Standards Development

Scope

This part of BS 5655 gives recommendations for the modernization, or modification, and improvement of passenger, or goods passenger lifts, with traction, positive or hydraulic drive, serving defined landing levels, having a car designed for the transportation of persons or persons and goods, suspended by ropes, chains or jacks and moving between guide rails inclined not more than 15° to the vertical.

Purpose

There are several standards covering the improvement of lifts including BS EN 81-80 (improve safety for users and workers), BS EN 81-82 (improve accessibility), DD CEN/TS 81-83 (improve vandal resistance), and BS 8899 (improve capability for use by firefighters and for evacuation of disabled people).

There are other drivers for improvement not yet supported by standards, notably to improve energy usage and sustainability. These are all drivers of lift improvement and are concerned with what changes should be undertaken. 

This standard for the undertaking of modification of lifts would provide guidance on how such work should be undertaken to coordinate the work and ensure that the resulting lift is safe for users and workers. A new standard would therefore support safety, sustainability, and accessibility. MHE/4 members - through their contact with the industry and stakeholders - are clear of the demand for a new standard.  Anecdotally they are telling us that the lack of a current standard providing guidance poses a significant risk from poorly undertaken modifications.