DO I NEED TO UPGRADE MY LIFT TO AN EVACUATION LIFT?
Evacuation lifts are becoming a necessary requirement. If you have a passenger lift, it’ s essential to check whether new regulations mandate that it should be an evacuation lift. Recent changes have established evacuation lifts as critical for life safety
Whether you need to upgrade your lift depends on your building’ s specific requirements. Some buildings may necessitate entirely new evacuation lifts, while others may simply need to modernise existing passenger lifts to meet the latest evacuation standards.
In situations where a stay-put fire evacuation strategy is implemented, having an evacuation lift becomes crucial, especially when that lift serves as the primary escape route for individuals with limited mobility. Evacuation lifts are essential for people with mobility impairments or disabilities and are vital for general use in emergency situations.
Things to Consider:
Building Regulations:
There may be specific requirements from local planning authorities.
There might be particular guidelines regarding evacuation lifts, which could be influenced by the London Plan or other regulations.
Fire Risk Assessment:
A fire risk assessment will determine whether a lift not originally designed for evacuation can be used to evacuate disabled individuals.
Building Design:
The overall design of the building, along with refuge areas and a secondary power supply, will influence the feasibility of upgrading to an evacuation lift.
Lift Type:
Generally, passenger lifts can be modernised to meet evacuation lift standards, and many existing lifts can be upgraded for evacuation purposes. Platform lifts however, can not be modernised for evacuation use purposes due to the lift speed.
Standards:
BS 8899 provides guidance for using existing lifts in fire evacuation, while BS 9991 outlines the design requirements.
EN 81-76 is the new standard for evacuation lifts, which is expected to be published in late 2025.
iKONIC Lifts Advice:
Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment:
Ensure that a comprehensive fire risk assessment is performed to determine the necessity and suitability of an evacuation lift.
Seek Professional Advice:
Consult with a lift specialist to evaluate the feasibility of modernising your existing lift to meet evacuation standards.
Consider the Cost:
The cost of modernisation can vary significantly depending on the modifications required.
Factor in Maintenance:
Regular maintenance and inspections are essential, including necessary communication tests.
While existing lifts can often be upgraded, some buildings may require new evacuation lifts. Individual assessments will be needed for each building. Feel free to contact our friendly experts who can attend onsite and complete an evaluation.
iKONIC Lifts is a specialist lift company based in the UK, offering services in lift design, consultation, supply, and installation. Our expertise includes low headroom and pit lifts, as well as firefighter and evacuation lifts.
At iKONIC, we provide comprehensive support for all your vertical transportation needs. This includes consultancy, design, installation, and testing— all for one price from a single partner. With our extensive experience and a wide range of products, backed by our accreditations, there’ s no need to work with multiple companies.
Alternatively, need a new lift?
You can send us your building drawings, and we will provide you with:
- Full lift specification- Detailed lift drawings- Complete turnkey quotation
www. ikoniclifts. co. uk
66- REFURB & RESTORE