Contact Us

Technical

UK Regulations & Standards for Lifts

At TJ Lift Solutions, we take compliance seriously. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the building regulations, legislation, and British Standards that govern lift installations, servicing, and accessibility across the UK.

Building Regulations (England, Wales & Scotland)

Part B – Fire Safety

Approved Document B provides guidance on fire precautions in buildings.

  • 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 focuses on accessibility:

  • 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)

This is Scotland’s equivalent to Part M and mandates accessible design in both new builds and refurbishments. Section 4.2 covers access between storeys, inside and outside buildings.

Equality Act 2010

Replaces the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and legally enforces accessibility for all users within public and commercial spaces.

The Lifts Regulations 2016

Applies when a lift is first placed on the market or put into service. 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

Applies to slower lift products such as:

  • Platform lifts
  • Goods and service lifts

Escalators and chair lifts
Covers speeds up to and including 0.15 m/s.

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 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 (1998)

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 (1998)

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations cover:

  • Staff training
  • Signage and safeguarding
  • Safe lift equipment for workplace use
  • 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
  • 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