Low Pit Reduced Headroom Guide
How We Meet Standards and Deliver Safe, Compliant Installations – Get Your Solution Today
INTRODUCTION
CAN’T FIT A STANDARD LIFT?
DON’T COMPROMISE – WE HAVE THE ANSWER! 🛠️
If your project is stuck because of building structure, listed status, shallow pits or low headroom, you are not alone, but you are in the right place.
Low pit and reduced headroom lifts are the only viable way to deliver safe vertical access when standard designs just won’t work. They are specialist, last‑resort solutions – and we are the experts who make them happen.
Building on the standards and rules explained in our first guide, this resource shows you exactly how we do it – our proven process, our expertise and how we guarantee full compliance and safety, every single time.
OUR COMPLETE SOLUTION – THE PROCESS WE DELIVER RESULTS WITH
Every lift is custom‑built for YOUR building, but we follow a rock‑solid process to ensure safety, compliance and speed.
1️⃣ INITIAL CONSULTATION & FEASIBILITY – WE TELL YOU WHAT’S POSSIBLE
We don’t guess – we know exactly what works and what doesn’t. We work closely with you to map out everything:
- Full review of your building structure, shaft size, ground conditions and headroom
- Check all planning rules, listed status or protection orders
- Formal proof that standard solutions are impossible – so you have total confidence
- Confirm exactly what we can deliver and the best approach
Why this matters: You get absolute clarity from day one – no surprises, no delays, just a clear path forward.
2️⃣ DEROGATION APPLICATION & APPROVAL – WE DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU
For passenger lifts outside standard dimensions (EN 81‑20/50 / EN 81‑21), a Derogation Order from the OPSS is legally mandatory – and it’s complex.
BUT… WE MAKE IT EASY.
As a Schedule 18 accredited company, we have the legal authority and know‑how to manage everything:
- Prepare and submit the full application
- Provide technical data, risk assessments and safety plans
- Explain clearly why standard rules don’t apply and how we deliver equal or better safety
- Work directly with the OPSS team until approval is granted
You don’t have to read the regulations or write a single form – we take 100% responsibility.
3️⃣ CUSTOM DESIGN & ENGINEERING – SAFETY BUILT IN, NO MATTER THE SPACE
Once approved, our engineering team creates a solution built only for you. We don’t force your building to fit a lift – we design the lift to fit your building.
WHAT YOU GET:
- Advanced safety systems: Specialist electromechanical technology that replaces the protection normally provided by extra space – eliminates crushing risks, controls movement and keeps users safe
- Performance: Speeds up to 1 m/s – exactly like a standard lift
- Premium finish: Full‑height enclosures, fire‑rated doors, automatic sliding doors, one‑touch controls – looks and feels high‑quality
- Ultra‑low pit designs: From just 50–100 mm depth – or no pit at all using a small ramp
Result: A lift that is every bit as safe, reliable and stylish as a conventional installation – but works where others can’t.
4️⃣ MANUFACTURING & INSTALLATION – EXPERT WORK, MINIMUM DISRUPTION
All components are made‑to‑order to our precise approved plans – no off‑the‑shelf parts that don’t fit.
Installation is carried out by our own fully trained, qualified and accredited teams. We work carefully around your building and existing services, following all regulations and site rules, to keep disruption low and quality high.
5️⃣ TESTING, CERTIFICATION & HANDOVER – GUARANTEED SAFE & COMPLIANT
Before you even use it, we prove it works perfectly:
- Full functional testing of every system and safety feature
- Independent verification by a notified body – third‑party proof it meets every requirement
- Issue of all certificates, compliance documents and user guides
- Full training for your team so everyone knows how to use it safely
And it doesn’t end there – we provide ongoing maintenance and support to keep your lift safe, legal and running smoothly for years to come.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS – SIMPLER SOLUTIONS FOR LOW‑RISE SITES
If you have a low‑rise or low‑usage building, a platform or hybrid cabin lift could be the perfect choice:
✅ Operate under Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
✅ Look and work like normal lifts, max speed 0.15 m/s
✅ Much simpler approval process
✅ Great quality, reliable performance
Not sure which type you need? Just ask – we’ll give you honest, expert advice.
CONCLUSION – WHERE OTHERS SAY “NO”, WE SAY “YES”
Low pit and reduced headroom lifts are complex, specialist solutions – they are only used when there is literally no other way to get safe access without changing or damaging your building.
But here is the good news: WE ARE THE SPECIALISTS WHO DELIVER THEM.
Through expert engineering, rigorous compliance and custom design, we install lifts that are safe, reliable, high‑quality and fully legal – even in the trickiest, most restricted buildings.
Don’t let building limits stop your project. Don’t settle for second best. And don’t struggle with regulations alone.
