Reduced Pit and/or Headroom Passenger Lifts

Passenger Lifts – Overcoming Space Constraints

Retrofitting a lift into an existing building often presents challenges where the pit and/or headroom is less than the regulatory requirements for engineer safety. These spatial constraints can hinder the installation of a passenger lift, impacting accessibility and potentially compromising your design vision.

However, solutions exist. In situations where standard pit and headroom requirements cannot be met due to building limitations, design considerations, planning permissions, or ground conditions, it’s possible to install reduced pit and/or headroom passenger lifts. This approach requires careful planning and adherence to safety regulations.

With over 20 years of experience, Tower Lifts specialises in designing and installing passenger lifts with reduced pit and headroom. We’re your trusted partner, ensuring both safety and accessibility while preserving your design aspirations.

Passenger Lifts: Adapting to Limited Pit and Headroom

Standard eight-person DDA compliant lifts typically require a 1100mm pit and 3500mm headroom depending on the lifting beam or lifting eyes. However, achieving these dimensions isn’t always feasible in existing buildings.

When faced with limited pit or headroom, there are two solutions:

• Reduced Pit/Headroom Passenger Lifts – With specialised engineering, passenger lifts can be installed with significantly reduced dimensions. Tower Lifts has successfully installed lifts with pits as shallow as 250mm and headroom as low as 2650mm, dependent on the lift size. This approach maintains the speed and convenience of a standard passenger lift (1m/s).
• Enclosed Platform Lifts – Offering the look and feel of a passenger lift, enclosed cabin platform lifts require minimal pit depth (as little as 150mm) and headroom (around 2500mm). However, these lifts operate at a reduced speed of 0.15m/s.

It’s important to note that other platform lift options exist with minimal pit requirements, but these often lack an enclosed car and operate on a “hold-to-run” basis, making them less suitable as a direct passenger lift replacement.

Lift Regulations – Our Derogation Application Service

Installing a lift in an existing building often means working within the constraints of the existing structure. When standard pit and headroom dimensions cannot be met, a derogation application may be required. This allows for the installation of a lift with reduced dimensions while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Tower Lifts simplifies this process by offering a derogation application service. We will:

• Assess your project – We’ll evaluate your building’s limitations and determine the feasibility of a reduced pit/headroom lift installation.
• Prepare the application – We’ll compile all necessary documentation, including detailed drawings and engineering specifications, to support your derogation request.
• Liaise with authorities – We’ll manage communication with relevant authorities throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth and efficient approval.

Tower Lifts’ derogation application service removes the complexity and uncertainty of navigating building regulations.

Why Choose Tower Lifts?

When it comes to installing a reduced pit and/or headroom passenger lift, experience and expertise matter. At Tower Lifts, we have a proven track record of delivering lifts tailored to your specific needs and vision.

With over two decades of experience in the industry, we possess a detailed understanding of reduced pit lift technology. Our engineers are adept at installing and maintaining a range of lift systems, ensuring integration with your building and long-term reliability.

We prioritise safety and compliance, adhering to all necessary regulations and standards to guarantee a safe and accessible journey for all passengers. Our commitment to customer support extends beyond installation; we provide ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure your lift operates smoothly for years to come.

Our Quality and Safety Promise:

Tower Lifts adheres to the highest standards of quality and safety in every aspect of our operation. We are proud to hold the following accreditations:

• ISO 9001:2015 – Demonstrating our commitment to quality management systems and continuous improvement.
• ISO 45001 – Providing an internationally recognised framework for managing occupational health and safety risks.
• UKAS – LiftCert – Verifying our competence and compliance with industry best practices.
• LEIA – Ensuring our adherence to industry recommendations and best practices as a member of this leading trade body.

Contact Tower Lifts today for a free consultation – 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