Using lifts to evacuate disabled

[xwmfs]

Bs9999  suggests that lifts can be used to evacuate wheelchair users, what are your thoughts

[kurnal]

This is not new of course, we have had BS5588 part 8 for years?
Or is your question in respect of standard lifts that do not conform to the part 8 standard?

We have discussed this topic before

http://fire.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1441.0

but as always further discussion is welcome.

[CivvyFSO]

Bs9999  suggests that lifts can be used to evacuate wheelchair users, what are your thoughts

My thoughts on BS9999 are generally limited to bad ones. A good idea, badly done.

To be slightly more helpful: CLG have issued guidance on the use of lifts and escalators for means of escape.. http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/guidanceemergemcylifts.pdf (Don't worry about the spelling of 'emergemcy' the link is correct.)

[Fishy]

We've designed many evacuation lifts to BS 5588-8 / BS 9999, or have adapted the designs of fire-fighting lifts so that they can be used for the evacuation of wheelchair users.  Both standards have proven perfectly useable for this.  The difficult part is very often providing compliant refuges (served by protected staircases) at all accessible levels in the building.

[jimbosdad]

Have a look at the CLG document "Guidance on the emergency use of lifts or escalators for evacuation and fire and rescue service operations - BD 2466"