BS EN 81-70

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. Particular applications for passenger and goods passenger lift. Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability

Overview

EN81-70 is a European safety standard that specifies the accessibility requirements for lifts, ensuring they are usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities. This standard enhances the inclusivity of lifts by setting comprehensive guidelines for their design, dimensions, and features to accommodate the needs of all passengers, promoting a more accessible built environment.

Key Points:

1. Accessible Design:
   • Cabin and Door Design: Lifts must be designed to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. For example, lift doors should open wide enough to allow easy entry for wheelchair users.
   • Handrails: For a Type Handrails should be provided on at least one wall of the lift cabin where the car operating panel is located to offer support to passengers with mobility issues.
2. Dimensions and Space:
   • Cabin Size: The minimum dimensions for lift cabins should allow sufficient space for one Wheelchair user and an accompanying person. For instance, a standard accessible lift cabin should have a minimum width of 1100mm and a Depth of 1400 mm. Recognised as a Type 2 Cabin within the regulation. A Type 2 Cabin is the minimum requirement for lifts in new buildings.
   • Door Width: Lift doors should have a clear opening width of at least 900 mm to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
3. Control Features:
   • Positioning: Lift controls should be placed at a height accessible to wheelchair users, typically between 900 mm and 1100 mm from the floor.
   • Tactile Buttons: Buttons should be tactile and marked with Braille or raised numerals to assist visually impaired users.
   • Time for Entry and Exit: The doors should remain open for a sufficient amount of time to allow safe entry and exit for individuals with mobility impairments.
4. Visual and Auditory Signals:
   • Visual Indicators: Lift cabins should include visual indicators such as floor position indicators and direction of travel signs that are easily visible. These are to be positioned between 1800mm and 2500mm from finished floor level on the landings and between 1600mm and 1800mm within the lift car operating panel.
   • Auditory Announcements: Lifts should be equipped with auditory announcements that indicate the current floor and direction of travel, aiding passengers with visual impairments.

By adhering to EN81-70, New Lift Solutions ensures that our lifts are inclusive and accessible to everyone, providing safe, convenient, and independent transportation for all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities. This commitment to accessibility helps create a more inclusive society, where everyone can move freely and confidently.