Feature: Health and Safety / Fire Safety
Ensuring Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings: The Critical Role of Firefighting Lifts
This month’s edition of Flat Living is focused on Health and Safety matters including fire safety, which is an increasingly hot topic.
Regulatory Requirements
The onus for ensuring firefighting equipment (including lift systems) shifted on to responsible persons (building owners and operators) following changes in the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (which took effect from 23 January 2023).
These changes made it the obligation of the responsible persons in high rise (the highest inhabited floor above 18m) buildings to undertake monthly checks on this equipment, to ensure that it works correctly within the requirements of the fire-fighters, in the event of emergency. A very sensible step in terms of ensuring critical safety equipment is in place when required.
However, at Ardent Lift Consultancy, we survey many lift installations for our clients’, and it is becoming increasingly clear that some elements of this responsibility are not being undertaken, with the responsible person often unaware of their duties, and/or unsure on how firefighting/evacuation lift systems should be performing in test mode. This means that often, faulty equipment is not being reinstated or notified to the local fire and rescue service.
- The behaviour of lifts should be ascertained in the event of a fire alarm activation, with lifts recalling to the rescue floor via fire alarm signalisation, or the manual operation of a recall switch. This is recommended for weekly testing.
- According to the requirements of BS 9999, the lift’s operation under fire control, (when designated as a firefighting lift), or evacuation control should also be tested weekly, with the landing interface switch operated, and the functionality of the lift tested accordingly. This requirement is also identified within the Fire Safety Regulations, but the frequency is denoted as monthly, (which seems more achievable/pragmatic, albeit with the exception of within high-risk properties).
- Another monthly inspection is the operation of the automated changeover power supply and back-up facility. This should take the form of a simulated power cut to the primary supply, which should see the secondary supply automatically engage in a seamless manner. Where a generator, (rather than alternative sub-station) is used, the lift must operate for at least 1 hour under secondary supply.
These checks on the surface, (particularly for non-technical persons), appear daunting, but with assistance from the appointed service provider, requisite training and information can be provided.
Within these routine checks and inspections, it is always advised to refer to the owner’s operation and maintenance manual, (also known as O&M manuals, for new and modernised lift systems). These documents should offer details on how the lift should operate under firefighting or evacuation control.
The firefighting lift has become a very common component in high rise properties, and as we continue to build upwards within city centres, they will only become more prevalent. So, we wanted to offer an overview on this type of essential safety equipment.
Firefighting Lifts: An Essential Component of High-Rise Building Safety
Firefighting lifts are a critical feature in high-rise buildings, where fire safety regulations mandate their inclusion in buildings above a certain height, (18m from entry floor level – typically 7 floors). These lifts are designed to aid firefighters in safely and efficiently navigating buildings during emergencies.
Regulatory Framework
- Building Regulations:The Building Regulations 2010, specifically Approved Document B (Fire Safety), set out the requirements for firefighting lifts. These regulations apply to new buildings and significant refurbishments/change of use of existing buildings. Buildings over 18 meters in height must have at least one firefighting lift. This requirement ensures that firefighters have a reliable means of access to upper floors during emergencies.
- British Standards (BS): BS EN 81-72: This standard specifies the requirements for the construction and installation of firefighting lifts, ensuring they can operate safely under fire conditions. BS 9999: This standard provides guidance on fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings, including specific provisions for firefighting lifts.
Design and Construction
- Fire-Resistant Materials:Firefighting lifts must be constructed using materials that can withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire. The lift shaft, doors, and (where applicable), machine room, must all be made from fire-resistant materials. The lift car itself should also have fire-resistant properties to protect firefighters and any evacuees using the lift during an emergency.
- Water Resistance:Firefighting lifts are designed to be water-resistant, as firefighting operations often involve significant amounts of water. Electrical components and machinery are protected to ensure the lift remains operational even in wet conditions. The lifts are designed to divert water from the lift shaft, to prevent ingress into switches and electrical contacts, which could compromise reliable performance in an emergency.
- Emergency Power Supply:A reliable secondary power supply is essential for firefighting lifts. This power supply must be independent of the building’s main power, and capable of operating the lift for a sufficient duration to allow firefighting operations. Typically, separate sub-stations or backup generators are used.
- Enhanced Safety Features:Firefighting lifts are equipped with features that enhance their safety and functionality during emergencies. These include:
Override Controls: Allow firefighters to take control of the lift, overriding normal operations. Priority Recall: Automatically returns the lift to a designated floor when a fire alarm is activated. Communication Systems: Robust intercom systems that allow communication between the lift car, the lift machine room, and the fire control centre.
Operational Protocols
- Firefighter Training:Firefighters receive specialised training on how to operate firefighting lifts. This includes familiarisation with the override controls, understanding the lift’s emergency power system, and practicing scenarios involving the use of these lifts. Regular drills and simulations are conducted to ensure firefighters are proficient in using firefighting lifts under various emergency conditions.
- Building Management Responsibilities:Building managers must ensure that firefighting lifts are maintained in accordance with regulatory standards. This includes regular inspections, testing of emergency power supplies, and ensuring that all safety features are functional. Maintenance records should be kept up to date, and any issues identified during inspections must be promptly addressed.
- Evacuation Procedures:During an emergency, the use of firefighting lifts is prioritised for firefighters to access the building and conduct rescue operations. However, they can also be used to evacuate people with mobility impairments if it is safe to do so, (the standards are undergoing changes to now provide a separate evacuation lift to complement the fire strategy). Clear signage and instructions should be provided in the building to inform occupants about the location and use of firefighting lifts during emergencies.
Conclusion
Firefighting lifts are an indispensable component of fire safety in high-rise buildings. Their design and operation are intended to provide reliable and safe access for firefighters during emergencies. By adhering to these standards and leveraging modern innovations, the safety of building occupants and the efficiency of firefighting operations can be significantly improved.
We are available to support you with any queries you may have relating to lifts of varying ages within your property.
You can contact the ARDENT team via their website or by emailing info@ardentlc.co.uk.
As independent lift consultants, ARDENT Lift Consultancy recognise the importance of offering unbiased and accurate advice to our clients. This has developed mutual respect between our team of lift consultants and those we work with. Whether working with architects looking to build practicality into their vision, or a property manager with time constraints seeking immediate solutions, we totally understand individual client requirements and provide timely, well considered and accurate advice.
