BS EN81-80: Lift upgrades for existing lifts

Like technology elsewhere, lifts and lift standards have developed over the years and new
safety features have become the norm. In recognition of the fact that lift upgrades are required
for improved safety, BS EN 81-80:2003 gives an audit framework for lift modernisation.

In the case of an existing passenger lift installation, it should not be assumed that the equipment
complies with all current regulations and/or standards - particularly where equipment is over ten
years of age.

Modern lifts have:

more guidance around making a lift accessible for passenger, including those with a disability
(covered within BS EN 81-82:2013 - Existing lifts. Rules for the improvement of the accessibility
of existing lifts for persons including persons with disability)

greater landing level-accuracy thereby reducing tripping hazards

are fitted with additional lift safety features (e.g. safety gear to stop uncontrolled movement or
safety devices to detect obstructions);

Furthermore, to ensure that passengers who may become trapped in the lift, the law since 1999,
has required new lifts to be fitted with a two-way communication device (BS EN81-28:2003 -
Remote alarm on passenger and goods passenger lifts).

Put simply, today's lift standards have been put in place to make the lift safer for both users and
those maintaining and examining it. Every one of these provisions is equally valid for older lifts.

In recognition that lift upgrades are required for improved safety, BS EN 81-80:2003 (Safety
rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Existing lifts - Rules for the improvement of
safety of existing passenger and goods passenger lifts) was introduced in 2003. With BS
EN81-82 and BS EN81-28 following in the latter part of 2003 and 2013.

What is BS EN 81-80?
lift_modernisation-SMALLBS EN 81-80 is part of the European Standard EN 81 (which covers
the upgrading of existing lifts to ensure they are safe to use by all members of the public and
those who work on them). This safety standard aims to match the safety levels of existing lifts,
with that of brand new lifts, providing a guide to the risk assessment of a lift and subsequent
recommendations for how to achieve any improved safety.

The risk assessment is undertaken through a lift survey from a specialist building services
consultant or a lift contractor, such as Stannah. The risk assessment helps to identify 74
hazardous situations that could be present on an existing lift. The standard enables each lift to
be audited according to the frequency and severity of any single risk, ranging from a high to low
risk.

This audit helps to prioritise any lift modernisation work required and also gives an indication of
when work is likely to be required, demonstrating a reasonable approach has been made to
manage the risk. It also enables lift owners to plan their budgetary provision for safety
improvements.

What are some of the adjustments that are likely to be required for the lift?
Adjustments, to improve safety for passengers and engineers may include:

Improving floor levelling at each landing

Installing a 24-hour two-way communication device

Installing a safety device to remove risk to passengers of being struck by closing doors

Installing an apron to the lift car sill

Ensuring space is available for a lift service engineer to safely work at the top and bottom of
your lift shaft

Installing permanent effective shaft lighting that illuminates the area for a lift engineer(s) to work
in

Ensuring a safe means of access is available to the machine room/ cabinet

Installing a balustrade on the lift car roof

Ensuring the main electric switch for the lift can be locked-off

Once identified, do I need to modernise my lift to meet the requirements fully?

lift_modernistation-SMALLYes, you will need to make reasonable adjustments to your existing
lift i.e. where practical and you are able to do so, in order to meet current lift standards and
regulations. As a lift owner, it is your responsibility to ensure significant hazards (such as those
detailed in the BS EN81-80 standard) are addressed.

Conforming to this standard helps lift owners meet their responsibilities under the Provision and
Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and Lifting Operations and Lifting
Equipment 1998 (LOLER) which are legal requirements.