Passenger lift or platform lift - the differences...

Whilst both lifts move people they are quite different! When deciding between the two it can be confusing. So we've put together a short blog to outline the differences between these lift types and the directives they conform to. What is a lift? A lift is key to the vertical circulation of people in any public building. Whether it's a simple change in level where it's not possible to provide a ramp, or the building has two or more floors that people need to travel between. Lifts also are invaluable when it comes to ensuring easy access for those with impaired mobility across multiple storeys. Lifts that move people fall into two categories, passenger lifts or platform lifts. What is a passenger lift? A passenger lift is probably what first springs to mind when you mention the word 'lift'. These lifts can range in size from 3 to 33 people and beyond, though eight person is the most common lift size as it is specified in Part M Vol 2 building regulations. Passenger lifts fall under the Lifts Directive, so travel faster than 0.15m/s, allowing for the relatively rapid movement of people through a building - typically a journey takes around 18 seconds between floors. The installation of a passenger lift requires a lift shaft to be built to house a passenger car and mechanism. Passenger lifts are best for new buildings, where it is easier to build a lift shaft and create a lift pit, or where there is an existing shaft. They also make a great addition to any building where the lift will get extensive use, either due to the building size or because the lift will be the primary means of travelling between floors.

For more information on Passenger lift or platform lift - the differences... talk to Stannah Lifts