Safety features of a lift

In the design and manufacture of all types of elevators, one of the most essential partis is the safety of the lifts.

When we want to install and start up lifts and goods lifts, the most important thing to bear in mind is the safety systems they have, as they are a fundamental element to avoid possible accidents. Having a completely safe lift in a building is essential because it is an element that we use on a daily basis and one of the safest means of transport. However, in spite of this, inadequate safety can lead to very serious consequences.

Safety in a lift, types of devices

In the safety of a lift we can distinguish several types of safety devices with which we can avoid electrical hazards, voltage surges, sudden falls or collapses. 

Safety elements in a lift

• Speed limiter: this is an essential safety feature of a lift because it allows the car to stop when the set speed of metres per second is exceeded. The speed limiter is made up of a cable in a closed circuit of pulleys, one upper and one lower. Furthermore, this element is required by Euopean standard EN 81/20/50.
• Parachute system: This is a device normally located in the lower part, which has the function of braking or immobilising the cabin when there is an excess of speed or a breakage of the suspension parts. With the speed limiter, it will be in charge of activating this safety system of a lift.
• Seismic detection system: this type of element is very important in the safety of a lift because it is able to control the movement produced by a displacement of the earth, more commonly know as an earthquake. This circuit has a vibrating element that automatically activates when it detects movements that exceed the adjusted value.
• Emergency telephone or warning system: all lifts should have this type of lift safety feature, as it is as easy as installing a button on the control panel to press in the event of an emergency, for example, if you get locked in, you can get in touch via an intercom. But not everyone has the possibility to talk to someone. In other options, they can call the phone number that will be displayed on the keypad to send a technician or contact emergency services.

Rules of good use of the lift

Apart from the obligatory safety elements of a lift, we must also highlight some rules for the good use of the lift that its users must take into account, and carry out good practices so that, between all of us, there are as few accidents as possible. Do you know what they are? Here are a few tips on how to make good use of lifts.

• Do not use the lift in case of fire, earthquake or severe thunderstorms.
• Do not exceed the maximum indicated weight and do not place the load on one side only.
• Do not dispose of waste in the lift shaft because its accumulation can cause a fire.
• When boarding with pets, the leash should be held when the doors are opened or closed so that they can be easily released.
• In the event of a fault, call the company responsible for the maintenance of the lift as soon as possible so that a technician can be sent.
• If the lift is manual, make sure that the doors are properly closed.
• Avoid entering the cabin while the doors are closing as you may become trapped or blocked.
• Do not jump or lean too hard on the side walls of the lift.
• Do not smoke inside the car, because if you drop your cigarette under the lift you could also start a fire and the smoke will damage the lift.
• Do not force the doors to close, for this there are buttons or push buttons that allow you to keep them open, or you can also put your hand on the infrared barrier.
• Do not leave children unattended and take special care when opening and closing doors.
• If we are locked out, the best thing to do is to call the emergency service and wait for them to send the appropriate technician.
• Do not try to open the doors from the inside because we could block them even more. Especially if you are in the middle of two floors.

Hidral, lifts that meet strict safety standards

At Hidral we know that the most important thing in lifts and elevators is stability and solidity. For this reason, we design and manufacture lifts that meet strict safety standards. A perfect combination of good practices on the part of the user and an adequate technical maintenance ensure that the safety of a lift has a 100% reliability in its operation, making it possible to minimise the risks of suffering an accident.

At Hidral we have a wide range of lifts for all kinds of uses. Contact us and we will give you personalised advice.