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What is EN 81: Safety of lifts?

EN 81 is a series of European safety standards that specify safety rules and requirements for the design, construction, and installation of lifts, escalators, and moving walks. The standards aim to ensure that these vertical transportation systems are safe, reliable, and accessible to all users. Including people with disabilities.

The EN 81 series includes several parts such as:

·       EN 81-1: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 1: Electric lifts

·       EN 81-2: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 2: Hydraulic lifts

·     EN 81-20: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 20: Passenger and goods passenger lifts

·       Also, EN 81-28: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 28: Remote alarm on passenger and goods passenger lifts

Each part of the series specifies requirements and guidelines for various aspects of lift safety. Such as the design and construction of lift shafts, the installation of safety devices, and the testing and inspection of lifts. Also, the training of lift installers and maintenance personnel. Compliance with these standards is generally mandatory in European Union countries. And may also be required in other jurisdictions or by specific industries.

 EN 81 series plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and accessibility of vertical transportation systems in Europe and beyond. Also, it is an important reference for lift manufacturers, installers, and users.

How many parts EN 81: Safety of lifts has?

There are currently 23 parts in the EN 81 series, each of which covers a specific aspect of lift safety. Here is a list of the current parts:

This standard is divided into several sections. Including:

General requirements: This section provides the scope and definitions of the standard. And specifies the general requirements that apply to all types of electric lifts.

Design and construction: This section specifies the requirements for the design and construction of electric lifts, including the safety components. Such as doors, car, and shaft, and safety measures for electrical and control systems.

Installation: This part specifies the requirements for the installation of electric lifts. Including the safety measures for installation, testing, and commissioning.

Testing: This section specifies the requirements for testing and inspection of electric lifts. Including the safety tests to be carried out during installation, initial operation, and regular maintenance.

Maintenance: This section specifies the requirements for maintenance of electric lifts. Including the safety measures for regular inspections, and testing. Also, repair of the safety components.

Rescue and firefighting: This section specifies the requirements for the provision of rescue and firefighting services for electric lift. Including the safety measures for emergency communication, lighting, and access.

Also, Existing lifts: This section specifies the requirements for the safety of existing electric lifts. Including the safety measures for modernization, alteration. And maintenance of existing lifts.

EN 81-2:2010+A3:2021 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 2: Hydraulic lifts

EN 81-2:2010+A3:2021 specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of hydraulic lifts. Including their components. Such as mechanical, electrical, and control systems. It is part of the EN 81 series of standards. Which provide comprehensive safety requirements for lifts.

Hence, This standard is divided into several sections. Including:

General requirements: This section provides the scope and definitions of the standard and specifies the general requirements that apply to all types of hydraulic lifts.

Design and construction: This section specifies the requirements for the design and construction of hydraulic lifts. Including the safety components. Such as doors, car, and shaft, and safety measures for hydraulic and control systems.

Installation: This section specifies the requirements for the installation of hydraulic lifts. Including the safety measures for installation, testing, and commissioning.

Testing: This section specifies the requirements for testing and inspection of hydraulic lifts. Including the safety tests to be carried out during installation, initial operation, and regular maintenance.

Maintenance: This section specifies the requirements for maintenance of hydraulic lifts. Including the safety measures for regular inspections, and testing. Also, repair of the safety components.

Rescue and firefighting: This section specifies the requirements for the provision of rescue and firefighting services for hydraulic lifts. Including the safety measures for emergency communication, lighting, and access.

Also, Existing lifts: This section specifies the requirements for the safety of existing hydraulic lifts. Including the safety measures for modernization, alteration, and maintenance of existing lifts.

EN 81-3:2008+A1:2015 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 3: Electric and hydraulic service lifts

EN 81-3:2008+A1:2015 specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of electric and hydraulic service lifts. It is part of the EN 81 series of standards. Which provide comprehensive safety requirements for lifts.

In addition, This standard applies to service lifts that are intended to be used for transporting goods or goods and authorized persons, with a maximum rated speed not exceeding 0,15 m/s.

The standard is divided into several sections. Including:

General requirements: This section provides the scope and definitions of the standard and specifies the general requirements that apply to all types of service lifts.

Design and construction: This section specifies the requirements for the design and construction of service lifts, including the safety components. Such as doors, car, and shaft, and safety measures for electrical and hydraulic systems.

Installation: This section specifies the requirements for the installation of service lifts, including the safety measures for installation, testing, and commissioning.

Testing: This section specifies the requirements for testing and inspection of service lifts. Including the safety tests to be carried out during installation, initial operation, and regular maintenance.

Maintenance: This section specifies the requirements for maintenance of service lifts. Including the safety measures for regular inspections, testing, and repair of the safety components.

Rescue and firefighting: This section specifies the requirements for the provision of rescue and firefighting services for service lifts. Including the safety measures for emergency communication, lighting, and access.

Finally, Existing service lifts: This section specifies the requirements for the safety of existing service lifts. Including the safety measures for modernization, alteration, and maintenance of existing service lifts.

EN 81-20:2020 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 20: Passenger and goods passenger lifts

EN 81-20:2020 specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of passenger and goods passenger lifts. It is part of the EN 81 series of standards. Which provide comprehensive safety requirements for lifts.

This standard applies to lifts that are intended to be used for the transportation of persons or persons and goods, with a rated speed not exceeding 8 m/s.

In fact, The standard is divided into several sections. Including:

General requirements: This section provides the scope and definitions of the standard and specifies the general requirements that apply to all types of passenger and goods passenger lifts.

Design and construction: This section specifies the requirements for the design and construction of passenger and goods passenger lifts, including the safety components. Such as doors, car, and shaft, and safety measures for electrical and hydraulic systems.

Installation: This section specifies the requirements for the installation of passenger and goods passenger lifts. Including the safety measures for installation, testing, and commissioning.

Testing: This section specifies the requirements for testing and inspection of passenger and goods passenger lifts. Including the safety tests to be carried out during installation, initial operation, and regular maintenance.

Maintenance: This section specifies the requirements for maintenance of passenger and goods passenger lifts. Including the safety measures for regular inspections, testing, and repair of the safety components.

Rescue and firefighting: This section specifies the requirements for the provision of rescue and firefighting services for passenger and goods passenger lifts. Including the safety measures for emergency communication, lighting, and access.

At last, Existing passenger and goods passenger lifts: This section specifies the requirements for the safety of existing passenger and goods passenger lifts. Including the safety measures for modernization, alteration, and maintenance of existing passenger and goods passenger lifts.

EN 81-21:2018 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 21: New passenger and goods passenger lifts in existing building

EN 81-21:2018 specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of new passenger and goods passenger lifts in existing buildings. It is part of the EN 81 series of standards. Which provide comprehensive safety requirements for lifts.

This standard applies to the design, manufacture, installation, testing, and maintenance of new passenger and goods passenger lifts in existing buildings. Therefore, The lifts covered by this standard are intended for the transportation of persons or persons and goods with a rated speed not exceeding 1.0 m/s.

The standard is divided into several sections. Including:

Scope and definitions: This section provides the scope of the standard and defines the terms used throughout the standard.

Requirements for the installation of new lifts: This section specifies the requirements for the installation of new passenger and goods passenger lifts in existing buildings, including the design, manufacture, and installation of the lift components. Such as the car, shaft, and control system.

Requirements for the modernization of existing lifts: This section specifies the requirements for the modernization of existing lifts to comply with the requirements of this standard.

And Requirements for testing and commissioning: This section specifies the requirements for testing and commissioning of new lifts. Including the safety tests to be carried out during installation, initial operation, and regular maintenance.

Requirements for maintenance: This section specifies the requirements for maintenance of new lifts. Including the safety measures for regular inspections, testing, and repair of the safety components.

At last, Requirements for the rescue and firefighting: This section specifies the requirements for the provision of rescue and firefighting services for new lifts in existing buildings.

EN 81-28:2018 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 28: Remote alarm on passenger and goods passenger lifts

EN 81-28:2018 specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of remote alarm systems on passenger and goods passenger lifts. It is part of the EN 81 series of standards. Which provide comprehensive safety requirements for lifts.

This standard applies to the design, manufacture, installation, testing, and maintenance of remote alarm systems on passenger and goods passenger lifts. The remote alarm system is intended to signal an emergency situation from the lift to a remote location. Such as a building security desk or emergency services. In order to provide timely assistance to lift passengers.

The standard is divided into several sections. Including:

Scope and definitions: This section provides the scope of the standard and defines the terms used throughout the standard.

Requirements for the installation of remote alarm systems: This section specifies the requirements for the installation of remote alarm systems on passenger and goods passenger lifts. Including the design, manufacture, and installation of the alarm system components. Such as the alarm panel, communication system, and emergency power supply.

Requirements for testing and commissioning: This section specifies the requirements for testing and commissioning of remote alarm systems. Including the safety tests to be carried out during installation, initial operation, and regular maintenance.

Finally, Requirements for maintenance: This section specifies the requirements for maintenance of remote alarm systems. Including the safety measures for regular inspections, testing, and repair of the alarm components.

EN 81-31:2010 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 31: Firefighters lifts

EN 81-31 specifies safety rules for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of firefighters lifts. Firefighters lifts are intended for use by firefighters during firefighting and rescue operations and are subject to higher safety requirements than standard lifts.

The standard covers various aspects of firefighters lifts, including the design of the lift car and landing doors, the safety features of the lift, and the requirements for the power supply and control system. The standard also specifies the fire resistance requirements for lift shafts. Including the material and thickness of the walls and the protection of the lift shaft from smoke and fire.

EN 81-31:2010 requires that firefighters lifts be equipped with a number of safety features to ensure safe operation during emergency situations. These safety features include:

·       A dedicated power supply for the lift, independent of the building’s power supply

·       A dedicated communication system between the lift and the building’s control room or fire department

·       An emergency stop button inside the lift car and at each landing

·       A means of opening the lift car doors manually in case of power failure

·       Fire-resistant lift car and landing doors

·       Automatic return of the lift to a designated level in case of a power failure or other emergency

Therefore, The standard also specifies the requirements for the testing and maintenance of firefighters lifts. Including the regular inspection and testing of safety features and the provision of documentation and records.

EN 81-33:2010+A1:2013 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 33: Lifts for the transport of persons and goods – Particular applications for persons with accessibility requirements

EN 81-33:2010+A1:2013 specifies safety rules for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of lifts for the transport of persons and goods, with particular applications for persons with accessibility requirements. The standard aims to ensure that lifts are safe and accessible for all users. Including those with disabilities or limited mobility.

The standard covers various aspects of lifts. Including the design of the lift car and landing doors, the safety features of the lift, and the requirements for the power supply and control system.

Moreover, The standard also specifies the requirements for accessibility. Including the size and shape of the lift car and the minimum dimensions of lift doors, to ensure that wheelchair users and other users with mobility impairments can access the lift.

EN 81-33:2010+A1:2013 requires that lifts for persons with accessibility requirements be equipped with a number of safety features to ensure safe operation. These safety features include:

·       A means of communication between the lift and the building’s control room or emergency services

·       A means of opening the lift car doors manually in case of power failure

·       Automatic return of the lift to a designated level in case of a power failure or other emergency

·       A maximum gap between the lift car and the landing to prevent trapping of mobility aids or persons

·       A minimum level of illumination inside the lift car

·       Therefore, The standard also specifies the requirements for the testing and maintenance of lifts for persons with accessibility requirements. Including the regular inspection and testing of safety features and the provision of documentation and records

EN 81-41:2010 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 41: Vertical lifting platforms intended for use by persons with impaired mobility

EN 81-41:2010 provides safety rules for the construction and installation of vertical lifting platforms intended for use by persons with impaired mobility. These types of lifting platforms are also known as platform lifts or wheelchair lifts and are designed to provide access to buildings or facilities where there are level differences. Such as steps or changes in floor level, which cannot be easily overcome by persons with mobility impairments.

The standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, and installation of vertical lifting platforms. As well as the safety requirements that must be met to ensure that these devices can be used safely by persons with impaired mobility. In fact, The standard covers various aspects of the platform lift. Including the load-carrying capacity, the travel speed, the dimensions of the platform, the control systems, the safety devices, and the installation requirements.

Therefore, The main objective of EN 81-41 is to ensure that the vertical lifting platforms intended for use by persons with impaired mobility are safe and reliable, and that they comply with the relevant European regulations and directives. By following the requirements of the standard, lift manufacturers and installers can ensure that their products meet the necessary safety standards and provide safe and accessible access for persons with mobility impairments.

EN 81-50:2014 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 50: Design rules, calculations, examinations and tests of lift components

EN 81-50:2014 provides safety rules for the design, calculations, examinations, and tests of lift components. The standard is intended for use by lift manufacturers, designers, and installers to ensure that their products meet the necessary safety standards and are safe and reliable for use by passengers.

The standard covers various aspects of lift components. Including the design requirements, the material specifications, the safety factors, and the testing procedures. It also provides guidelines for the examination and inspection of lift components. To ensure that they meet the necessary safety standards.

 EN 81-50 is to ensures that lift components are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the necessary safety requirements and are safe and reliable for use in lifts. By following the requirements of the standard, lift manufacturers and installers can ensure that their products meet the necessary safety standards. Also, provide safe and reliable access for passengers.

EN 81-55:2015 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 55: Landings and EN 81-58:2018 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 58: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Examinations and tests – Part 58: Landing doors fire resistance test

EN 81-55:2015 shares safety rules for the design, construction, and installation of lift landings. The standard covers various aspects of lift landings. Including their size, lighting, floor loading, and accessibility requirements. It also provides guidelines for the construction and installation of landing doors. Including the type of materials that should be used and the minimum fire resistance rating required.

Moreover, EN 81-58 is a part of the European standard for lifts, which provides safety rules for the examination and testing of lift components, including landing doors. The standard covers various aspects of landing door safety. Including the fire resistance requirements for lift landing doors. The standard specifies the procedures and conditions for the fire resistance test of landing doors. Including the duration of the test, the size of the door, and the type of fire to be used.

The main objective of both EN 81-55 and EN 81-58 is to ensure that lift landings and landing doors are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the necessary safety requirements and are safe and reliable for use by passengers. So, By following the requirements of these standards, lift manufacturers, designers, and installers can ensure that their products meet the necessary safety standards and provide safe and reliable access for passengers.

EN 81-70:2018 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 70: Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability

EN 81-70 provides guidance and requirements for ensuring the accessibility of lifts for persons with disabilities.

The standard outlines various requirements related to the design, installation, and operation of lifts to ensure that they are accessible and usable by persons with disabilities. Thus, This includes requirements related to the size and positioning of lift controls, the width and depth of lift cars and doors, the presence of audio and visual signals. Also, the provision of emergency communication systems.

The standard also includes guidance on the types of lifts that may be most suitable for persons with disabilities. Such as low-rise lifts and platform lifts.

EN 81-70 is important for ensuring that lifts are accessible and usable by all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. Also, it can help to promote inclusion and accessibility in public and private buildings.

EN 81-72:2015 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 72: Firefighters lifts – Main characteristics and requirements

EN 81-72:2015 specifies the main characteristics and requirements for these types of lifts, which are designed to provide a means of vertical transportation for firefighters during fire and rescue operations.

In fact, The standard covers various aspects of firefighters’ lifts. Including the design and construction of the lift shaft, the lift car, and the landing doors. It also specifies the requirements for emergency lighting, communication systems, and fire protection features. Such as fire-resistant materials and smoke extraction systems.

EN 81-72  aims to ensure that firefighters’ lifts are designed and installed to provide safe and efficient vertical transportation for firefighters in emergency situations. So, Compliance with this standard helps to minimize the risk of injury or death to firefighters during fire and rescue operations.

EN 81-73:2021 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 73: Behaviour of lifts in the event of fire

EN 81-73:2021 specifies the behavior of lifts during a fire. The standard covers the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of lifts. To ensure their safe operation in case of a fire.

The requirements of EN 81-73 include:

·       Fire resistance of the lift shaft and the surrounding building structure

·       Emergency communication systems, such as intercoms and alarm buttons, that enable occupants to communicate with emergency services in case of a fire

·       Smoke and heat control systems that prevent smoke and heat from entering the lift shaft

·       Emergency power supply that ensures the continued operation of the lift during a power outage

·       Automatic evacuation systems that enable the safe evacuation of passengers from the lift during a fire

·       Also, Testing and maintenance procedures to ensure the continued reliability and safety of the lift.

EN 81-76:2018 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 76: Evacuation of persons with disabilities

EN 81-76:2018 is a safety standard for the construction and installation of lifts. Specifically addressing the evacuation of persons with disabilities in the event of an emergency.

This standard provides guidance and requirements for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of lifts used for the evacuation of persons with disabilities. Including those who use wheelchairs or have other mobility impairments.

The standard covers aspects such as accessibility, emergency lighting, audible and visible alarms, emergency power supply, and evacuation procedures. Also, training for personnel involved in the evacuation process.

In fact, The aim of EN 81-76 is to ensure that lifts used for the evacuation of persons with disabilities are safe and reliable in emergency situations. And that they can provide an effective means of evacuation when other means of escape may not be possible.

EN 81-80:2020 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 80: Remote-controlled lifts and escalators

EN 81-80:2020 sets safety rules for the construction and installation of remote-controlled lifts and escalators. This standard applies to all types of remote-controlled lifts and escalators. Including those used in public and private buildings, industrial plants, and infrastructure facilities.

The standard covers various aspects of remote-controlled lifts and escalators. Including their design, installation, operation, and maintenance. It includes requirements for the control and monitoring systems, emergency stop functions, and other safety features.

EN 81-80:2020 also provides guidance on risk assessment and risk reduction measures that should be taken during the design and installation of remote-controlled lifts and escalators. It emphasizes the need for regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the safe operation of these systems.

This standard is intended for use by lift and escalator manufacturers, installers, and maintenance companies. As well as building owners and operators. It is part of the EN 81 series of standards that set safety rules for lifts and escalators.

EN 81-82:2020 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Part 82: Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability – Harmonized document

EN 81-82:2020 specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts to ensure accessibility for persons. Including persons with disabilities. The standard provides requirements for the design, installation, and testing of lifts. To ensure that they can be used safely and easily by persons with disabilities. Including those who use mobility aids. Such as wheelchairs.

The standard covers a range of aspects related to accessibility. Including the width and depth of lift cars and doors, the positioning and size of control panels, the lighting and contrast of buttons and displays, and the use of audible and visual signals. It also provides guidance on the use of lifts in emergency situations and the provision of information for users.

Therefore, EN 81-82:2020 is part of the EN 81 series of standards and complements other parts of the series that address safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. Such as EN 81-20:2020 for passenger and goods passenger lifts and EN 81-70:2018 for accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability.

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