Lift Regulations

Sheridan Lifts always complies with the European Lift Directive 95/16/EC, however for lift replacement where existing building restrictions are present, we can, where appropriate modify our lift designs and with the approval of our DTI appointed notified body obtain a derogation. Thus enabling comparable safety as required by the European Lift Directive 95/16/EC.

EU Lift Directive 95/16/EC (The Lift Regulations 1997)

The directive was required to create a common Standard of Safety to which all new lifts within the EU would conform and be enforceable by law in each member countries.

This is a substantial improvement on the previous BS 5655 Parts 1 to 10 which were recommendations only and could not be legally enforced.

Another benefit is that it enabled the free trade of approved new lifts and related components within the EU as they all meet the same safety requirements.

The directive was enacted by the European Council on 1st July 1997, the official UK version is "The Lift Regulations 1997". The latest implementation date was 1st July 1999 which was to allow a new set of standards to be written and approved by all EU member countries.

The new UK standards that were published are:

To help ensure compliance with the new standards national governments licensed suitably qualified companies to act as Notified Bodies, who regularly scrutinise and audit the design, manufacturing, installation and testing procedures to ensure strict compliance.

SAFed - Lift Safety Federation

To ensure Lifts are well maintained regular lift inspections are important.

Many Insurers require regular inspections to keep insurance policies valid.

Sheridan Lifts provides a range of industry standard Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) inspections

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) assisted in producing the SAFed Guidance which supersedes the former PM7 (1977), if followed, the guidance will normally be considered as sufficient to comply with Health and Safety Law.

The SAFed guidance also covers the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Lift Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 that came into effect in December 1998.

Building Regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires all public buildings, such as offices, shops, schools, pubs and clubs etc, to offer equal access to all able bodied or disabled persons using the building. This requires that vertical access in both gaining access into and inter-floor movement within public buildings may require the provision of a lift.