Passenger/platform lifts for disabled persons in small properties

[Suttonfire]

Can anyone advise any circumstances when a platform lift (with backup supply) would be appropriate for use for evacuation in a small premises? i.e. an environment where there is insufficient space to install a dedicated evacuation lift.

Do you believe that there are circumstances where reduction of other risks and implementing good management arrangements would make this permissible?

Would the change of use of the lift need to be notified to Building Control?

[Mr. P]

Try some of the many 'mobility' companies who offer their services to assist in this. There are so many factors to consider when the question is broad like this. If an FRA is required, what if any are the significant factors noted or commented on? You say 'small premsises'. Domestic/workplace? How many floors? Stairwell or other suitable/similar space dimensions? Number of persons using route? Exit size(s)? What do/es the person(s) who would use this have to contribute? Are they already there/employed etc? Is it for visitors?
I would suggest that this is something for consideration on an individual basis.
Yes, I have been involved with a couple of jobs like this. Other parties involved were BC, Specialist suppliers/installers, a team of specialists (physio/rehabilitation/occupational therapist) who were brought in by the individuals to assist and assess the solutions suggested by the companies to ascertain if they were conducive to those individuals requirements.

[Fishy]

BS 9999 doesn't preclude the use of such a lift and it allows you to 'risk assess' the use of lifts for evacuation provided that you can demonstrate that they offer the same level of safety & functionality as the purpose-designed evacuation lift.  Do bear in mind, though, that if the building has a fire alarm and the lift has a modern lift controller, if the fire alarm goes off the lift should automatically go to ground & not respond to landing or car calls (or even key override switches, if fitted) until the fire alarm is successfully reset.  Can be difficult to get lift companies to program it any other way, if they don't accept that the lift is a 'compliant' evacuation lift.

To be honest in my experience it's rarely a problem to get the lift to comply with the standard - in an existing building it's associating the lift with an acceptably safe refuge at each level that's the more difficult issue.

[Suttonfire]

Thanks for the responses - Fishy - please could you refer me to the section of BS 9999 where this is specifically addressed. Thanks

[Fishy]

Thanks for the responses - Fishy - please could you refer me to the section of BS 9999 where this is specifically addressed. Thanks

Clause 46 describes the management principles; Annex G has the technical detail.