BS EN 81-72:2020

What is BS EN 81-72 about?  

BS EN 81 discusses safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. BS EN 81-72 specifies the additional or deviating requirements to EN 81-20:2020 for new passenger and goods passenger lifts, which can be used for firefighting and evacuation purposes under firefighters’ control. 

BS EN 81-72 applies when the following conditions are fulfilled: 

• The lift well and the lift environment are designed to restrict the ingress of fire, heat, and smoke to the lift well, machinery spaces and safe areas 
• The building design limits the flow of water into the lift well 
• The firefighter’s lift is not used as an escape route 
• The lift well and the lift environment are fire protected for at least to the same level as the building structure 
• The power supply is secure and reliable 
• The electrical cable(s) providing power to the lift is fire protected to the same fire protection level as given to the lift well structure 
• A suitable maintenance and verification plan is implemented 

Note: BS EN 81-72 does not cover: 

• The use of lifts with partially enclosed wells for use as firefighters’ lifts 
• Lifts installed in new or existing buildings, which are not included in the fire-resisting building 
• Structure 
• Important modification to existing lifts 

Note: BS EN 81-72 does not define: 

• The number of firefighters lifts and the floors to be served during firefighting operations 
• Size of safe area(s) 
• The use of other than the highest deck of a multi-deck lift for firefighting operations 

Who is BS EN 81-72 for? 

BS EN 81-72 on safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts (Firefighters’ lifts) is useful for: 

• Lift Manufacturers 
• Civil Engineers 
• Architect 
• Builders 
• Contractors 
• Fire Fighting Equipment Manufacturers 

Why should you use BS EN 81-72?  

Fire lifts are lifts specially designed for use by fire service personnel in the event of a fire or another emergency. Fire lifts are installed to enable fire service personnel to reach different floors with minimum delay, having such features as required by the rules. Firefighters’ lifts are used to bring the firefighters and their equipment to the required floors. 

BS EN 81-72 guides you with the significant hazards, hazardous situations, and events relevant to firefighters lift when they are used as intended and under the conditions as foreseen by the installer. BS EN 81-72 provides you with fundamental requirements for a firefighter lift.  

BS EN 81-72 guides you with power supplies, control system, lift machines and associated equipment, car door and landing doors and hydraulic to be used in firefighter lift.