2. What are the key changes to be considered when designing buildings?

EN81-20: 2014 introduces a number of changes to building requirements as they apply to the design of the lift shaft, specifically:

• As the allowance of space for refuge spaces has changed there may be a requirement for greater pit depth and headroom for the lift, particularly on smaller passenger lift sizes
• All glass must be laminated
• Shaft walls must be constructed with sufficient strength to withstand an impact force of 1000N
• Where fitted as part of a building’s fire strategy, lift shaft sprinkler systems can be fitted but their activation shall only be possible when the lift is stationary at a landing and the electrical supply of the lift and lighting circuits is automatically switched off by the fire or smoke system. (This does not apply to firefighting lift wells and machinery spaces however, where sprinkler systems are not permitted)
• The lift design and installation must allow for possible building shrinkage
• Responsibility for ventilation of the shaft falls to the building designer

Stannah’s passenger lift range offers an extensive range of choice and options, from 6 – 33 persons, both traction and hydraulic drives, to suit a variety of applications.

3. Have the design requirements for a passenger lift changed?

In the most part the design requirements of EN81-20 will be covered by the lift manufacturer. The only consideration is where non-manufacturer’s walls and floor finishes are being selected, e.g. bespoke lift finishes to match the building design. As the materials used for car floors, walls and ceilings have been updated, any finish must now meet the fire classification requirements outlined in EN 135001-1. The minimum classifications are:

• Ceilings : C, s2 and d0
• Floors: Cfl. s2
• Walls: C, s2 and d1

The ‘C’ and ‘Cfl’ classifications above refer to the reaction to fire and ‘s’ and ‘d’ refer to the classification of materials with regard to smoke and formation of flaming droplets and particles respectively.

If you are considering a finish a little different, Stannah is very proud of its ability to work closely with clients to achieve their vision, whilst complying to the relevant standards.

Or, alternatively, a bare lift car can be provided, ready for fitting out by other contractors, along with advise of the requirements.