Understanding EU Elevator Safety Standards: Essential Regulations You Need to Know

Key EU Elevator Safety Standards

1. EN 81-20: Safety Rules for the Construction and Installation of Lifts
   
   • Overview:EN 81-20 is one of the most fundamental standards in the EU for elevator safety. It sets out the safety rules for the construction and installation of passenger and goods lifts. This standard focuses on the design, calculation, installation, and testing of lifts to ensure they meet essential safety requirements.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:EN 81-20 covers aspects such as the strength and durability of lift components, fire safety, electrical safety, and protection against mechanical hazards. It also includes detailed requirements for the cabin, shaft, and door safety systems.
   
   
2. EN 81-50: Safety Components and Testing
   
   • Overview:EN 81-50 complements EN 81-20 by focusing on the examination, testing, and certification of safety components used in lifts. It provides guidelines for the testing methods that ensure the safety components meet the necessary standards.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:This standard outlines the testing procedures for critical components such as safety gears, overspeed governors, and buffers. It ensures that these components function correctly under various conditions, contributing to the overall safety of the elevator system.
   
   
3. EN 81-28: Remote Alarm on Passenger and Goods Lifts
   
   • Overview:EN 81-28 specifies the requirements for emergency communication systems in elevators. This standard ensures that in the event of an emergency, passengers can communicate with a rescue service at any time.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:The standard requires elevators to be equipped with a two-way communication system that allows passengers to contact a 24/7 emergency service. It also outlines the requirements for system reliability, periodic testing, and maintenance.
   
   
4. EN 81-58: Landing Doors Fire Resistance Test
   
   • Overview:EN 81-58 sets out the fire resistance requirements for lift landing doors. This standard is crucial for ensuring that elevator doors can withstand fire for a certain period, providing critical time for evacuation.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:The standard describes the methods for testing the fire resistance of landing doors, including the ability to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the elevator shaft. It ensures that doors maintain their integrity during a fire, contributing to overall building safety.
   
   
5. EN 81-70: Accessibility to Lifts for Persons, Including Persons with Disabilities
   
   • Overview:EN 81-70 focuses on making elevators accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It sets out the requirements for the design and construction of lifts to ensure they are accessible and usable by persons with disabilities.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:This standard includes requirements for door dimensions, control panel height, audible and visual signals, and space within the cabin to accommodate wheelchairs. It ensures that elevators are designed to be inclusive, improving accessibility for all users.
   
   
6. EN 81-71: Vandal-Resistant Lifts
   
   • Overview:EN 81-71 specifies the requirements for lifts designed to withstand vandalism. This standard is particularly relevant for elevators in public spaces where the risk of vandalism is higher.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:The standard outlines the construction methods and materials that should be used to resist vandalism, including stronger doors, tamper-proof controls, and durable cabin interiors. It helps extend the lifespan of elevators in high-risk areas by making them more resilient to damage.
   
   
7. EN 81-72: Firefighters Lifts
   
   • Overview:EN 81-72 provides guidelines for lifts used by firefighters during an emergency. These elevators are designed to operate under extreme conditions, assisting in the evacuation of people and providing access for firefighting operations.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:The standard includes requirements for water-resistant controls, emergency power supply, and protection against heat and smoke. It ensures that firefighter lifts remain operational during a fire, supporting emergency response efforts.
   
   
8. EN 81-73: Behavior of Lifts in the Event of Fire
   
   • Overview:EN 81-73 defines the procedures that elevators should follow in the event of a fire. This standard ensures that elevators do not pose additional risks during a fire and are evacuated to a safe floor.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:The standard requires that elevators automatically move to a designated floor and shut down in the event of a fire alarm. It also includes requirements for preventing the use of elevators during a fire, enhancing overall building safety.
   
   
9. EN 81-77: Lifts Subject to Seismic Conditions
   
   • Overview:EN 81-77 specifies the requirements for elevators in areas prone to seismic activity. This standard ensures that lifts can continue to operate safely during and after an earthquake.
   
   
   • Key Provisions:The standard covers the structural integrity of lift components, emergency operation procedures, and the ability to withstand seismic forces. It ensures that elevators are designed to minimize damage and prevent entrapment during seismic events.
   
   

Why Compliance with EU Elevator Standards Matters

1. Safety and Reliability
   
   • Preventing Accidents:Compliance with these EU standards is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and maintenance personnel. Each standard addresses specific risks and sets out measures to mitigate them.
   
   
   • Ensuring Operational Integrity:Regular inspections and adherence to these standards help maintain the operational integrity of elevator systems, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns or failures.
   
   
2. Legal Compliance
   
   • Meeting Regulatory Requirements:Adherence to these standards is often a legal requirement in EU countries, including Turkey. Non-compliance can result in fines, legal action, and the suspension of building operations.
   
   
   • Certification and Approvals:Many of these standards are necessary for obtaining certifications and approvals from local authorities. Ensuring compliance helps streamline the certification process and avoid delays in building operations.
   
   
3. Enhanced Building Value and Marketability
   
   • Attracting Tenants and Buyers:Buildings that comply with the latest safety standards are more attractive to tenants and buyers. Compliance with EU standards enhances the reputation of the building and its management, making it a more desirable property.
   
   
   • Supporting Sustainability Goals:Many of these standards include provisions for energy efficiency and sustainability, contributing to a building’s overall environmental performance.
   
   

How BRONZE LIFT Ensures Compliance with EU Standards

At BRONZE LIFT, we are committed to designing, installing, and maintaining elevator systems that comply with all relevant EU safety standards. Our elevators are built to meet the highest levels of safety and reliability, ensuring that your building adheres to the latest regulations. Our team of experts stays informed about changes in standards, so you can be confident that your elevators are always up to date.

Conclusion

At BRONZE LIFT, we are committed to designing, installing, and maintaining elevator systems that comply with all relevant EU safety standards. Our elevators are built to meet the highest levels of safety and reliability, ensuring that your building adheres to the latest regulations. Our team of experts stays informed about changes in standards, so you can be confident that your elevators are always up to date.