A firefighting lift provides protected vertical access for fire and rescue service personnel during an emergency. It forms part of the firefighting provisions within a building and is different from a conventional passenger lift in both its operation and the supporting measures required around it.
Whether a firefighting lift is required depends on factors including the height and depth of the building, its size and layout, and the fire safety requirements applicable to the project.
Where firefighting lift provision is required, it should be considered early in the building design. The lift cannot be specified in isolation because its operation depends on the firefighting shaft, protected access, power supplies, controls and other associated provisions.
When Does a Building Need a Firefighting Lift?
For buildings in England, Approved Document B provides guidance on the provision of firefighting shafts and firefighting lifts.
A building with a storey more than 18m above the fire and rescue service vehicle access level should have one or more firefighting shafts containing a firefighting lift.
Firefighting lift provision can also be required below ground. Where a building has a basement more than 10m below the fire and rescue service vehicle access level, the firefighting shafts serving the basement should contain firefighting lifts.
The number and location of firefighting shafts also need to be considered. For example, at least two firefighting shafts should be provided where a storey has a floor area of 900m² or more and is 18m or more above fire and rescue service vehicle access level.
Other provisions apply to particular building configurations, including certain large commercial, assembly, recreational and industrial buildings.
The requirements for an individual project should therefore be established from the building design and applicable fire safety guidance rather than considering building height alone.
What Is a Firefighting Shaft?
A firefighting lift is provided as part of a wider protected firefighting arrangement rather than as a standalone piece of equipment.
A firefighting shaft can incorporate a firefighting stair, firefighting lobby and firefighting lift. Together, these provide a protected route that enables fire and rescue service personnel to reach different levels of the building and operate closer to the location of an incident.
This distinction is important when planning a project. Specifying a suitable lift does not by itself create a complete firefighting lift installation.
The shaft, lobby, access arrangements, fire protection and associated building services all need to be coordinated with the lift.
What Is BS EN 81-72?
BS EN 81-72:2020 sets out additional requirements for new passenger and goods-passenger lifts intended to be used for firefighting and evacuation purposes under firefighters’ control.
The standard works alongside the requirements applying to the lift itself and assumes that appropriate protection is provided by the building.
This includes consideration of fire, heat and smoke entering the lift well and associated spaces, measures to limit water entering the lift well, protection of the lift environment and the provision of a secure and reliable power supply.
BS EN 81-72 does not determine every aspect of the building’s firefighting strategy. For example, the number of firefighters lifts required and the floors they need to serve are matters that need to be established as part of the wider building design and applicable requirements.
What Needs to Be Considered When Specifying a Firefighting Lift?
The specification extends beyond the dimensions, travel and capacity of the lift car.
Depending on the project, consideration may need to be given to:
- Firefighting shaft and lobby arrangements
- Access at the relevant floors
- Primary and secondary power arrangements
- Firefighter controls
- Communication systems
- Protection of electrical equipment and supplies
- Water management around the lift and within the lift well
- Integration with the building’s wider fire strategy
Water management is particularly important because firefighting operations can introduce water around the lift installation. Measures need to be considered within the building design to limit water entering the lift well and affecting equipment required for operation.
Early coordination between the lift specialist, architect, fire engineer, building-services designers and other members of the project team helps ensure these requirements are considered together.
Can a Standard Passenger Lift Be Used as a Firefighting Lift?
A conventional passenger lift should not simply be assumed to be suitable for firefighting use.
A firefighters lift incorporates additional requirements because it is intended to support fire and rescue service operations under specified emergency conditions.
The difference therefore involves considerably more than adding a firefighter control to a standard passenger lift. The lift, power supplies, controls, communication arrangements and protected environment all need to meet the requirements applicable to the installation.
A lift designed for firefighting use may still perform normal passenger duties during everyday building operation. Its emergency function and associated provisions, however, need to be incorporated into the system and building design from the outset.
Firefighting Lift vs Evacuation Lift
Although firefighting lifts and evacuation lifts both form part of a building’s emergency provisions, they have different primary functions.
A firefighting lift supports fire and rescue service operations by providing protected vertical access within the building.
An evacuation lift is intended to support the evacuation of people who may be unable to use stairs during an emergency.
The design, operation and management arrangements therefore differ according to the intended function of the lift.
Where evacuation provision is being considered, read more about New Lift Solutions’ Evacuation Lifts.
Can a Firefighting Lift Be Installed in an Existing Building?
Installing a firefighting lift within an existing building can involve different constraints from incorporating one into a new development.
The existing shaft arrangement, structural layout, protected access routes, available space, electrical supplies and other building services all need to be assessed.
It may also be necessary to consider alterations to the surrounding building infrastructure rather than the lift alone.
The requirements should therefore be established for the individual project before a lift system is selected.
Why Firefighting Lift Planning Should Start Early
A firefighting lift interacts with several elements of the building design.
Shaft dimensions, protected access, electrical provision, water management and the location of associated equipment can all affect the surrounding structure and services.
Considering these requirements after the building layout has been substantially developed can restrict the available options or require alterations to work that has already been designed.
Early involvement of the lift specialist allows the lift requirements to be coordinated with the architect, fire engineer, building-services designers and contractor as the project develops.
Firefighting Lift Design & Installation
New Lift Solutions provides firefighting lift systems for projects requiring protected fire and rescue service access.
We work with project teams to establish the lift specification and coordinate its requirements with the building design, from initial planning through to installation and commissioning.
For further information about the systems available and the requirements that need to be considered, visit our Firefighting Lifts page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firefighting Lifts
Is a firefighting lift required in every high-rise building?
Firefighting lift requirements depend on the building height, depth, size, layout and applicable fire safety provisions. In England, Approved Document B provides for firefighting shafts containing firefighting lifts where a building has a storey more than 18m above fire and rescue service vehicle access level. The requirements for an individual project should be established as part of the building’s fire strategy and design.
Does a firefighting lift need a secondary power supply?
A firefighting lift requires a secure and reliable power arrangement appropriate to its emergency function. The power provision and protection need to be coordinated with the lift design and the wider building fire strategy so that the required operation can be maintained under the specified emergency conditions.
Can a firefighting lift be used as a normal passenger lift?
Yes. A lift designed to meet the requirements for a firefighters lift can also perform normal passenger duties during everyday building operation. When required for firefighting operations, dedicated controls and operating arrangements allow it to be used for its emergency function.
Is a firefighting lift the same as a fireman’s lift?
The term “fireman’s lift” is still sometimes used informally for lifts associated with firefighter use, particularly when referring to older installations. Current standards and guidance use the term “firefighters lift”. An existing lift described as a fireman’s lift should not automatically be assumed to meet the requirements applying to a modern firefighters lift.
Who determines whether a firefighting lift is required?
The requirement should be established as part of the overall building and fire-safety design, taking account of the applicable Building Regulations guidance, building characteristics and fire strategy. The architect, fire engineer, building control professionals and lift specialist may all be involved in determining and coordinating the appropriate provision.
Discuss Your Firefighting Lift Requirements
If your project requires a firefighting lift, New Lift Solutions can work with your project team to establish the appropriate lift specification and coordinate the installation requirements with the wider building design.