Evacuation Lifts

• Must comply with British Standard
• Fire resisting construction
• Backup power supply
• Return to ground or other pre-arranged floor when alarm actuates
• Must be operated by competent person with key
• Do not respond to floor lift call buttons
• Can be incorporated into PEEPs

Some buildings have one or more lifts that are designated 'evacuation' or sometimes 'fire-fighting' lifts, and these can be used for disabled evacuation if necessary. However, this can only be done by prior arrangement, as it will be necessary for a trained member of staff to take control of and operate the lift. Once the fire alarm sounds the lift will no longer respond automatically to landing call-buttons, and will generally return to the ground floor or other pre-arranged level. A key is usually needed to control the lift in these circumstances.

Where such lifts exist it is clearly important to incorporate them into the fire and evacuation procedures for the premises, and the Personal Emergency Egress Plan (PEEP) of any employee likely to require this facility. They should be clearly identified as evacuation lifts, and instructions for their use in an evacuation should be posted inside the car.

Evacuation lifts are designed to meet very stringent safety standards, and have to incorporate fire-resisting construction and a backup power supply. They are far more expensive to install than standard lifts, and for this reason are not often retro-fitted in existing buildings.