There are various lift types, each designed for different purposes. More than simply providing access from one floor to another, some lift varieties can provide an essential route out of a building in an emergency. Both firefighting lifts and evacuation lifts do just this.
Let’s take a look at the defining features of each of these lift types to get a clearer understanding of the difference between a firefighting lift and an evacuation lift. Recognising the similarities and differences can help you make sure you choose the most suitable lift installation for your building.
What are firefighting lifts and evacuation lifts used for?
The best place to start when exploring the difference between a firefighting lift and an evacuation lift is each one’s purpose.
In a nutshell, a firefighting lift is designed to help firefighters reach affected areas in a building quickly and safely. They also offer a way to transport essential firefighting equipment.
An evacuation lift, on the other hand, is designed to help people in a building exit it quickly and safely in an emergency.
Where might you find evacuation lifts and firefighting lifts?
Both of these lift types are more common than you might think. They should be a vital part of a building’s emergency response strategy and can be found in:
- High-rise residential buildings — Firefighting lifts are a legal requirement for any block of flats or apartments with more than 18 floors.
- Commercial buildings, including office blocks, shopping centres, and hotels.
- Hospitals and care homes.
You might also find them in buildings with complex layouts, where access to emergency staircases might not be possible. Evacuation lifts are also now a legal obligation in buildings with disabled access requirements.
Who can operate each lift type?
Linked to each lift type’s purpose, it’s important to consider who can access firefighting and evacuation lifts.
- Only firefighters should use a firefighting lift in an emergency.
- Anyone needing to escape an emergency situation (including members of the public) can use an evacuation lift.
What are the key features of a firefighting lift?
Because firefighting lifts are designed to help emergency workers reach dangerous settings where there is likely to be smoke and open flames, they need to meet certain safety standards, including BS EN 81-72. For this reason, a firefighting lift should:
- Be constructed using fire-resistant materials that can withstand incredibly high temperatures.
- Have a backup power system in case the fire causes an outage.
- Be fitted with water-resistant control panels and other critical components (this is because a large volume of water will likely be required to tackle the fire).
- Include two-way communication so firefighters can communicate with other emergency services.
- Feature a manual override so that the firefighters can take control of the lift if needed to handle the emergency.
- Allow firefighters to reach any floor quickly and easily.
- Be integrated with fire-rated lobbies and other fire protection measures, such as preventing smoke ingress.
What are the key features of an evacuation lift?
Evacuation lifts are installed to provide residents, visitors, and any other occupants with a safe exit route in the event of an emergency. This could be in the case of a fire, but there are other scenarios in which an evacuation lift could be life saving, such as:
- A power outage
- A gas leak
- Flooding
- A medical emergency during another type of emergency
- Violence or terrorism threats
For this reason, evacuation lifts should:
- Be able to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility requirements.
- Be integrated with fire-rated lobbies and other fire protection measures, such as preventing smoke ingress.
- Have a backup power supply.
- Include easy to use controls and voice instructions, or visual indicators.
Important differences between firefighting and evacuation lifts
As you can see, firefighting lifts and evacuation lifts have different purposes, but some of their main features do cross over to ensure safety. There are, however, some vital specific differences that can help clarify the distinction between these two lift types.
- An evacuation lift must have a communication system linked to every evacuation landing floo
- A firefighting lift must be able to reach the fire service access level (where emergency service workers first access the lift) within 60 seconds during testing. In many cases, this means it must be able to get to the top floor of the building within this time.
- Evacuation lifts need to meet the requirements of EN81-70 Type 2 lift size at a minimum. This outlines that it should be big enough to accommodate a wheelchair and an escorting person. The door opening must also be at least 900mm wide.
- All electrical components in a firefighting lift need to be protected from water.
Do firefighting lifts and evacuation lifts have the same maintenance and servicing needs?
All lifts require maintenance and servicing to keep them in a safe condition and good working order.
However, because of their usage, maintenance and regular servicing are even more essential for evacuation and firefighting lifts. It’s imperative that they are reliable and ready to transport people and equipment in the case of an emergency.
We generally recommend that passenger lifts are serviced once every six months (as set out by LOLER regulations), and the same goes for evacuation lifts.
For firefighting lifts, services should be carried out more frequently — we suggest monthly. A firefighting lift service should also cover a few extra elements, such as the manual override controls and water resistance checks.
Learn more from Lancs and Cumbria Lifts
Our trained engineers can install all types of lifts, including firefighting and evacuation lifts. We’ll always ensure your lifts meet the highest safety standards and industry regulations. Our team is also available to complete repairs, servicing and maintenance, and refurbishments and modernisations.
To learn more and discuss your lift requirements, please feel free to get in touch with our team today on 01942 242413 and we’ll be happy to guide you.