5 Passenger Lift Safety Features

Are Your Lifts Compliant? Safety Features Every Manager Should Know

If you manage or own a commercial, public, or residential building, you need to be able to demonstrate that you’re ensuring the safety of every person who uses your lift system. In order to achieve this, your vertical transport relies on a series of safety features working perfectly together. In this blog we’ll introduce you to the 5 passenger lift safety features that keep your passengers safe and your lift compliant.

For over a decade, the team at Tower Lifts has been designing and installing passenger lifts with safety at the core of every project. Passenger safety and full legal compliance are the secure foundations of a reliable lift system, so our design and installation process is built around this principle. To achieve this, we make sure that every component works to protect passengers and create a secure environment.

5 Essential Passenger Lift Safety Systems

While the technology behind a passenger lift is complex, the core safety features are fairly straightforward and highly effective. Each one is designed to address a particular risk, from door obstructions to mechanical faults. They are the lift’s senses and reflexes, constantly monitoring conditions to ensure a smooth and safe journey for everyone.

1. Load Monitoring and Overload Sensors

This system uses sensors to continuously weigh the occupants and contents of the lift car. The goal of this feature is to prevent strain on the lift’s mechanical and electrical components. If the weight exceeds the legally specified maximum load, the system will stop the lift from moving. When this occurs an alarm sounds and the doors will remain open until the load is reduced.

2. Door Protection and Safety Edges

Lift door shouldn’t close on a person or object, and in order to stop this from happening, a detection system is used. This is often a ‘light curtain‘—a grid of infrared beams covering the entrance. If any beam is broken by an obstruction, the doors will immediately and automatically reverse. This safety feature guarantees safe use of the doors for every passenger, especially those with pushchairs, luggage, or mobility aids.

3. The Overspeed Governor and Emergency Brakes

The overspeed governor is a device that monitors the lift’s speed. If it detects that the car is going up or down too quickly—signalling potential mechanical failure—it automatically trips and engages the emergency brakes. These brakes are entirely separate from the lift’s normal motor and will clamp onto the guide rails, bringing the car to a swift and secure halt.

4. Emergency Alarm and Communication System

If a lift stops between floors, passengers rely on a two-way communication system and an emergency alarm button in the lift car. Pressing the button instantly connects passengers to a 24/7 monitoring service or on-site contact. This allows a trapped person to speak with a real person who will offer reassurance, call for assistance immediately, and provide ongoing updates.

5. Firefighter Control (Fire Service Mode)

UK regulations require that all passenger lifts must have a dedicated Fire Service Mode. This means that when a building’s fire alarm goes off, this system automatically sends the lift to the ground floor and immobilises it with the doors open. This stops anyone from getting trapped in the lift car during an evacuation procedure and – if it’s a firefighter lift – gives firefighters exclusive control of lift with special key, allowing them to move safely through the building.

Keeping Your Lift Safe – Servicing and Inspection Requirements

Having these 5 safety features is the first step. Ensuring they’re in perfect working order year after year is the next. As the building manager or owner, you are legally responsible for the safe operation of your lift. This responsibility is fulfilled through two distinct types of upkeep:

Regular Servicing and Maintenance

This is the preventative care that keeps your lift running reliably. A qualified lift engineer will carry out a service visit to inspect, clean, lubricate, and make minor adjustments to components. This process identifies potential wear and tear before it becomes a problem, minimising downtime and ensuring a smooth ride. The frequency of these visits – typically monthly, quarterly, or bi-annually – depends on the age, type, and usage level of your lift.

The LOLER Thorough Examination

This is a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). It is not the same as a service. For a passenger lift, a LOLER examination is legally required at least every six months.

A Thorough Examination is a systematic and detailed inspection of the lift and all its safety components, carried out by a ‘Competent Person’ – someone with the necessary independence, impartiality, and technical knowledge. Its purpose is to identify any defects that could be a danger to people, and the Competent Person will issue a formal report of the examination.

Tower Lifts – Your Partner in Lift Safety and Compliance

Our commitment to safety extends beyond the features we install. It’s totally embedded in how we work. Our project lifecycle, from design to handover, is managed by our ISO9001:2015 quality framework, guaranteeing a professional and reliable service. On location, our adherence to ISO 45001 health and safety standards ensures every installation is conducted with maximum care. By choosing Tower Lifts – a LEIA member and Constructionline approved supplier – you are choosing a partner whose expertise and integrity are formally recognised.

If you need professional advice on ensuring your lifts are safe, compliant, and reliable, get in touch with Tower Lifts to talk to one of our team – 01525 601099

Tower Lifts carry out design and installation on a varied range of lifts throughout the UK including:

Domestic Lifts • Food Lifts • Bespoke Platform Lifts • Service Lifts • Platform Lifts • Goods Lifts • Scenic Lifts • Heavy Duty / Car Lifts • Passenger Lifts • Dumbwaiter Lifts • MRL Lifts • Fire lifts • Residential Lifts • low-Headroom Lifts