BS EN 81-80:2019: Safety Rules for the Construction and Installation of Lifts

Standard Number: BS EN 81-80:2019

Pages: 44

Released: August 28, 2019

ISBN: 978 0 580 95884 7

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 81-80:2019 is a crucial standard that provides comprehensive safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts, specifically focusing on existing passenger and goods passenger lifts. This standard is essential for ensuring that older lift systems are brought up to modern safety standards, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of lift operations.

Purpose and Importance

As buildings age, so do the lift systems within them. The BS EN 81-80:2019 standard addresses the critical need to improve the safety of these existing systems. It provides a framework for assessing and upgrading lifts to meet current safety requirements, which is vital for protecting passengers and goods. This standard is particularly important for building owners, facility managers, and lift maintenance companies who are responsible for the safety and compliance of lift systems.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Guidelines: The standard offers detailed guidelines for evaluating the safety of existing lifts and implementing necessary improvements.
• Focus on Passenger Safety: Emphasizes the importance of passenger safety by addressing potential hazards and recommending preventive measures.
• Adaptability: Designed to be applicable to a wide range of lift systems, making it a versatile tool for various types of buildings and installations.
• Compliance and Regulation: Helps ensure that lift systems comply with the latest safety regulations and standards, reducing the risk of accidents and legal liabilities.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 81-80:2019 standard is indispensable for a variety of stakeholders in the lift industry, including:

• Building Owners: To ensure their properties meet safety standards and provide a safe environment for occupants.
• Facility Managers: To maintain and upgrade lift systems effectively, ensuring operational safety and compliance.
• Lift Maintenance Companies: To guide maintenance and upgrade processes, ensuring that all work meets the required safety standards.
• Safety Inspectors: To assess lift systems against a recognized standard, ensuring that safety improvements are implemented where necessary.

Benefits of Compliance

Adhering to the BS EN 81-80:2019 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By following the guidelines, lift systems are safer for passengers and goods, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Increased Reliability: Regular assessments and upgrades ensure that lifts operate smoothly and efficiently, minimizing downtime.
• Legal Compliance: Ensures that lift systems meet legal safety requirements, protecting building owners and operators from potential legal issues.
• Improved Reputation: Buildings with compliant lift systems are viewed more favorably, enhancing the reputation of the property and its management.

Conclusion

The BS EN 81-80:2019 standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the management, maintenance, or operation of lift systems. By providing a clear set of safety rules and guidelines, it helps ensure that existing lifts are safe, reliable, and compliant with modern standards. Investing in the safety and compliance of lift systems not only protects passengers and goods but also enhances the overall value and reputation of the property.

BS EN 81-80:2019

This standard BS EN 81-80:2019 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. Existing lifts is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.140.90 Lifts. Escalators

This document gives a methodology for improving the safety of existing lifts with the aim of reaching an equivalent level of safety to that of a newly installed lift by the application of today’s state-of-the-art for safety. NOTE Due to situations such as the building design, etc. it may not be possible in all cases to reach today’s state-of-the-art for safety. This document applies to permanently installed passenger or goods passenger lifts, with traction, positive or hydraulic drive serving defined landing levels, having a car designed for the transportation of persons or persons and goods and moving along guide rails inclined not more than 15° to the vertical. This document includes the improvement of safety of existing lifts for: a) passengers; b) maintenance and inspection personnel; c) persons outside the well, machinery space(s) and the pulley room(s) (but in their immediate vicinity); d) any other authorized persons. This document is not applicable to: e) lifts with drive systems others than those mentioned above; f) lifting appliances such as paternosters, mine lifts, theatre lifts, appliances with automatic caging, skips, lifts and hoists for building and public works sites, ships’ hoists, platforms for exploration or drilling at sea, construction and maintenance appliances; g) installations where the inclination of the guide rails to the vertical exceeds 15°; h) lifting appliances with a rated speed lower than or equal to 0,15 m/s; i) safety during transport, installation, repairs and dismantling of lifts. However, this document can usefully be taken as a reference basis.