BS EN 81-28:2022 Lift Standard
BS EN 81-28:2022, this lift standard provides essential guidelines and safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts designed for the transport of persons and goods, with a specific focus on remote alarm systems for passenger and goods passenger lifts.
The BS EN 81-28:2022 standard is designed for the critical need for reliable remote alarm systems in lifts. Vital for ensuring the safety of passengers and goods, providing immediate alerts in case of emergencies.
This standard covers a number of factors, including:
> Design and installation requirements for remote alarm systems.
> Operational guidelines for ensuring the reliability of alarm systems.
> Maintenance and testing procedures to ensure ongoing compliance.
> Emergency response protocols to ensure swift action in case of an alarm.
With the growing advancements in technology and the increasing emphasis on safety. The BS EN 81-28:2022 standard provides the latest insights and best practices for remote alarm systems, ensuring that your lift installations are not only compliant with current regulations but also prepared for future developments.
BS EN 81-28:2022 Latest Updates
Updates to BS EN 81-28 are now in effect as of the 21st February 2025. These updates highlight the advancements in passenger safety, accessibility and emergency communications compliance. Lift owner or managers need to understand how these changes affect your lift and what action you need to take to stay compliant.
What you need to know regarding BS EN 81-28:2022
As part of the revision to BS EN 81-28:2022 new standards for remote alarm and emergency communication system in lifts, the main two changes that impact compliance are:
Three day test calls must use the same method as the alarm call
Previously: Since 2003, the mandatory three-day test calls could be conducted using a different method, such as:
> Sending an SMS rather than making a real voice call.
> Dialling a separate test number instead of connecting to the actual emergency service.
> Bypassing parts of the system, resulting in the GSM voice channel not being fully tested.
Which now means: Test calls must replicate the exact method used for real emergency alarms. If a lift’s emergency system operates on a GSM-based network, the three-day test call must test the GSM voice channel, rather than relying solely on SMS or data.
This is so the test reflects a real emergency situation and that the complete system is checked and ensure it is functioning correctly. It also confirms that the voice communication is working properly. Lift owners must meet this requirement to meet compliancy and ensure passengers safety.
Battery Backup is Now Required for Both the GSM Gateway and Autodialler
Autodialler = Alarm System. GSM = Transmitter.
Previously: Only the autodialler was required to have a battery backup, while the GSM gateway was not included in the requirement.
Which now means: If the transmitter is integrated within the alarm system (such as in a single-unit GSM gateway and autodialler), both must have a monitored battery backup.
This is important so that emergency calls remain functional during power outages, failure to meet the requirement could result in regulatory penalties.
What you should do now
Lift owners and managers can ensure compliance and avoid risk by taking the following simple steps:
- Test the emergency call system: Check test calls use the same method as the actual lift alarm calls.
- Battery Back-up: Make sure both the autodialler and GSM gateway have a monitored backup.
If your system doesn’t meet the new requirements, it must be updated to remain compliant.
How iKONIC Lifts can help
iKONIC Lifts offers the supply and installation of fully complaint future proof digital communication systems, providing automatic test calls and battery backup, making it simply to upgrade to the latest standards.
These changes are now in effect guarantee the safety of your lift passengers and avoid penalties and ensure you are compliant today.
For more information see the latest standards or simply contact us.
BS EN 81-28:2022
- Standard Number: BS EN 81-28:2022
- Pages: 22
- Released: 2022-07-19
- ISBN: 978 0 539 12351 7
- Status: Standard
- Replaces: EN 81-28:2018
