BS9991 - EN81-76

The 2024 revision of BS 9991 sets a clear expectation: residential buildings must include strategies that allow all occupants to evacuate safely, including those with limited mobility. One of the biggest changes is the requirement for evacuation lifts where lifts are already part of the building.

These lifts are governed by EN 81-76, the European standard that defines how lifts should operate when used during an emergency evacuation.

At New Lift Solutions, we guide developers, building owners and management teams through these requirements – from early planning right through to ongoing maintenance.

EN 81-76 focuses on lifts that remain in service during an emergency to move people with reduced mobility. It covers:

• Safe lift lobbies & protection – fire-resistant spaces around the lift to keep smoke and flames out.
• Reliable power supply – secondary or backup power so the lift continues running in a fire.
• Control systems – evacuation modes that allow trained staff or remote operators to direct the lift.
• Communication – two-way systems so passengers and fire wardens stay in contact.
• Accessibility & signage – clear instructions, appropriate sizing, and features to support wheelchair users.

EN 81-76 introduces two categories of evacuation lifts, depending on building type and fire strategy:

• Class A – simpler systems, no backup power required, but must return passengers to a safe floor if power is lost.
• Class B – more advanced systems with full backup power, faster recovery (within 60 seconds), and enhanced control modes.

Which option is right depends on your building’s height, use, and evacuation strategy.

When planning for compliance, some critical features must be built into the lift system:

• Horizontal sliding doors (safer and more reliable in smoke conditions)
• Voice and visual announcements to guide users
• Special evacuation switches and indicators at key floors
• Integration with fire detection, smoke control and alarm systems
• Fire-resistant shaft and landing protection

Water management to stop fire-fighting water entering the shaft

For developers, housing associations and building managers, the latest standard makes evacuation lifts a central requirement, not an optional extra. It reinforces that lifts are part of the safe means of escape – essential for residents with reduced mobility, but also improving resilience for all building users.

It also means planning must go beyond installation: training, testing, maintenance and evacuation drills are needed to ensure lifts function as intended in an emergency.

We provide a complete service to make sure your building is compliant and residents are protected:

• Design support – working with your fire engineers and architects to integrate the right lift solution from the start.
• Technical specification – ensuring the lift meets EN 81-76 requirements for power, safety and communication.
• Modernisation – upgrading existing lifts to meet new standards where possible.
• Installation & commissioning – delivering fully compliant systems with minimal disruption.
• Maintenance & testing – keeping your evacuation lift safe, reliable, and compliant throughout its life.

By partnering with New Lift Solutions, you can be confident your project will meet the demands of BS 9991:2024 and EN 81-76 – while giving residents the reassurance that they can evacuate safely in any situation.

Speak to our team today to discuss evacuation lifts for your building.