What are the requirements of Evacuation Lifts in the London Plan?
The London Plan is a strategic planning document for the Greater London area, produced by the Mayor of London. It sets out policies and guidelines for various aspects of development in the city, including requirements for evacuation lifts.
The London Plan requires that all new buildings above a certain height must provide evacuation lifts for use by people with mobility impairments or disabilities, or for use in emergency situations. The specific requirements for evacuation lifts are outlined in Policy D6: Accessible and Inclusive Environments.
According to this policy, evacuation lifts must meet the following requirements:
- Location: Evacuation lifts must be located in a position that is accessible from all floors, and must be clearly signposted.
- Capacity: The lift must have sufficient capacity to accommodate a stretcher and two people, or a wheelchair user and two people.
- Power supply: The lift must have a power supply that is independent of the building’s main power supply, and must be capable of operating for a minimum of two hours during a power outage.
- Communication: The lift must be equipped with a communication system that allows people to call for assistance or communicate with others during an emergency.
- Access: The lift must be designed and constructed to allow easy access for people with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs.
- Maintenance: The lift must be regularly maintained to ensure that it remains operational in the event of an emergency.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements for evacuation lifts may vary depending on the type of building and its intended use. It’s recommended that anyone planning a new building or major renovation to consult with the relevant authorities to ensure that their evacuation lift design meets all applicable requirements.
If you need any help with your lift project or new development, get in touch.
