Navigating the Fire Safety England Regulations 2022 for Lift Owners: Understanding the Differences Between Fireman’s and Firefighting Lifts
As of January 2022, the Fire Safety England Regulations are now in effect, bringing about new requirements for building owners and lift managers.
These regulations have been put in place to ensure the safety of occupants in buildings during fire emergencies.
As lift owners, it is important to understand the implications of these regulations, especially when it comes to fireman’s and firefighting lifts.
To shed light on this topic, we hosted a webinar featuring two highly experienced speakers – David Cooper, a visiting professor at Northampton University and Andrew Harrison, technical director for classic lifts.
In this article, we will be discussing the key takeaways from this webinar and providing a comprehensive guide on navigating the Fire Safety England Regulations 2022 as a lift owner.
Understanding the Different Types of Lifts
Before diving into the regulations, it is important to first understand the different types of lifts that fall under these regulations. The most common types are fireman’s lifts and firefighting lifts. While they may share similar names, they serve very different purposes.
A fireman’s lift is a term often used for any lift that has a system to accommodate firefighters during emergencies. However, this is not the same as a firefighting lift – which is a specific type of lift that must meet certain safety requirements.
On the other hand, a firefighting lift is designed specifically for firefighters to use during emergencies. These lifts have a minimum capacity of 630 kg and must travel the height of the building in less than 60 seconds. They also have automatic power-operated doors and position indicators inside the car.
The History behind Firefighting Lifts
The first recognition of providing firefighters with a means of swift access to upper floors beyond the reach of ladders was in 1930. This resulted in passenger lifts being fitted with brake glass key switches that firefighters could operate to bring the lift to the required floor quickly. These lifts were known as fireman’s lifts and they had a lower capacity of at least 1200 pounds or 550 kg.
Over the years, standards and requirements for these lifts have evolved, leading to the introduction of British Standards such as BS2655 and BS5655. In 2003, the first European Standard for firefighting lifts, EN81-72 was introduced. It was further updated in 2015 and 2020. Today, these lifts are covered under BS9991 and BS9999.
The Fire Safety England Regulations
Under the Fire Safety England Regulations of 2022, the responsible person (building owner or lift manager) must conduct routine checks of any lift that is to be used by firefighters during emergencies. These checks include weekly, monthly, and annual performance inspections to ensure that the lift is in good working order.
Additionally, if any modernization or upgrades are carried out on a lift, it must comply with British Standard BS8889 which is specifically for the improvement of firefighting and evacuation provisions in existing lifts.
Navigating the Regulations as a Lift Owner
As a lift owner or manager, it is crucial to understand your responsibilities and obligations under these regulations. The first step is to identify whether your building requires a firefighting lift or a fireman’s lift. This will depend on the purpose of your building and its height.
If your building requires a firefighting lift, it is important to ensure that it meets all safety requirements and is regularly inspected and maintained by a qualified professional. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in serious consequences, including legal action and potential harm to occupants during an emergency.
In cases where a fireman’s lift is required or intended to be retained during modernization, it is important to understand that this type of lift is not the same as a firefighting lift. Fireman’s lifts have a simpler system in which a switch is activated to bring the lift to the required floor quickly. However, it should not be confused as a substitute for a firefighting lift.
Conclusion
In summary, the Fire Safety England Regulations of 2022 have brought about new requirements for lift owners and managers, specifically regarding firefighting and fireman’s lifts. It is important for lift owners to understand the differences between these two types of lifts and ensure compliance with the regulations. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences and put occupants at risk during emergencies. As always, it is essential to consult with qualified professionals when it comes to lift maintenance and modernisation to ensure the safety of all building occupants.
