BS EN 81-73:2020 - Safety Rules for the Construction and Installation of Lifts

Particular Applications for Passenger and Goods Passenger Lifts: Behaviour of Lifts in the Event of Fire

In the modern world, safety is paramount, especially when it comes to the construction and installation of lifts. The BS EN 81-73:2020 standard is a crucial document that provides comprehensive safety rules specifically tailored for passenger and goods passenger lifts. This standard is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of lifts, particularly in the event of a fire.

Key Features of BS EN 81-73:2020

• Standard Number: BS EN 81-73:2020
• Pages: 20
• Release Date: 28th July 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 580 51878 2
• Status: Standard

This standard is a vital resource for engineers, architects, and safety professionals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of lift systems. It provides detailed guidelines on how lifts should behave in the event of a fire, ensuring that they contribute to the safety of building occupants rather than posing additional risks.

Why is BS EN 81-73:2020 Important?

The BS EN 81-73:2020 standard addresses a critical aspect of lift safety: their behavior during a fire. In such emergencies, lifts can become potential hazards if not properly managed. This standard outlines the necessary protocols and systems that need to be in place to ensure that lifts do not operate in a manner that could endanger lives.

By adhering to the guidelines set out in this standard, building owners and operators can ensure that their lift systems are equipped to handle fire emergencies effectively. This includes ensuring that lifts are programmed to return to a designated floor and remain there with doors open, preventing their use during a fire and facilitating the safe evacuation of occupants.

Comprehensive Coverage

With 20 pages of detailed instructions and guidelines, the BS EN 81-73:2020 standard provides a thorough overview of the necessary safety measures. It covers various scenarios and offers solutions to potential challenges that may arise during a fire emergency. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of lift safety are considered, providing peace of mind to building owners and occupants alike.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is indispensable for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Lift manufacturers and installers
• Building designers and architects
• Safety engineers and consultants
• Facility managers and building operators

By integrating the guidelines from BS EN 81-73:2020 into their projects, these professionals can ensure that their lift systems are not only compliant with safety regulations but also optimized for the highest level of safety in the event of a fire.

Ensuring Compliance and Safety

Compliance with the BS EN 81-73:2020 standard is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it is about prioritizing the safety and well-being of building occupants. By implementing the safety measures outlined in this standard, building owners can significantly reduce the risks associated with lift operation during a fire.

Moreover, adherence to this standard can enhance the reputation of a building as a safe and secure environment, which is increasingly important in today's safety-conscious world. It demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of safety and can be a key differentiator in the competitive real estate market.

Conclusion

The BS EN 81-73:2020 standard is an essential document for anyone involved in the construction, installation, and maintenance of lifts. Its comprehensive guidelines ensure that lifts are equipped to handle fire emergencies safely and effectively, protecting both property and lives.

By investing in this standard, professionals can ensure that their lift systems are not only compliant but also optimized for safety, providing peace of mind to building occupants and enhancing the overall safety profile of their projects.

BS EN 81-73:2020

This standard BS EN 81-73:2020 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. Particular applications for passenger and goods passenger lifts is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.220.50 Fire-resistance of building materials and elements
• 91.140.90 Lifts. Escalators

This document specifies the special provisions and safety rules describing the behaviour of lifts in the event of fire in a building, on the basis of a recall signal(s) to the lift(s) control system.

This document applies to new passenger lifts and goods passenger lifts with all types of drives. However, it may be used as a basis to improve the safety of existing passenger and goods passenger lifts.

This document does not apply to:

• lifts that remain in use in the event of fire, e.g. firefighters lifts as defined in EN 81?72:2020 ,

• lifts used for the evacuation of a building.