Maintaining safety: A guide to lift regulations and compliance

The safety and reliability of your lifts should always be a top priority to ensure complete peace of mind and legal compliance. The Lifts Regulations have been developed since the early 20th century and initially they were minimal, primarily focusing on basic safety and reliability. However, as lift technology evolved and their use became more widespread, the need for comprehensive safety standards became apparent. Today’s regulations mitigate risks, ensure operational efficiency and enhance the performance of machinery. 

There are several key organisations to be aware of including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which sets and enforces safety standards, the British Standards Institution (BSI), which publishes technical standards, and the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) which represents 85% of the industry, offering guidance to its members. Following and keeping up to date with these regulations is crucial to avoid legal ramifications, maximise safety and reduce downtime. Building managers and businesses must also adhere to regulations to avoid significant liabilities and primarily to protect occupants.

In this blog we share a comprehensive overview of the current standards, best practices and future trends of elevator technology. 

Current lift safety standards

Keeping on top of the latest amendments to lift regulations is essential. The BS EN 81 series is a set of European standards covering lift design, installation, and maintenance. The BS EN 81-20:2020 specifically focuses on the safety rules for passenger and goods lifts, whereas the BS EN 81-50:2020 hones in on the test and inspection requirements for the lift components themselves. Mandatory safety features under these standards include emergency alarms for trapped passengers, reliable braking systems and door sensors to prevent injuries. 

Periodic inspections and regular maintenance are also crucial to ensure that your lifts operate safely and help identify potential issues before they escalate, minimising the risk of accidents and operational downtime. Regulatory requirements, such as those outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) mandate that lifts be thoroughly examined at least every six months for passenger lifts and annually for goods-only lifts. Detailed maintenance logs and inspection certificates are essential for compliance.

Recent updates to lift safety standards, including those in BS EN 81-20:2020, reflect advancements in safety technology and best practices. These updates increase the requirements for lift car stability, fire resistance, and emergency communication systems, as well as a focus on sustainability and energy use reduction in the design stage. 

Compliance requirements in elevator engineering 

There are many compliance requirements for businesses and building managers, with legal responsibilities including adhering to the LOLER Regulations 1998 as mentioned above, which specify regular inspections to protect users and maintenance workers. Ensuring you have regular risk assessments will help identify hazard deficiencies to allow you to improve your machinery continuously. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides resources for conducting risk assessments and safety audits, accessible through their risk assessment guide and safety audit procedures. 

You’ll need to be able to show documentation as proof of upkeep, such as maintenance logs, inspection certificates, risk assessment reports, and safety audit reports to comply with the legal standards. There is guidance for maintaining your records available here.

Providing training for your staff on the latest practices, and adhering to regimented inspections with accurate documentation is the best way to stay compliant. It’s always advisable to regularly review and update your safety procedures as new best practices are released. Adopting these routines will help you to avoid legal and financial liabilities while maintaining efficient operations. For more detailed information on UK lift regulations, you can visit the dedicated legislation website.

Best practices for lift safety and maintenance

Although each individual lift and building has unique requirements, there are a number of best practices to be aware of to ensure lift safety including maintenance schedules, emergency procedures, and staff training. 

Maintenance schedules are one of the most important regulations to stick to, and they’re vital for keeping your lift in prime condition. You should always ensure you’re following the specific manufacturer's advice and schedule check-ups based on the frequency of use for your lift. Using a detailed checklist can make the process easier to follow to ensure all components are maintained and nothing is missed. This includes monitoring ropes for wear and tear, control systems for software updates, door malfunctions, and sensor breaks. Keeping a detailed log of all these inspections ensures you have evidence for compliance and can track the maintenance history of your equipment. 

Having emergency procedures in place is also essential for compliance and user safety. Emergency alarms should be fitted with communication systems to notify the maintenance team instantly if an error or malfunction occurs. In addition, the importance of having comprehensive and detailed rescue plans rehearsed and designed for your specific building cannot be overstated.

For more details on emergency drills, read here.

Future trends in lift technology and regulation

The lift industry is developing at a rapid rate with the rise in technological advancements and an increasing focus on sustainability – and there are a few key trends to be aware of to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is hugely beneficial for businesses, as it offers real-time data collection which can be used for predictive maintenance planning and reduce the downtime of lift repairs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to predict traffic patterns in buildings and redirect users to reduce their wait time, as well as flagging any potential issues and blockers before they progress to being critical. The development of enhanced braking systems and automated emergency responses are key players in ensuring your system is reliable and safe, especially during high footfall periods.

More and more businesses are also opting for sustainable, energy-efficient lift systems to reduce their energy consumption and costs, decrease their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and improve their reputation. 

Within the next few years there are likely to be increased safety standards and regulations introduced which focus on the environmental impact of machinery. The HSE will provide updates on these changes, so make sure to regularly check their latest information to stay up to date on any additional safety measures required.   

Ensuring ongoing safety and compliance 

Protecting your users is essential, both for safety and for avoiding legal repercussions. There are many sources of information to keep you informed on best practices, including templated maintenance schedules, pre-set checklists and downloadable risk assessments. The best way to protect your business is by keeping up to date proactively with the changing regulations. Scheduling regular staff training, maintaining detailed records of all maintenance and inspections, conducting regular safety audits and investing in the new lift technology will keep your business in the green. 

For more information or tailored advice, speak to one of our experts today on the latest lift compliance regulations.