Installing Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts

Installing Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts

Overcoming Site Constraints: Installing Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts

When it comes to lift installation, one size doesn’t fit all. Sometimes, site constraints demand a tailored solution to provide vertical mobility while adhering to specific space limitations. That’s where low pit and low headroom lifts come into play. In this blog, we’ll look at lifts designed to overcome site constraints, a range of low/pit/low headroom solutions, and the derogation process assistance we can offer.

About Us: Tower Lifts – For Lift Design & Installation

Tower Lifts has been part of the UK lift design and installation industry since 2006. Our journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence, a highly skilled team of lift designers and installers, and a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions. We understand the unique challenges posed by space constraints, and our expertise lies in creating bespoke lift solutions to overcome them.

We adhere to all current Lift Regulations and we’re an ISO9001:2015 Lift Cert and UKAS approved company.

Table of Contents

  1. When Are Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts Necessary?
  2. Understanding Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts and Regulations
  3. A Range of Solution
  4. Where Can Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts Be Installed?
  5. The EN81-21 and Derogation Process Assistance

1. When Are Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts Necessary?

Low pit and low headroom lifts become a necessity in a range of scenarios:

  • Commercial Spaces: Many commercial buildings have limited space, especially in older structures or those with architectural constraints. Installing a conventional lift might be unfeasible due to the required pit depth and headroom.
  • Residential Dwellings: In residential buildings, retrofitting a lift can pose challenges, especially in townhouses or city apartments with tight space constraints.
  • Historical Buildings: Preserving the historical integrity of a building often requires working within strict space limitations, making low pit and low headroom lifts a viable option.
  • Accessibility Upgrades: When improving accessibility in existing buildings, ensuring the lift’s footprint is minimal is crucial. Low pit and low headroom lifts provide an ideal solution.

2. Understanding Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts and Regulations

Where an existing building has a restricted existing shaft or a new shaft is required but constrained by the existing building then it may be possible to obtain derogation agreement for the provision of a lift with restricted pit and/or headroom.

The standard measurements for pit = 1200mm depth and headroom (lift overrun) = 3500mm. Anything less than these values would need to be checked with the Tower Lifts design team to see if it should be considered reduced and would need to be tested and certified under EN81.21.

Understanding Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts and Regulations

3. Tower Lifts Provides Bespoke Solutions

Whether you require a solution for a commercial or residential application, we can assist with bespoke designs to meet the site limitations.

4. Where Can Low Pit/Low Headroom Lifts Be Installed?

Our low headroom lifts are versatile and can be installed in various settings, including:

  • Commercial Spaces. Offices, retail outlets, hotels, and restaurants can benefit from our low headroom lifts without compromising valuable space.
  • Residential Buildings. Tower Lifts designers are specialists at integrating low headroom lifts into residential properties, enhancing accessibility without sacrificing room space.
  • Heritage Sites. Our low headroom lifts can be discreetly incorporated into a heritage site without altering the aesthetic experience for visitors, or infringing stringent architectural guidelines.

5. The EN81-21 and Derogation Process Assistance

EN81-21 is a critical standard within the lift industry. It addresses, among other things, the safety rules for low pit and low headroom shafts in existing buildings, providing guidelines for manufacturers and installers to ensure that these lifts operate safely and efficiently within reduced space constraints.

If you would like to speak to a Tower Lifts engineer about a low pit/low headroom lift, contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can provide the perfect lift solution for your project – 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