The importance of safety in commercial lifts

These devices have made modern life much easier, especially in cities with vertical buildings with dozens of levels. Even in a small building, this type of elevator can make a big difference for those with restricted mobility or any kind of temporary or permanent disability. With all users in mind, safety in commercial lifts and the protection of those who use them is paramount at all times.

Safety measures in lifts

Just as there is an ITV for vehicles, there is something similar that applies to the safety of commercial lifts. This is the ITC or Instrucción Técnica Complementaria, which applies to buildings and includes necessary and routine inspections. Thanks to this type of regulation, it is possible to ensure that these devices are in optimum condition and to guarantee the safety conditions offered by these devices to all users.

Complementary to this provision is the Complementary Technical Instruction (ITC) AEM 1 "Lifts", which corresponds to the Regulation on lifting and handling equipment. This provision has been amended by Royal Decree 2291/1985 of 8 November 2021, and is about to enter into force (January 2023). It is expected that in the course of the following years the improvements indicated therein will be carried out in their entirety, where there is an investment of just over 700 million euros for the modernisation of these devices.

The provisions include different types of possible accidents resulting from certain faults or errors (deficient levelling, closing of doors, uncontrolled movements, etc.) and the safety measures to be applied, as well as the concept to be installed or corrected (light curtains, adequate levelling, etc.) and the timeframe in which this is to be done. In all of them, the measures to be taken by the companies dedicated to the manufacture, maintenance and safety of commercial lifts to guarantee the integrity of both the users and the devices are very specific.

Safety in lift design

Of course, it is not enough just to apply the maintenance aspects to this type of device, but also to have effective safety systems in commercial lifts. This starts with the design of the lifts, where a multidisciplinary team of specialists offers the maximum guarantee in quality in each of the stages concerning the planning of each device. For this it is necessary to have the backing of a company with a solid reputation and extensive experience in the sector.

Every commercial lift is different, depending on the needs of the buyer and the use to which it will be put. Whether it is the number of passengers, the number of levels to be ascended or descended, the maximum load, type of opening, number of stops, among other factors, will be determining factors in the design, construction and commissioning of this device. For this, the materials must be of high quality, as well as the design. In addition, it must comply with the safety systems corresponding to commercial lifts in accordance with regulations.

Lift safety

Safety in commercial lifts starts from design to preventive or corrective maintenance, as appropriate. Continuous updating, as well as knowledge and application of current regulations, will ensure that the lift is fully functional, safe and in accordance with the needs of the users. Proper maintenance and attention to detail will also be key to occupant safety. 

It is worth mentioning that Spain is considered to have the highest number of lifts per person in the world. On the other hand, the age of the buildings that house many of them must be taken into account. This means that millions of users live or work in buildings, so the use and safety of commercial lifts must be consistent and in line with official regulations.

Hidral: safety in commercial lifts

With almost half a century of experience as a manufacturer of commercial, panoramic, heliport and residential lifts, as well as freight elevators, car lifts, vertical platforms and other custom-designed devices, we specialise in safety. In addition to design, commissioning and maintenance, we take great care to ensure that each of our devices are not only comfortable and functional, but that they offer total reliability and safety for users.

In addition to using excellent quality materials that provide safety to commercial lifts, we also comply with national and international regulations, as we also export. On our website you will find details of our products, their characteristics and technical specifications.

Hidral is located in Polígono Industrial PARSI, calle 7, n.º 3, 41016 Seville (Spain). You can contact us by phone +34 954 514 500, by fax +34 954 677 633 or by email hidral@hidral.com