Lifting platform
Lifting devices provide vertical transportation between building floors, levels or decks, and are commonly found in offices, public buildings and other types of multi-storey accommodation.
The requirement for lifting devices is set out in Part M of the building regulations; Access to and use of buildings. Approved document M makes clear that passenger lifts are the most suitable form of vertical transportation, however, in some existing buildings, and very occasionally in new buildings, if a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, then a vertical lifting platform (or platform lift) may be considered as an alternative.
Lifting platforms are only intended for wheelchair users, people with impaired mobility and their companions, not for general users. They should not travel more than 2 m unless there is a liftway enclosure. They are slow moving, limited to 0.15 m/s, and so may not be suitable for users with some disabilities.
Ideally they should have opposing doors, or doors at 90 degrees, so that wheelchair users can leave them without having to reverse.
They should be at least:
- 800 mm wide and 1,250 mm deep where they are not enclosed and are for unaccompanied wheelchair users.
- 900 mm wide and 1,400 mm deep where they are enclosed and are for unaccompanied wheelchair users.
- 1,100 mm wide and 1,400 mm deep where doors are at 90 degrees, they are enclosed and are for accompanied wheelchair users.
In exceptional circumstances in existing buildings, a wheelchair platform may be considered as an alternative. See Wheelchair platform for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Access and inclusion in the built environment: policy and guidance.
- Approved document M.
- Escalator.
- Firefighting lift.
- Hoists.
- How do platform lifts work?
- How to use a ladder.
- Inclusive design.
- Lifting device.
- Lifts.
- Lifts and Their Special Operating Modes.
- Lifts for office buildings.
- Liftway.
- Post lift.
- Ramps.
- Smart elevators.
- Stairs.
- The importance of service lifts.
- The science of lifts.
- Wheelchair platform.
- Work at height.
- Working platform.
- Working platforms for tracked plant: good practice guide to the design, installation, maintenance and repair of ground-supported working platforms.
Featured articles and news
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.