At Stannah we believe in keeping our customers, other lift owners and operators advised of issues that may affect lift safety and the passengers that use them. Below is information regarding the risk of falls from height to employees/workers and members of the public.
Platform lift safety
One very important safety feature of lift design is the interlocking of landing doors or gates designed to prevent doors from opening when the lifting platform/lift car is not at the correct position at a landing. In exceptional circumstances, these safety devices can be overridden by using a key, typically used to release trapped passengers or for lift servicing.
Persons intending to make use of a lift expect that when a landing door or gate is opened the lift car or platform will be stationary with its floor level with the landing. Opening the doors when the platform/car is not at the landing presents a significant risk of falling from height.
An emergency release key for unlocking the landing doors in a rescue situation will normally be part of the supplied equipment on a modern lift. Older equipment, where the landing doors may be unlocked without a special tool, is particularly susceptible to misuse and vandalism.
Misuse of platform lift landing doors
There have been accidents where misuse of platform lift landing doors has resulted in the door opening when the platform lift is not level and persons falling down the lift shaft. You may have seen some of these accidents reported in the press. These unfortunate accidents are either through the unsafe use of landing door emergency release keys to override safety features, vandalism or deliberate interference with landing door locks e.g. using a screwdriver. This issue is common across all manufacturers and types of platform lifts.
The resulting injuries have been serious. In one instance the accident was fatal. In some cases, the lift owners have been prosecuted and fined heavily.
As a platform lift owner you have a duty of care to ensure your lift is safe to use by others. The good news is there are checks you can put in place to reduce the risk to yourself and others.
Platform lift landing door checks by lift owner
Owners and operators of vertical lifting platforms should:
- Review maintenance and inspection procedures to ensure that emergency door release devices are not routinely operated during non-emergency situations.
- Keep the door unlocking key in a safe and secure place (e.g. a safe)
- Ensure safe working procedures and arrangements are in place, setting out what to do in the event of an emergency or failure. For example, how to deal with trapped people and the arrangements for repairing faults.
- Introduce simple tests into daily checks for the lifts to confirm that:
- Landing doors cannot be opened when the platform is not at the same level and
- The platform cannot travel without the doors closed and locked
These checks should be carried out by a person who is competent to do so.
Further reading on the subject can be found on the HSE website:
To check the landing doors cannot be opened when the platform is not at the same level.
First, with the lift at the top floor, go to the intermediate (if present) and lower floor and pull the door to see that it is securely locked. Then move the lift to another level and check the top floor door. If any doors open, immediately protect the landing with a barrier or similar, isolate the lift and contact your lift service provider.
To check that the platform cannot travel without the doors closed and locked.
Enter the lift at the lowest level, leave the landing door ajar slightly (either naturally or with a small obstruction in the door such as a door wedge or similar) and try to operate the platform lift on the constant pressure button. Repeat this at all levels the lift serves. If the lift moves at all, immediate stop pressing the constant pressure button, vacate the lift, isolate the lift and contact your lift service provider.
Platform lift landing door checks by a lift service provider
All lifts and lifting platforms must be inspected, serviced and maintained by a lift maintenance provider. We will always advise of any issues with landing doors and on older platform lift models advise if additional safety features can be added. If you require support regarding your platform lift then we can help, simply contact your local service branch.
We've created a handy guide covering everything you need to know about lift ownership why not find out more here and download your FREE guide to lift servicing and maintenance.
