BS EN 81-73:2020

What is BS EN 81‑73 - Safety rules for lifts about?  

BS EN 81 discusses safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. BS EN 81‑73 specifies the special provisions and safety rules describing the behaviour of lifts in the event of a fire in a building, based on a recall signal(s) to the lift(s) control system. 

BS EN 81‑73 applies to new passenger lifts and goods passenger lifts with all types of drives. 

However, it may be used as a basis to improve the safety of existing passenger and goods passenger lifts. 

Note: BS EN 81‑73 does not apply too 

• Lifts that remain in use in the event of a fire, e.g., firefighters’ lifts 
• Lifts used for the evacuation of a building 

Who is BS EN 81‑73 - Safety rules for lifts for? 

BS EN 81‑73 on safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts (behaviour of lifts in the event of a fire) is useful for: 

• Lift manufacturers 
• Health and safety bodies 
• Fire Fighting department 
• Estate Managers 
• Contractors 
• Maintenance crew 

Why should you use BS EN 81‑73 - Safety rules for lifts? 

Typically, lifts are not to be used in the event of a fire. Upon activation of the building fire alarm or a manual switch, the lifts should travel to the main exit floor and shut down to prevent their use. BS EN 81‑73 helps you in reducing the risk of passengers being trapped in a car in the event of a fire in a building. 

BS EN 81‑73 helps the firefighters/rescue teams to check that the lift contains no trapped passengers since it will be finally parked at a designated landing. BS EN 81‑73 guides you in reducing the risk of passengers in the car being exposed to fire and smoke. BS EN 81‑73 will help you in ensuring the safety of lifts user in case of fire events.