Lift legislation

[A J]

Is there any legislation that states that a passenger lift must return to the ground floor on the activation of the fire alarm?
The lift in question is not a fire fighting lift, it only goes to the first floor of a hostel built in 2007 all occupants are able bodied and can easily evacuate via two protected stairwells.
My first thought was to display do not use the lift in case of fire, signage outside the lift doors and on the fire action notices but if legislation requires the lift to drop to the ground floor would we still need the signage?

Your comments will be most welcome

[Chris Houston]

I think it is normal for the lift to go to ground upon activation of (and input from) the fire alarm system, but not a legal requirement.  

I say "I think" because I cannot be sure if there is any legislation.

People might not know that the lift has gone to the ground floor and might be waiting on the lift, so it seems logical to have the notices anyway.

[kurnal]

Theres no legislation to require this, indeed in some cases it might bring people into an area of risk. It is only practical where the lift descends into a sterile area with immediate access to a final exit. Signs and training should always be provided telling people not to use the lift in case of fire, unless it is a proper evacuation risk.

Risk assessment will determine whether an interface to the alarm is an appropriate add on in the particular case.

[A J]

Thank you Chris and Kurnal,

Although the lift is adjacent to the main entrance staff training states to not use the lift, so in this case I will enforce the same message via the signage. Thanks again for the knowledge.

[Buggy]

Just a further query on this topic.

If the lift is grounded by the FA system, should the doors open and stay open? I always thought yes, but this could create a draft up the floors, thus fanning the flames.

Any ideas?

[kurnal]

Hi Buggy, yes it all depends on circumstances. If the lift is in a sterile lobby then it should not make much difference if the doors at the base of the shaft are open, but if the lift descends into an area of fire risk, eg a shop sales floor then if the lift shaft connects two fire compartments there would be a problem, because as you are aware, doors into protected shaft only have half the fire resistance of the elements of structure, as a fire would have to break though two doors to breach the compartment. That safeguard would be negated if the lift doors were open.
Thats why I stated in the last post that lifts should only be interfaced to the fire alarm in certain circumstances. The consequences of being dumped into a blazing inferno of a shop sales floor with no way out doesn't bear thinking about.

[wee brian]

Lifts directive - BS EN 81

[kurnal]

Not sure where you're coming from Wee Brian

Is there anything in EN81 relating to open lift doors other than to prevent the risk of someone falling into an open shaft? Or relating or fire alarm interfaces?  

Or have I missed something?