What is BS EN 81-28?
In 2003, a European lift safety standard was implemented called BS EN 81-28. It states that all manufactured and installed lifts after the date of publication needs to have an alarm system that complies with its listed lift safety standards in BS EN 81-28:2003 (with recent revision of this standard where clarifications and adjustments have been done).
Having a lift safety system not up to standards can be a costly mistake. Ultimately, it is the building owner’s responsibility to ensure the lift safety standards are upheld. That’s why we have created this post, so you can make sure you invest in products that are up to date with the requirements – meaning less downtime and increased safety for your passengers.
Is your lift safety up to standards?
The standards are regularly updated and in the following posts you will find all the requirements with the 2018 updates marked in red. The updated sections should be implemented in new lifts before May 2020.
All the following references refer to the standard BS EN 81-28 2018:
Machine room with main unit
Installed accessible to unauthorised persons.
Establishes communications through landline or GSM (available with redundancy). Provides the unique identity of the lift to the rescue service.
Adjustable volume
All emergency telephones must have an adjustable speaker volume level between 35 and 65 dB (A) for the audible signal, measuring one meter from the source suited to the site conditions.
End of alarm notification
All emergency telephones must have an end of alarm function. That means a notification is sent to the alarm service that the rescue service has arrived to the right location, ensuring that no one is still trapped in the lift.
Identification
All emergency telephones must be able to identify themselves to the rescue service with an exact location of the lift, even during alarm tests. This ensures assistance to an entrapped passenger.
Communication
To ensure emergency communication, the passenger should only have to initiate the alarm once without any further actions. They should also not be able to interfere with the alarm process, i.e. hang up, if a call has been initiated with the emergency telephone.
Intelligent alarm filtering
For manual testing, the filter should be bypassed when the button is pressed for a set amount of time not exceeding 30 seconds. If the button is pressed for a shorter time than three seconds, however the filter may discard the alarm.
Voice station
Initiates alarm when button is pressed and must be installed where there is a risk of entrapment, e.g. car, lift pit.
Verification of the safety requirements
A technical compliance documentation shall be provided to verify safety requirements and/or protective measures. The documentation must determine that the equipment is correctly designed and in conformity with the standards.
Installation requirements
The alarm initiation devices normally installed in the lift car and the lift pit. In the car: the alarm initiation device needs to be installed on or adjacent to the operating panel at a height between 850mm and 1200mm from the car floor. Telephone unit itself needs to be installed inaccessible to the public. Password protection at least, alarm button itself must be yellow.
Automatic self-tests
All emergency telephones must perform automatic self-tests, using the same way of communication as a real alarm at least every 3 days.
If an automatic self-test fails, the illuminates symbols must flash in opposition (one second off, one second on) to indicate the failure not later than one hour from last failed test.
Pictograms with visual indication
All lift cars must be equipped with pictograms and accompanying illuminated symbols, one green and one yellow to inform passengers of the alarm status.
The yellow LED shall be lit when an alarm is recognised as true by the telephone, accompanied by an audible signal letting passengers know the call is being connected.
Automatic battery checks
Emergency telephones must perform automatic battery checks, warning you if below 1 hour of functioning time, including 15 minutes of voice communication.
Equipped with an indicator on the unit, signalling if there are low levels of battery. This also applies to any GSM module that may be installed with the unit.
Examinations and tests before service
Before a lift safety system is in service, detailed tests need to be preformed to guarantee the safety of passengers from the first moment the lift is in service. These tests all relate to the subjects we have been noting in this post.
The following tests should be carried out:
- Alarm
- End of alarm
- Emergency electrical power supply
- Information in the lift car (pictograms)
- Communication
What is the difference between BS and BS-EN standards
A BS EN is the British adoption of a European (EN) standard. As a member of CEN (which is separate from the European Union), BSI is obligated to withdraw conflicting national standards. A conflicting standard is defined as one with the same scope as the EN.
A BS is a British Standard. This means that it was drafted solely by UK experts with UK industry in mind. There is no obligation for other nations to use.
BS EN 81-28:2018
Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. Lifts for the transport of persons and goods. Remote alarm on passenger and goods passenger lifts
Published: 17-May-2018
ISBN: 9780580937040
Material Number: 30339199
Pages: 20
Replaces: EN 81-28:2003
Replaces notes: Replaces EN 81-28:2003 which remains current
