Access, Security & Tenant Safety Feature Lifts in housing
Alastair Stannah of Stannah Lift Distribution & Service (UK) answers some of the most frequently asked questions around the emergency use and upgrading of lifts in the housing sector.
Safety & Regulation
T
oday, there are estimated to be more than 50,000 operational lifts in UK housing, and at least half of these lifts were installed more than 25 years ago.
Many tower blocks in the UK pre-date modern lift standards, which are in
place to improve safety, so an appointed lift service provider should provide ongoing maintenance and give advice on upgrades.
HOW DO PASSENGER LIFTS TYPICALLY WORK IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR EVACUATION? Typically, lifts are not used in the event of a fire or evacuation - most go to the ground and shut down in the event of an alarm (with doors open and calls disabled). This behaviour of lifts in the event of a fire (BS 81-73) enables all lift
passengers to evacuate the building and for fire-fighters to ensure there is no one trapped inside.
CAN A LIFT BE USED AS PART OF YOUR BUILDING EVACUATION PLANS? In general, no, it isn't appropriate to use lifts when there is a fire. There's the danger of people getting trapped in an immobilised lift, hence why a standard is in place. It's also true for platform lifts. Though they do not conform to the same
standards, the concern remains of lift users becoming trapped between floors. If the desire is to use a lift as part of an evacuation strategy, a thorough risk
assessment and consultation with your lift service and insurance companies is required.
ARE THERE ANY LIFTS YOU CAN USE IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE? OR FOR EVACUATION? There are certain types of passenger lift that can aid the fire and rescue service and emergency evacuation in the event of trouble.
Many tower blocks in the UK pre-date modern lift standards, which are in place to improve safety, so an appointed lift service provider should provide ongoing maintenance and give advice on upgrades
These lifts operate as standard passenger lifts with the capability to switch into an emergency state if required.
WHAT'S A FIRE-FIGHTING LIFT? As far back as the 1940s, the use of lifts with dedicated control features for firefighters was recognised in the UK and has been essential in high-rise buildings. We've had a standard for these lifts since the 1980s. Modern fire-fighting lifts have additional protection, with controls that
enable them to be used under the direct control of the fire and rescue service to contain and eventually quell a fire. British Standard EN81-72 compliant fire- fighting lifts feature:
Interface between the lift control, fire detection and alarm system Trap doors and ladders for rescue operations Electrical components in the shaft and on the car are protected against water Emergency intercom system and lift operation Separate power supply to enable the lift to remain in use even if building electrics are compromised
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM June/July 2021 | 41
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