UK Lift Regulations & Compliance Guidance
Lift installation, maintenance and modernisation work must comply with a wide range of UK regulations, accessibility requirements and safety standards.
This section provides an overview of key UK legislation, lift standards and compliance guidance relating to passenger lifts, goods lifts, platform lifts and accessibility systems across commercial, public and residential buildings.
Our engineers work across lift systems requiring compliance with current building regulations, LOLER inspections, accessibility guidance and BS EN lift standards throughout the UK.
Building Regulations & Accessibility Requirements
Part B – Fire Safety
Approved Document B provides guidance on fire safety requirements within residential and non-domestic buildings, including considerations relating to lift shafts, firefighting lifts and evacuation procedures.
The guidance is particularly relevant within multi-storey commercial buildings, public facilities and residential developments where lift systems form part of wider fire safety strategy.
- Volume 1: Dwellings
- Volume 2: Non-domestic buildings
Includes critical fire protection considerations for lift installation and design.
⚠️ Note: Updated guidance came into effect in March 2025.
Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings
Approved Document M sets out accessibility requirements for buildings across England and Wales, including guidance relating to passenger lifts, platform lifts and wheelchair access systems.
The regulations cover areas such as lift access, controls, circulation space and accessibility throughout public and commercial buildings in support of Equality Act requirements.
- Volume 1: Dwellings
- Volume 2: Public and commercial buildings
It outlines lift types (platform, passenger, wheelchair lifts) and associated requirements for lobbies, controls, and compliance with the Equality Act.
Section 4.2 – Technical Handbook (Scotland Only)
Section 4.2 of the Scottish Technical Handbook covers accessibility between floors and throughout buildings within both new-build and refurbishment projects.
The guidance applies across commercial, public and residential buildings where accessible movement between levels is required.
UK Lift Legislation & Compliance
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act places legal responsibilities on building owners and operators to provide accessible environments for all users, including access throughout public and commercial buildings.
Lift systems often form an important part of accessibility compliance within schools, healthcare facilities, retail environments and public venues.
The Lifts Regulations 2016
The Lifts Regulations apply to passenger and goods lifts operating above 0.15 m/s when first placed into service.
The regulations cover lift design, manufacture, installation and safety requirements in line with current UK legislation.
Covers:
- People and goods lifts
- Speed over 0.15 m/s
- Derived from Lift Directive 2014/33/EU
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
These regulations apply to lifting equipment operating at lower speeds, including platform lifts, service lifts and accessibility equipment.
The legislation sets out safety requirements relating to design, manufacture and operation.
- Platform lifts
- Goods and service lifts
- Escalators and chair lifts
Covers speeds up to and including 0.15 m/s.
Lift Design, Accessibility & Safety Standards
Fire Safety Standards
- BS 9991 / BS 9999 – Fire-safe design and evacuation for residential and non-residential buildings
- BS EN 81-72 / 81-73 – Firefighting lifts and lift behaviour during fire
Accessibility & Safety Standards
- BS EN 81-70 – Accessibility for all users, including disabled persons
- BS EN 81-71 – Vandal-resistant lift design
- BS EN 81-28 – Alarm communication in lifts
- BS 8300 Parts 1 & 2 – Inclusive environments externally and internally
- BS EN 81-76 (Draft) – Evacuation of disabled persons using lifts
Lift Construction Standards
- BS EN 81-20 & EN 81-50 – Design and safety rules for new lift installations
- BS EN 81-21 – Installation of lifts in existing buildings with limited space
- BS EN 81-31 – Safety rules for accessible goods lifts
- BS EN 81-3 – Service lifts (goods only, not for passengers)
Platform & Stair Lift Standards
- BS EN 81-40 – Stairlifts and inclined platform lifts
- BS EN 81-41 – Vertical platform lifts
- BS EN 81-42 (Upcoming) – Cabin platform lifts
- BS 5900 – Home lifts for single-occupancy dwellings
- BS 6440 – Powered lifting platforms for mobility-impaired users
Energy & Sustainability
- ISO/DIS 25745-1 – Measuring energy usage in lifts, escalators and walkways
- BREEAM Guidelines – Environmental performance scoring for lift systems
Lift Maintenance, LOLER & Operational Compliance
Lift Owner Responsibilities
- BS EN 13015 – Proper maintenance of lifts and escalators
- BS EN 81-80 – Upgrading existing lifts for safety
- BS EN 81-82 – Upgrading for accessibility
- CEN TS 81-83 – Upgrading for vandal resistance
LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998)
LOLER regulations require lift equipment to undergo regular thorough examination by a competent person to confirm continued safety and compliance.
LOLER inspections are separate from routine servicing and form an important part of ongoing lift maintenance and legal compliance.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations require:
- Thorough examination by a competent person
- Proof of strength, stability and correct installation
- Compliance through LOLER inspection separate from routine servicing
PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)
PUWER regulations apply to lifting equipment used within workplaces and commercial environments.
The regulations cover safe operation, staff training, maintenance and suitability of equipment for intended use.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations cover:
- Staff training
- Signage and safeguarding
- Safe lift equipment for workplace use
Health & Safety Requirements for Lift Operation
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employer obligations for safe working environments
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs 1999 – Risk assessments and preventive policies
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) – Protect staff from handling-related injury
Escalator & Moving Walkway Standards
- BS EN 115 (Parts 1 & 2) – Safety during installation and operation
- BS EN 5656 (Parts 1–3) – Selection, location, testing, and commissioning of escalators and moving walkways