KC3
From space limitations and access
Understanding the differences between passenger, platform, evacuation and firefighting lifts can help architects and specifiers make better-informed decisions early in the design process. Graham Mears, General Manager of Stannah Lifts, outlines which lift types are best suited to different environments and the factors that should shape specification.
Passenger lifts vs platform lifts The most common type of lift found in buildings is a passenger lift. Designed for frequent use, passenger lifts typically serve greater travel distances and a wider range of capacities than platform lifts. With a travel speed of more than 0.15m/s and an average travel time of 18 seconds between floors, they can travel over 30 metres and offer various capacities. Approved Document M identifies passenger lifts as the preferred option where feasible. They are generally best suited to new buildings, where shaft, pit depth and headroom can be planned from the outset, or to existing buildings with a suitable shaft already in place. In a fire, standard passenger lifts return to the main evacuation floor and shut down in line with fire-operation requirements. Platform lifts are designed for lower-rise travel and lighter use, making them well suited to buildings where a full passenger
lift is not feasible. They are particularly suited to buildings with reduced shaft space, pit depth or headroom, but are not intended for emergency use. Designed to carry up to five passengers, they have speeds below 0.15m/s and therefore a recommended maximum travel height of 12 metres. They are often used to improve access for people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.
Evacuation vs firefighting lifts Evacuation lifts are specially designed passenger lifts intended to support evacuation of disabled people and others who may need assistance in an emergency. They include enhanced control and safety features, such as emergency power supplies that allow them to remain operational if the main power fails. Evacuation lifts need to be considered as part of the wider fire and access strategy from the earliest design stages. Involving a lift specialist early helps ensure the necessary building provisions are addressed from the outset. In an emergency, evacuation lifts switch to a dedicated operating mode and are controlled by trained building staff or the fire and rescue service. Capacity requirements vary by building type, with larger models often used in healthcare settings to accommodate stretchers and equipment.
Firefighting lifts are specifically designed with a mode to support fire and rescue operations. They include additional resilience and safety features, such as integration with fire detection systems, in- shaft ladders, rescue trap doors, peek-a-boo door opening, protected communications and additional power systems that support continued operation during a fire. Supported by an independent emergency power supply, firefighting lifts are typically designed to carry up to 13 people. They are generally required in buildings where floors are more than 18 metres above, or more than 10 metres below, the point of fire service access. Retrofitting an existing passenger lift for evacuation or firefighting use can be complex. Feasibility depends on factors such as whether the building can accommodate fire-resistant waiting areas, dedicated emergency power supplies and protected lift shafts. In many cases, a full site inspection is essential. Choosing the right lift depends on building use, available space, access needs and fire strategy. Early engagement with a lift specialist can help ensure the specification aligns with regulatory requirements while delivering safe, reliable and inclusive access.
For more information, visit:
www.stannahlifts.co.uk
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