What is BS EN 81-22 about?
BS EN 81-22 is the 22nd part of multiple series that discusses lifts that are used to transport passengers or goods. BS EN 81-22 specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of permanently installed new electric lifts, with traction or positive drive, serving defined landings levels, having a vehicle designed to convey passengers or passengers and loads, suspended by ropes or chains and travelling in a vertical plan along guide rails that are inclined at an angle of between 15° and 75° about the horizontal.
BS EN 81-22 applies to all the constituent components of the lift including running tracks, guides, safety gear operating devices, counter-rails, but excludes the supporting structures, civil engineering structures, and anchorages that are dealt with by other regulations.
Note 1: BS EN 81-22 does not cover lifts with drives other than those stated, installation of electric lifts in existing buildings to the extent that space does not permit, important modifications, to a lift installed before this document is brought into the application, lifting appliances, such as paternosters, 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, safety during transport, installation, repairs, and dismantling of lifts and lifts with rated speed ≤ 0,15 m/s.
Note 2: Noise is not dealt with in BS EN 81-22 because it is not relevant to the safe use of the lift.
Vibrations are dealt with for electric parts only. Direct effects on human bodies are not considered as harmful. BS EN 81-22 does not specify the additional requirements necessary for the use of lifts in case of fire.
Who is BS EN 81-22 for?
BS EN 81-22 on Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts applies to:
- Lift manufacturers
- Lift Maintenance Departments
- Lift installers
- Architects
- Builders
- Authorities responsible for inspection of lifts
Why should you use BS EN 81-22?
Lifts are used for the transport of persons and goods. If the construction and installation of lifts does not comply with safety standards, then unfortunate accidents might occur. To prevent such incidents and safeguard the user, BS EN 81-22 provides you with safety requirements. BS EN 81-22 also highlights safety requirements for installation, maintenance, inspection work and emergency operations of lifts.
In addition, BS EN 81-22 provides verification methods to verify if the construction or installation of lifts complies with protective measures. Adhering to BS EN 81-22 will help you to meet the minimum safety requirements in all aspects. This, in turn, ensures the safety of your workers, the end-users, and the maintenance staff
