Lift Modernisation
When modernising a lift, we are referring to replacing lift components or lift equipment with modern equivalents; we are upgrading the lift. As distinguished from a lift refurbishment where we are replacing lift equipment like for like i.e. direct replacements.
The lift modernisation or lift upgrades can be minor or major and a few examples follow
Minor Lift Upgrades Health and Safety Lift Upgrade minor lift upgrades
- Replacing the photocell operated door safety device with a full height non-contact device.
- Changing the car operating panel and landing buttons and indicators with modern ones. The modern call buttons are more than likely to have audible registration and the car indicators will almost certainly be designed to meet the latest disability standards
- Adding Health and Safety features to the lift to bring it in line with current safety standards
Major Lift Upgrades or Lift Modernisation
- Changing the door operating mechanism with a modern equivalent.
- Replacing the lift motor, perhaps an old single or two-speed one, with a modern variable frequency motor to improve ride comfort and floor levelling accuracy.
- Installing a replacement control panel, perhaps a micro-processor one to replace and old relay panel.
With all these lift upgrades whether small or large we are enhancing the lift; adding some functionality that will make it operate differently. The lift will perform better or the lift reliability may improve. The lift will comply with current health and safety requirements or may be more accessible to those with disabilities.
Lift Codes and Standards
When modernising lifts there are particular standards that should be followed.
BS EN 81-80 gives guidance on the progressive improvement of safety of existing lifts.
BS5655-11 for electric lifts and BS5655-12 for hydraulic lifts gives recommendations for the modernisation of existing lifts. These standards do not specifically state what to modify but once a choice of which part of the lift to modernise has been made, these standards give guidance on the consequence of those modifications and recommends what other components should also be considered for modernisation.
Code of Practice BS7255 This standard covers two areas of safety to do with the safe working on lifts. The first part deals with responsibilities of the owner and the second part deals with the responsibility of the worker towards safe working on lifts.
These are the main standards to follow but there are others, covering more specialist areas such as the improvement in accessibility or vandal resistance.
Our lift consultants can help with firstly, understanding what you want out of your lift modernisation and at what cost. Then if you decide to go ahead they can help with specifying the equipment, so you get what you asked for and tendering the work, so you get a competitive price for it.
We also project manage lift modernisation from start to finish; overseeing the work on site to ensure it is correctly installed and on time through to witness testing and commissioning.
If you would like to know more then please get in touch. All calls from the number below are routed directly through to a lift consultant and any email enquiries will be responded to within 24 hours if not the same day.
More information can be found on the links below
Lift Modernisation – Integrating new and old technology
Modernising lifts in occupied buildings and loss of lift service
Lift Refurbishment and Lift Consultants
The 5 things you need to know when considering a lift refurbishment.
