LIFTS
A lift car communication system.
long-term view. For example, if the control system is replaced it is important both to consider what future minor refurbishments may be needed, and to ensure that the installed control system has future compatibility to ensure that if, for example, there is a future drive upgrade, the control system will not need replacing again. The Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) documents are extremely useful in assisting Trusts with the operation and management of healthcare facilities. HTM 08-02 is the primary HTM relevant to lifts. It covers all types (e.g. traction, hydraulic, and platform), all usage types (e.g. bed lifts, passenger lifts, and refuse lifts), and guidance for lifts in newly constructed healthcare buildings, as well as modernisation of lifts in existing buildings. As a result of this broad scope of
coverage, it is not appropriate for HTM 08-02 to be quoted as if it were a specification. During the initial scoping phase of a project the applicable elements of HTMs should be identified and specified for the project, along with appropriate additional information as relevant. Lift projects are often frustrated due to
Old lift push buttons.
a lack of stakeholder involvement in the scoping phase. In the writer’s experience this can be a result of the appropriate Estates team members not being engaged at a sufficiently early stage. However, it can equally result from the Estates team not providing the information that the Capital team needs within the timescales required – most likely due to the operational pressures they have to deal with daily, and the need to prioritise the burning issues of the day over longer-term project needs. I recommend that the Authorising Engineer for Lifts be engaged to support the scoping phase of projects and speak on behalf of the Estates team and lift APs (Authorising Persons). The Lift AE would typically be sufficiently aware to assist the AP, and as they are external to the Trust, they are not generally involved in day-to- day operational issues. The specific lift requirements for a
project need to be defined in a lift-specific Employer’s requirements or specification document. This should comprehensively convey to a contractor the results of the aforementioned points 1-3, and detail precisely what is required, inclusive of
Lift control panels.
performance requirements and named suppliers or product types where appropriate. A suitable document will enable both the Trust and the contractor to agree the scope and requirements for the project without misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Projects can often become stalled, frustrated, delayed, or delivered unsatisfactorily, due to a misinterpretation of the requirements. Hospital Estates managers and directors
have a huge task on their hands when it comes to capital planning for equipment replacement. With hospital buildings needing to last much longer than the lifespan of the equipment which supports their operation, planning of proactive capital equipment replacement is essential. Capital planning for lift equipment is particularly challenging for a number of reasons, as follows:
1. Essential equipment with long downtime is problematic
The downtime of a lift for major refurbishment or replacement will differ for each lift, depending on the type of equipment, the height of building, and
May 2024 Health Estate Journal 65
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