Code Of Practice On The Design And Construction Of Lifts And Escalators Jun 2026

Architects, Building Services Engineers, and Project Developers

Minimum pit depth (e.g., 1.2m for a 1m/s lift) must accommodate buffers, compensation sheaves, and ladder access. Common Error: Designing the pit exactly to the minimum without checking the buffer stroke required for the actual lift speed or door type (e.g., telescopic vs. center-opening). Fix: Add a 150–200mm safety margin. Also, include a fixed ladder and a 500 lux light switch located outside the pit entrance—a frequent non-compliance.

The design phase must prioritize the containment of risk. Key considerations include: Fix: Add a 150–200mm safety margin

| Feature | Code Requirement (Typical) | Your Design Check ✅ | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1.0% – 1.5% of shaft cross-section area at top & bottom | ☐ | | Landing call buttons | Centered at 900–1100mm AFFL, tactile indicators | ☐ | | Escalator brake | Must stop within comb plate zone, no passenger slip | ☐ | | Lift car emergency exit | 0.5m x 0.7m minimum, opening inward or removable | ☐ | | Overhead clearance | ≥ 1.2m above car roof to ceiling lowest point | ☐ |

A clear, unobstructed “comb plate zone” (typically min. 2.5m depth) is required at both entry and exit points, extending the full width of the escalator. Common Error: Placing a structural column, fire hydrant, or turnstile inside this zone. Also, failing to allow for the “skirt brush” intrusion. Fix: During zoning, mark the landing zone as a no-build (except for flooring) area. Remember: the zone begins 200mm before the moving comb plate. Key considerations include: | Feature | Code Requirement

Compliance with the Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators offers numerous benefits, including:

Firefighting lifts require a separate electrical supply, a 1000kg minimum capacity, and a ventilated lobby (where required). Common Error: Designing the lift shaft without the required 2-hour fire-rated enclosure including all cable penetrations. Another: placing the fireman’s switch (EPC) in an area not clearly marked or accessible. Fix: Run a separate fire resistance simulation for the shaft seals. The firefighting lift landing button must be 40–60mm diameter, illuminated, and 1.2m from finished floor level. ≤ 4 Joules for power-operated doors).

The kinetic energy of closing lift doors must be limited (e.g., ≤ 4 Joules for power-operated doors). Common Error: Installing decorative heavy door panels or large vision panels without adjusting the door operator’s force settings. This results in excessive closing force, failing safety tests. Fix: Any aesthetic door modification must be re-tested with a force gauge. Specify door operators with adjustable closing profiles early in procurement.