Mechanised transportation plays an increasingly vital part in the majority of modern structures to ensure the efficient movement of all occupants.

Passenger lifts and escalators (including moving walkways) are among the few modes of transportation that can be used continuously and unsupervised by anyone, from the very young to the old and infirm.

The usage of passenger elevators and escalators is a regular daily activity that many people do not believe to be a risk to themselves or others. They are among the safest modes of transportation, having been developed to meet stringent lifting equipment regulations, such as LOLER.

Although serious accidents involving lifts, stair lifts or escalators are uncommon, they do happen.

In this guide, we’ll cover some health and safety rules for conventional passenger lifts, which anyone who chooses to travel in one should follow. How often should a passenger lift be inspected depends on a variety of documents, schedules and the flow of passengers. Each lift should be individually inspected to decide on a maintenance schedule.

Passenger lift employer’s duties

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) impose duties on employees for the installation, maintenance, operation, and evaluation of any lifting equipment or appliance used to lift weights, including passengers. Lifts must be strong and stable, as well as be properly positioned and fitted.

The following issues should be addressed while designing passenger lifts:

Lifting equipment used to transport people must keep anyone who uses it from being crushed, trapped, or stuck, or from falling from the carrier.
Lifting equipment used to hoist people must include mechanisms to reduce the risk of a carrier falling.
If a person becomes stuck in any lift car, they should not be in danger and should be able to be rescued.
Lifting equipment for lifting people must be properly evaluated every six months, or at shorter intervals if deemed suitable, or at the intervals stated under an examination system developed by a competent person.

In other cases, the occupier may not have control over the lift equipment, such as when the building is rented or shared by more than one company. In these situations, it is critical that all parties are aware of their particular obligations and cooperate adequately to allow them to be implemented appropriately, as required by Regulation 11 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

13 passenger lift safety rules your building needs

Here are some general passenger lift safety rules and lift regulations followed by what to do in an emergency situation.

Lift safety tips

Keep an eye on your step because the lift car may not be completely level with the floor.
Keep garments and carry-ons away from the doors and stand clear of them.
Children and pets should be held securely.
When the car arrives, passengers closest to the doors should move first.
If doors need to be held open, press and hold the DOOR OPEN button, or have someone push the button for you.
Never try to halt a closing door; instead, wait for another lift.
Take note of the floor markings.
Push the DOOR OPEN button if the doors do not open when the lift stops.

Emergency lift rules and advice

Do not panic if the lift ever stops between levels. The lift is filled with plenty of air.
Never attempt to exit a stalled lift.
To summon assistance, press the ALARM or HELP button, dial the phone, or use the intercom.
Above all, always wait for qualified assistance and never attempt to exit an elevator that has not stopped normally.
In the event of a power outage, emergency lighting will activate.

Routine maintenance and inspection procedures for lifts

Because the dangers posed by a lift failure are likely to result in significant injury to individuals, it is critical that they are examined, inspected, and maintained on a regular basis. This is to guarantee that any deterioration or potential failure of safety components is discovered and that appropriate corrective action is performed to avoid the threat.

Lifts must be thoroughly inspected in accordance with the LOLER requirements:

during the initial installation
if exposed to conditions likely to produce dangerous degradation, at least every six months, or more frequently if deemed suitable by the competent person evaluating and inspecting it
at a reasonable frequency, as decided by a competent person, to detect any deterioration that could create danger
if involved in an accident or another hazardous event
following a considerable reconfiguration or change in operating conditions
after long periods of inactivity (or during).

A thorough examination regime may check for and identify areas of poor maintenance, but it is not meant to replace or be mistaken with maintenance regimes.

Preventive maintenance seeks to guarantee that lifting equipment continues to function as intended while avoiding dangers associated with wear or degradation. Duty holders should “not wait for the results of a thorough examination before carrying out maintenance” on lifting equipment, according to the HSE.

Undertaking maintenance, like the necessity for inspections, may be driven by the risk assessment as well as the results of the examination, testing, and inspection regimens. Maintenance may include repairing worn or damaged parts, making frequent modifications to reduce dangers, or replacing time-expired components of such equipment.

Looking for expert lift inspections and maintenance?

Passenger lift safety rules can keep your customers or residents safe when using your lift, but they also require routine maintenance and inspections to comply with regulations.

You have a legal obligation to meet all PUWER and LOLER regulations by taking every measure to protect the safety of persons who use your lift equipment. A qualified service provider can advise you on the regulations governing ongoing service and maintenance, ensuring you comply with PUWER while also performing the extensive examinations necessary by LOLER.

If your company makes use of passenger lifts, platform lifts, or other access equipment that elevates people, we can help with leading LOLER testing and certification.

We can also help with installation and maintenance service for lifts in workplaces, public structures, and other types of commercial buildings.

Book your free, no-obligation quote today with Future Lifts today, a leading lift company based in London and Essex!

Passenger lift safety rules FAQs

Is a passenger lift covered by LOLER?

Duty holders are responsible for ensuring that elevators are inspected at the required intervals. LOLER inspections must be performed every 6 months for passenger lifts and every 12 months for freight lifts to verify their safety. A ‘competent person’ must inspect lifts and hoists used to lift people or goods.

What’s the difference between LOLER and PUWER?

PUWER addresses inspection, installation, maintenance, and suitability of work equipment, whereas LOLER takes a step further by addressing additional criteria for lifting equipment. As a result, it is common for both regulations to require implementation.

13 Passenger Lift Safety Rules Your Building Needs