing a smooth and comfortable ride between different floors, making them an excellent choice for enhanced mobility and convenience within the building.

• Certified to - The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (formerly The Machinery Directive 2006/42)
• Design standard – BSEN81-41:2010
• Speed - Max 0.15m/s
• Drive Types – Traction Rope, Hydraulic, Traction Belt.

Passenger Lift:

Passenger lifts, commonly seen in commercial buildings, hotels, and apartment complexes, are designed to transport people between different floors. They are spacious enough to accommodate multiple passengers and often feature sleek and modern designs. Passenger lifts prioritise passenger safety with features like emergency alarms, backup power systems, and smooth acceleration and deceleration. With their versatility and aesthetic appeal, passenger lifts are suitable for a wide range of public and commercial settings where the speed of passenger movement is key.

• Certified to – The Lifts Regulations 2016 (replaced the EU Lift Directive 2014/33/EU).
• Design standard. BSEN81-20, BSEN81-50
• Tested to - BS 8486-3:2017
• Speed – Over 0.15m/s (Varies depending on Travel, Drive type and Application)
•  Drive Types - Traction Rope, Hydraulic

Goods Passenger Lift:

Goods passenger lifts are a hybrid between passenger lifts and goods lifts. They are designed to transport both goods and people simultaneously, making them ideal for places like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Goods passenger lifts have a higher weight capacity compared to regular passenger lifts, allowing for the movement of bulky items alongside passengers. These lifts typically feature robust construction, durable finishes, and protective features to ensure safe and efficient transportation of goods and people.

• Certified to – The Lifts Regulations 2016 (replaced the EU Lift Directive 2014/33/EU).
• Design standard. BSEN81-20, BSEN81-50
• Tested to - BS 8486-3:2017
• Speed – Over 0.15m/s (Varies depending on Travel, Drive type and Application)
•  Drive Types - Traction Rope, Hydraulic

Goods Lift:

Goods lifts, as the name suggests, are specifically designed for the movement of goods in commercial or industrial settings. They have higher weight capacities and larger dimensions compared to passenger lifts, allowing for the transportation of heavy items such as pallets, equipment, or merchandise. Goods lifts often feature sturdy construction, durable flooring, and customizable configurations to suit the specific requirements of warehouses, factories, or distribution centres.

• Certified to - The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (formerly The Machinery Directive 2006/42)
• Speed - Max 0.3m/s for goods only and 0.15m/s for goods and a trained attendant
• Drive Types –Hydraulic Direct, Hydraulic Chain, Scissor

Conclusion:

Understanding the differences between lift types is crucial when selecting the most suitable one for your needs. Whether you require accessibility solutions, residential convenience, or efficient goods transportation, there is a lift type designed to fulfil your specific requirements. By considering factors such as space availability, weight capacity, safety features, and intended usage, you can make an informed decision that enhances mobility, convenience, and safety in your chosen environment.

For more information or to discuss your project, we can help you to navigate the different lifts available and find the perfect lift solution for your needs.

For more information or to discuss your project, we can help you to navigate the different lifts available and find the perfect lift solution for your needs.