Evacuation Lift Design & Standards
An evacuation lift needs to be considered as part of the building’s wider fire and evacuation planning. The lift itself is only one part of the overall provision, with its location, operation and integration with the building all influencing the final specification.
Requirements will vary according to the building, its use and occupancy, the proposed evacuation procedures and the type of lift being installed.
Early consideration during the design stage allows the lift requirements to be coordinated with the building structure, services and wider evacuation arrangements.
Evacuation Lift Standards & Compliance
UK guidance includes BS 9999 provisions for evacuation lifts, while EN 81-76:2025 covers the use of lifts for the evacuation of persons with disabilities.
Depending on the project and applicable requirements, the design may need to consider provisions relating to protected areas and routes, power supplies, communication systems, controls and the operation of the lift during an evacuation.
The standards and requirements applicable to an individual project depend on the building, lift design and overall evacuation strategy.
Evacuation Lift Design Considerations
The practical design of an evacuation lift is influenced by the building layout, occupancy, evacuation procedures and the way the lift is intended to operate during an emergency.
Depending on the project and applicable requirements, considerations may include:
- Protected lift lobbies and evacuation routes
- Alternative or secondary power arrangements
- Emergency communication systems
- Lift controls and evacuation operating mode
- Lift position and access at each floor
- Capacity and anticipated evacuation demand
- Fire-resisting construction associated with the lift and protected route
Evacuation Lift Installation
Evacuation lift installation needs to be coordinated with the building’s evacuation strategy, structural design and the other systems required to support operation during an emergency.
The installation requirements will depend on the lift being specified and the building itself, and may involve associated builder’s work, electrical supplies, communication systems and coordination with protected areas and routes.
New Lift Solutions can work with the wider project team during the design and installation process to establish the lift requirements before installation, testing and commissioning.
Our Range of Evacuation Lifts
Our evacuation lift range includes systems that can be specified around the requirements of the building and its evacuation strategy.
NLS Decedo 76
Standard evacuation lift system designed for BS9999-compliant buildings requiring assisted evacuation capability.
NLS Decedo 99
Evacuation passenger lift designed for buildings requiring assisted evacuation provision for disabled occupants and individuals with reduced mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Evacuation Lifts
An evacuation lift is a lift system designed to assist with the safe evacuation of building occupants during emergency situations, particularly individuals who may be unable to use stairs independently.
Evacuation lifts are designed to support the evacuation of building occupants, while firefighting lifts are intended primarily for fire and rescue service access during emergency situations. Each lift type is designed to different operational and compliance requirements.
BS9999 Annex G provides guidance on the design and operation of evacuation lifts within buildings, including requirements relating to safety systems, controls, communication and emergency operation.
Evacuation lifts are commonly installed within residential developments, hospitals, care homes, public buildings, offices and other buildings where assisted evacuation may be required.
Yes. In most buildings, evacuation lifts operate as standard passenger lifts during normal day-to-day use before switching to evacuation control mode during an emergency situation.
Yes. Evacuation lifts will often require secondary or backup power supplies to help maintain lift operation during emergency conditions or primary power failure.
Requirements vary depending on the building type, occupancy, height and overall fire strategy. In some developments, evacuation lifts may form part of the accessibility and emergency evacuation strategy.
In certain cases, evacuation lift systems can be integrated into existing buildings depending on the structural layout, shaft configuration and fire strategy requirements.
Evacuation lifts can include protected power supplies, emergency communication systems, fire-protected lift lobbies, evacuation controls and safety systems designed to support emergency operation.
Yes. Regular servicing, inspection and testing are required to ensure evacuation lifts remain operational, compliant and ready for emergency use.
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Discuss Your Evacuation Lift Project
Contact our team to discuss the building, evacuation requirements and proposed lift installation. We can help establish the lift requirements and suitable next steps for your project.