LIFTS
Top left: A lift shaft. The impact on the operation of a hospital building without a lift for any significant length of time is substantial. Bottom left: A lift car top. Top right: The top of a lift car. Bottom right: An example of an old lift machine. HTM 08-02, the primary HTM relevant to lifts, covers all types, and all usage types, and provides guidance for lifts in newly constructed healthcare buildings, as well as modernisation of lifts in existing buildings.
system needs to be upgraded, care should be taken to ensure that any new system will provide an equivalent level of safety. Many more modern lift communication systems also include the ability for trapped engineers to use the system by providing emergency communication from the top of the lift car and the pit; these, however, have to be retained and operational as originally fitted. 3. Watch out for the GSM switch-off: Consideration also needs to be given to planned changes in the GSM infrastructure, with a planned switch-off of the older 3G (and possibly 2G) systems and migration to 5G. When upgrading or replacing lift communication equipment to address the BT 2025 switch-off, take care not to purchase an older (2G/3G) GSM gateway, which is itself likely to need replacing in a few years. 4. Know the issues: It is worth noting that a GSM communications solution does have some associated negative issues, mainly revolving around signal strength and connectivity. We’ve all experienced not having a mobile phone signal in certain locations, or deep inside buildings – and GSM gateways can be affected in just the
64 Health Estate Journal May 2024
same way. This obstacle can generally be addressed by using a roaming non- steered SIM which, rather than being tied to a single provider, can locate and use the strongest network available. Fixing the GSM unit in the part of the shaft or machine room that provides the strongest signal strength is also essential, Extension aerials can also help. Finally, careful consideration must also be given to the SIM card, be it on a contract or a prepaid/ top-up basis, and ensuring that it remains ‘live’.
The challenge of healthcare lift project delivery Over many projects, with different Trusts, in varying roles, I have observed several consistent challenges. The most cost and time-efficient way to upgrade, refurbish, or replace an existing lift is through a comprehensive one-time modernisation project. Some of the issues associated with this approach are discussed in greater depth below, but the main downsides tend to be cost and programme. There may be times when it’s appropriate to undertake a smaller project – often termed a minor refurbishment, when only one or two of
the lift’s main systems are upgraded. The main system elements are: n A control system, including the signal station.
n Drive system electric traction – a traction machine which may be geared or gearless, and should always include rope replacements.
n The drive system – a hydraulic pump and valve system, which may also include the hydraulic cylinder depending upon its condition.
n A car door operator (which can be upgraded while retaining landing door equipment and car door panels).
n A complete car and landing door system (note that only by replacing the complete system can a fire certificate be issued for the new landing doors).
n Safety gear. n The lift car interior.
I have not included the structural elements of a lift, such as the car frame, sling, and counterweight in this list, as their replacement would not usually be included as part of a minor refurbishment. When undertaking a minor
refurbishment it is essential to do so with a
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
