Lift Requirements in Flats

Lift Requirements in Flats

What Are the Lift Requirements for Flats and Multi-Storey Housing?

First, it’s important to say, that without lifts, high-rise buildings would be a commercial disaster! The passion for building high began only after the elevator was invented in the 1850s. As the technology developed, so did the desire for views, and the luxury penthouse was born. Now high-rises are familiar sites either as managed housing, skyscrapers, or as refurbished apartment blocks for city-dwellers.

The Lift Requirements for Flats

Passenger lifts are the recommended mode of vertical transport in multi-storey housing, states Part M of the Building Regulations. They further specify that any lift installation should be capable of accommodating a wheelchair, a pushchair with accompanying carers, or a number of standing passengers.

The platform lift, which is designed to provide access for wheelchair users, is not appropriate for high-rise buildings, as it can only travel between 2-4 floors. This form of vertical transport is recommended for low-rise buildings only.

When is More Than One Lift Required?

If you live in a block of flats a lift is a necessity, especially if you have children, or you’re disabled. The guidance states that any managed housing with more than 2 floors should be fitted with a passenger lift. Where there are more than 30 housing units within the block, 2 lifts are the minimum requirement.

With 2 lifts the risk of being without vertical transport diminish. However, the Tower Lifts team would caution that 2 lifts are a minimum requirement rather than the ideal, given the vital role they play for residents.

Fire Regulations for Lifts in Flats

All passenger lifts are now required conform to British Standard EN81-73: Behaviour of Lifts in the Event of Fire:

  • The lift is connected to the fire alarm system.
  • If a fire breaks out the lift travels to the ground floor.
  • The doors remain open.
  • The lift ceases to respond to calls by passenger

This ‘behaviour’ ensures that anyone in the lift cabin when the fire alarm sounds is able to escape. It also prevents people who are trying to evacuate being trapped.

Requirement for a Firefighting Lift

A firefighting lift is required if a multi-storey building has a floor 18 metres above, or 10 metres below the point for access for fire service vehicles.

This is a specialist lift which is used by firefighters in their efforts to control a fire. TheBritish Standard EN81-72 firefighter lift has:

  • Controls allowing firefighters to take over operation.
  • Escape trap door and ladders in cabin ceiling.
  • Electrics are protected from fire and water.
  • Secondary power source.
  • Drain or pump in lift shaft.

About Tower Lifts

The Tower Lifts team has been designing and installing passenger lifts for both public and private housing for nearly two decades. We have extensive experience working with architects, Housing Associations, and clients to create lifts that are customised to meet the needs of the environment, and to integrate with the style of the architecture.

Would you like to talk to one of our lift engineers about lift requirements in flats? Call us today on 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 Lift