What is BS 5655-2 – Construction and installation of hydraulic lifts about? 
While lifts and elevators have become an integral part of everyday life, there are many different types of lifts that serve different purposes. Service lifts are generally used to transport large amounts of goods and heavy loads vertically, while also facilitating the transportation of service personnel.
BS 5655 is a European Standard series that discusses lifts and service lifts. The object of BS 5655 is to define safety rules related to passenger, goods and service lifts with a view to safeguarding people and objects against the risk of accidents associated with the operation of lifts and service lifts.
BS 5655-2 is the second part of the BS 5655 series that provides safety rules for the construction and installation of hydraulic lifts, where the car is directly or indirectly driven by the action of one or more hydraulic single acting jacks and whereby the down movement, even with the empty car, takes place by the influence of gravity.
Note: BS 5655-2 does not cover the lifts which come under the following headings: paternosters, rack and pinion elevators, screw-driven elevators, mine lifts, theatrical 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.
Who is BS 5655-2 - Construction and installation of hydraulic lifts for?  
BS 5655-2 on the construction and installation of hydraulic lifts form is relevant to: 
- Manufacturers of hydraulic lifts
- Entities involved in the safety engineering of lifts
- Installers and operators
- Inspection and maintenance personnel
- Quality control and testing bodies 
- Regulatory authorities
- Local bodies
Why should you use BS 5655-2 - Construction and installation of hydraulic lifts? 
It is vital that lifts are safe and reliable when in operation such that potential accidents and risks to personnel are minimized.
BS 5655-2 provides best industry construction and installation guidance on machine and pulley rooms, suspension, compensation, safety gear and overspeed governor along with appropriate clearances between car and the lift well wall facing the car entrance.
Guidance to protect against electrical faults, along with appropiate notices and operating instructions to be adhered to by operators are also covered.
In drawing up BS 5655-2, an analysis of the risks has been carried out for each component that may be incorporated in a complete lift or service lift installation.
BS 5655-2 provides rules which have a direct influence on the choice of landing doors and on the specification and design of electrical control systems.
Thus, compliance with BS 5655-2 safety rules can ensure hydraulic lifts are safe for operation and do not pose as a threat to personnel or property.
