What is BS 2655-1 - Requirements for electric, hydraulic and hand-powered lifts about? 
BS 2655 is a series of British Standards that discusses specifications for lifts, escalators, passenger conveyors and paternosters. The main objective of the BS 2655 series is to provide manufacturers with best industry requirements to ensure safe and reliable use and operation of products.
BS 2655-1 is the first part of the BS 2655 series that applies to electric, hydraulic and hand-powered passenger lifts, goods lifts and service lifts suspended by ropes or chains or supported by direct acting ram and employing a guided lift car installed in a situation where the structural requirements of Part 6 are carried out.
The requirements for passenger and goods lifts are combined in BS 2655-1, on the basis that goods lifts are capable of carrying persons and should thus be subject to the same safety requirements applicable to lifts intended for passenger operation.
The requirements for hand-powered lifts apply only to goods lifts, hoists and service lifts.
Note: BS 2655-1 does not apply to lifting platforms and road vehicle lifting machines having a vertical travel not exceeding 2.00 m or 6 ft 6 in, amusement devices, skip hoists, builders’ hoists, conveyors or similar apparatus used for raising, piling or tiering.
Who is BS 2655-1 - Requirements for electric, hydraulic and hand-powered lifts for? 
BS 2655-1 on electric, hydraulic and hand-powered lifts is relevant to: 
- Manufacturers of electric, hydraulic and hand-powered lifts
- Manufacturers and suppliers of parts, components, control equipment used in lifts
- Product designers
- Mechanical engineers
- Quality control bodies
Why should you use BS 2655-1 - Requirements for electric, hydraulic and hand-powered lifts?
Lifts, escalators, passenger conveyors and paternosters are heavy units and have specific requirements for installation and safe use of public.
BS 2655-1 walks you through best industry requirements for parts, controls and equipment of:
- Electric passenger and goods lifts
- Electric service lifts
- Firemen’s lifts
- Hydraulic lifts
- Hand-powered lifts
Thus, complying with BS 2655-1 can ensure smooth working and safe use of electric, hydraulic and hand-powered lifts. As a result, incidents of product failures, hazardous accidents and damage to lifts can be avoided.
