Graham Mears at Stannah Lifts explains the different types of lift solutions designed for improving accessibility, and advises on the best options for a variety of scenarios.
Passenger lifts are the most common type of lift found in residential and commercial buildings, designed to handle frequent use while transporting people safely between floors. They operate under the Lifts Regulations 2016, which require a minimum travel speed of more than 0.15 m/s, and an average travel time of 18 seconds between floors.
These types of lifts are most suitable for new buildings, where constructing a lift shaft and pit can be planned from the outset, or in existing buildings that already have a shaft in place.
While passenger lifts are the preferred solution for most buildings, platform lifts offer a viable alternative in buildings and residential settings with lower foot traffic or where there is limited shaft space, pit depth or headroom. Platform lifts are designed to carry up to five passengers and typically operate at speeds below 0.15 metres per second, with a maximum travel height of 12 metres. Regulated under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, platform lifts are particularly suited for people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users or those with pushchairs, offering a practical and accessible solution where a full passenger lift is not feasible.
Machinery directive lifts (e.g. platform lifts) are efficient for everyday use, but they are not intended for emergencies. In the event of a fire, passenger lifts are programmed to automatically return to the main evacuation floor, open their doors and shut down, ensuring no one gets trapped inside. This safety feature aligns with BS EN 81-73:2020, which outlines safety protocols for lift operation during the event of a fire.
Enhancing safety with evacuation lifts
Evacuation lifts are a type of passenger lift. They are specifically designed with enhanced control and safety features. Their primary purpose is to provide a safe means of escape for passengers, particularly those who may need assistance.
These lifts include dedicated emergency power supplies to keep them operational during power outages. Planning for evacuation lifts must be incorporated into the building’s overall design at an early stage, so it’s definitely worth involving your chosen lift provider because of the additional lift design elements, and building elements, such as ensuring they are protected, fire-safe waiting areas on each landing.
In an emergency, these lifts switch to a dedicated emergency mode and are controlled by trained building staff, a designated operator, or the fire and rescue service. While their capacity starts from an eight person lift, larger models of 21 persons are often used in hospitals to accommodate stretchers and equipment.
Understanding firefighting lifts
Firefighting lifts are a critical requirement in buildings where floors are more than 18 metres above, or more than 10 metres below, the point of fire service access. These lifts are purpose-built to help fire and rescue teams reach fire affected areas quickly and safely during an emergency.
While they are similar to evacuation lifts, firefighting lifts include additional safety features tailored for use by emergency services. These can include integrated connections to fire detection systems, in-shaft ladders, rescue trap doors and communication systems that continue operating during a fire.
They must be powered by an independent emergency power supply and are typically designed to carry between eight and 13 people, though larger capacities may be specified depending on the building’s layout and fire strategy.
Retrofitting lifts for evacuation or firefighting use in existing buildings, especially older high-rise buildings, can be a complex challenge. Whether an upgrade is feasible depends on several key factors,
such as the building’s ability to accommodate fire-resistant waiting areas, dedicated emergency power supplies and protected lift shafts. In many cases, a full site inspection is essential to determine how the building can be adapted to meet the strict safety standards required for compliant lift upgrades.
Improving accessibility and safety
When selecting a passenger or platform lift, both design and accessibility should be carefully considered. Controls should be installed at accessible heights and may include braille and tactile buttons to support visually impaired users. All lifts must be equipped with two-way emergency communication in case passengers become trapped. Standard systems typically include an emergency call button, speaker and microphone.
Collaborating with a qualified lift specialist during the planning and installation phases is essential to ensure the lift meets regulations and standards.
Graham Mears is general manager at Stannah Lifts