An overview on BS EN 81-76

In a previous article, we explored what we know so far about BS 9991:2024, the forthcoming standard on fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. While that standard is still pending publication, BS EN 81-76 was released in the summer, introducing new safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts.

This European Standard focuses on how lifts should be designed, built and controlled to safely evacuate people during a fire, particularly those with disabilities. Notably, it is the first European standard to define requirements for lifts intended to assist in the evacuation of persons with disabilities and has been described as “state of the art for evacuation lifts”.

Here’s an overview on BS EN 81-76 and why it represents a significant step in enhancing building safety and inclusive evacuation design.

Evacuation lift types and requirements
The National Forward refers to three operational modes of evacuation lifts in the standard, which must be incorporated into lift design depending on the building type and evacuation strategy. The operational modes include:

1. Driver assisted evacuation operation – trained assistants take control of the evacuation lift from within the lift car.
2. Automatic evacuation operation – the lift automatically responds to landing calls and carries occupants straight to the evacuation exit landing without manual control.
3. Remote assisted evacuation operation – control of an evacuation lift from outside the lift, preferably within the same building. This mode applies only to Class B evacuation lifts (see below).

Evacuation lifts are further categorised into Class A (for simpler buildings) and Class B (for more complex buildings) with the following attributes:

Class A

• Car size: 1100mm wide x 1400 deep (type 2 car)
• Roof trapdoor size: 0.4 x 0.5m
• Only 1 Evacuation Exit Landing (EEL)
• Modes: Driver assisted and Automatic evacuation (excludes remote)
• Secondary power supply not required

Class B

• Car size: 1100mm wide x 2100 deep (type 3 car) or 1600mm wide x 1400mm deep/ 1400mm wide x 1600mm deep (type 4 car)
• Roof trapdoor size: 0.5m x 0.7m
• At least 1 Evacuation Exit Landing (EEL)
• Modes: all three operational modes
• Secondary power supply required

Safe evacuation requires collaboration
Determining the evacuation lift type and its operational mode isn’t solely the responsibility of the lift manufacturer or designer. Implementing a safe evacuation lift requires a collaborative approach between those responsible for the lift and those overseeing the building’s overall design, fire safety strategy, and operational management.

This collaboration covers factors such as the building conditions in which the lift is installed, the number and size of evacuation lifts based on capacity assessment, the lift’s classification (e.g. Class A or B), any optional evacuation modes, and whether the lift also serves as a firefighters’ lift.

What else is covered?
The standard also sets out the safety features and equipment required for evacuation lifts, including a reliable communication system, landing call buttons, voice annunciation, and measures to prevent water ingress into the lift shaft. It outlines the need for secondary power supplies (for Class B lifts) to ensure continued operation during an evacuation event, as well as requirements for control systems, signage, and maintenance to support safe use during emergencies.

It is worth noting that BS EN 81-76 forms part of a wider series of standards, including BS EN 81-20 for the design of new lifts. While it will take time for those involved in building projects to fully digest and apply its requirements, early coordination between stakeholders, alongside appropriate training and careful planning will be essential to achieving compliance. Ultimately, the standard represents a significant step forward in promoting safer, more inclusive evacuation strategies where lifts play a vital role in modern fire safety design.

For help with your compliance needs, find out about our lift compliance services.

Don’t forget to stay up to date with all our news and industry views on LinkedIn.