Lifts

Lifts should be easy to locate and be convenient and safe to use.

Location and identification

Lifts need to be in logical locations where they are easy to find and use.

Co-locating lifts with other means of changing level, gives building users options.

Similarly designed lifts within a building will provide consistency and familiarity for users. Lift doors that are not distinct from their surrounding walls may be difficult to find for some users.

People who are blind or have low vision may only be able to find a lift by way of tactile, visual or auditory cues.

Design considerations

Ideally all passenger lifts and their approach routes should be suitable for wheelchair users. If not, the route to accessible lifts should have suitable signage to avoid any confusion.
Where lifts of different sizes or accessibility are present in an existing building, provide accessible signage to inform building users of alternatives.
Attention can be drawn to a lift by using higher levels of local illumination.
The use of different floor finishes can assist in finding the lift lobby.
Ensure the type of lift (passenger lift, platform lift, platform stair lift, chair lift or evacuation lift) is identified on wayfinding information.

Building Code requirement

Building Code clause D1 Access routes:

D1.3.3 Access routes shall: (e) include stairs to allow access to upper floors irrespective of whether an escalator or lift has been provided.

D1.3.4 An accessible route, in addition to the requirement of Clause D1.3.3, shall: (c) include a lift complying with Clause D2 Mechanical installations for access to upper floors where: (i) buildings are four or more storeys high, (ii) buildings are three storeys high and have a total design occupancy of 50 or more persons on the two upper floors, (iii) buildings are two storeys high and have a total design occupancy of 40 or more persons on the upper floor, or (iv) an upper floor, irrespective of design occupancy, is to be used for the purposes of public reception areas of banks, central, regional and local government offices and facilities, hospitals, medical and dental surgeries, and medical, paramedical and other primary health care centres,

Building Code clause D2 Mechanical installations for access:

D2.3.5 Mechanical installations on accessible routes shall: (c) where appropriate, have doors which: (ii) are readily distinguishable from their surroundings.

Building Code clause F8 Signs:

F8.2 Signs must be provided in and about buildings to identify: (d) accessible routes and facilities for people with disabilities.

Ease of use

The design of the lift should accommodate its convenient and easy use by all building users.

Approach to landing

The approach to landings needs to be step-free, give good visibility and wheelchair turning space.

Some building users may not be able to stand for any period of time and therefore seating and handrails within the lift lobby are desirable.

Glass-walled lifts can be a source of extreme anxiety for people with vertigo who may not use them under any circumstances. They can also present issues for those who have a vision impairment. Glass-walled lifts may however be preferred by people with hearing difficulties, as they can sense space beyond the elevator car, particularly in the case of a malfunction.

Lifts with call points

Not all building users will be able to remember their desired floor level and therefore confirmation near the lift is important.

Call point buttons should be easy to identify, within comfortable reach of all users, of adequate size and simple to understand and operate. Registration feedback should be presented to confirm that the user's input has been registered by the lift system.

Building users need to be able to see the indicator showing which lift to take. These need to be visible across the whole of the landing area and associated seating area.

The period between door opening and closing should be greater than the expected user travel time.

Some lift users will only be able to identify the correct lift on its arrival when the doors start opening and a tone indicating the intended direction sounds.

Lift lobbies, lift doors and lift size need to make entry into the lift easy.

Lifts with destination control panels

Many building users will not be familiar with destination control systems. Consequently, they are not suitable for use in buildings where individuals only visit occasionally such as hospitals, shopping centres. However, they may be advantageous in high rise employment buildings where peak use can be expected in the mornings.

Off-peak users should be assisted by staff who then accompany them to the correct lift. Information on which lift is arriving should be conveyed to the user who has vision impairment audibly with sufficient time to travel to the lift door. Accessible signage should be at each lift for identification and confirmation.

Building users need to know where to go to be able to call a lift, especially if the panel is away from the lift doors.

Some building users may take time to travel to the correct lift. Consequently, it is important that the position of destination control panels is coordinated with the possible travel time.

Destination control panels need to be within comfortable reach and easy to read, operate and be understood by all users. Artificial and natural lighting can cause reflection issues making them difficult to read.

Touch screen interfaces are unsuitable for use by people who are blind or have low vision and should not be specified without the installation of alternative but equivalent input and notification options.

Lift doors

The location and opening of glass lift doors can be difficult to identify.

Where the lobby floor is not level with the lift car floor, a trip hazard exists.

Adequate time is required for people and any assistance dogs to enter or exit the lift without coming into contact with the lift doors.

Lift car

Lifts should be large enough to cater for the planned use of the building. In some situations, people will be travelling with luggage. In public buildings, groups of people should be expected including those with prams and pushchairs, wheelchairs and electrically powered scooters.

The finishes in the lift car need to allow for easy orientation and not be confusing. Dark coloured floor finishes can give the impression that a building user is about to step into the lift shaft.

Full-height mirrors should be avoided as they can make the lift car resemble a corridor which may cause people to walk straight into the rear wall.

Use of visually and acoustically reflective wall surfaces can cause discomfort for people with vision or hearing impairment. They also make it more difficult to locate the lift control panel and handrails.

Control panel

The provision of rapid close and hold open buttons on the lift car control panel can assist building users in controlling the doors. In addition, a hold open button on landings can achieve an extended period when the doors are open to allow users to enter.

Not all building users will be able to remember their desired floor level and therefore signage near and inside the lift is important.

To operate the lift, the control panel needs to be located where it is easily seen. If it is positioned either side of the lift doors it will be hidden from view on entry. Building users may not know the location of the panel until entering the car. If the control panel is positioned either side of the door it might mean wheelchair users having to turn around either in the lift car, or reverse and turn around outside and enter backwards.

Lift control panels on the side wall are the easiest for visual identification (unless blocked by another user) and for a wheelchair user to operate without leaning forwards. The panel should be positioned so that it is easy to reach and use by seated and standing building users.

People who are blind or have low vision will run their fingers over the control panel to identify its layout by reading the tactile information. If floor buttons contain the tactile information and are set to operate at too low a pressure, unintentional floor selections may result. It is preferable that the embossed print and numbers, and the braille print and numbers are located to the left of the activation button.

Visually, the control panel should contrast to the lift walls and the whole of the button should contrast with the panel. Having an illuminated halo around the button is not sufficient for people with low vision to be able to detect the button. The embossed numbers should also have contrast for visual reading.

To identify which button to press, the floor number needs to be displayed clearly. This number should be embossed so that people can also read it by touch. In addition, the braille representation needs to be present and there needs to be enough space around both to be able to read them independently. If they are too close together or too small they become unreadable.

Building users need to know that their button selection has been registered. Consequently, the button should illuminate or change colour when first pressed, with every press having audible feedback and a recognisable movement in the button.

The one control button that everyone will use is that for the exit floor (generally the ground floor). The ground floor in the United States is “1” whilst in Europe is “0”. This can lead to confusion as both numbering systems are present in lifts in New Zealand.

Touch screen control panels will cause problems for a range of building users who may end up selecting incorrect floor levels.

Travel between floors

Building users needing to hold on to a handrail may not have the choice of where to stand. Therefore handrails on all lift car walls are beneficial.

The provision of a tip-up seat may be appropriate in certain lifts as they can benefit people who are unsteady on their feet or who have limited stamina.

Lights in lifts should be carefully positioned to provide an even distribution and avoid glare and shadows. Lights positioned on the car wall behind or to the side of the control panel should be avoided as they are in the direct line of sight and can cause glare. The use of indirect lighting such as uplighters or ceiling panels that diffuse light evenly is preferred.

A lift position indicator, visible throughout the car should be installed. However, for most building users an audible announcement of lift operation and position is the best way of communicating this information.

Some users may be unhappy to be in a confined space with higher than normal temperatures and limited ventilation.

Exit at the correct floor

Building users need to know that they are arriving at the correct floor and, if more than one pair of doors is installed in the lift car, which to use. Opposite entrances avoid the need for a wheelchair user to have to reverse or turn round in the lift car.

Good floor level signage in the lobby opposite the lift door and a tactile floor level number on the leading edge or entrance architrave of the door will confirm that the floor is correct.

Design considerations

Ensure the approach to the lift is step-free.
Position accessible directory boards and locational information as appropriate at each floor level in viewing range of the landing.
Seating and handrails within the lift lobby are desirable.
Position fire extinguishers and rubbish bins away from lift entry and exit routes.
Ensure where glass lifts are installed, standard closed cars are available nearby as an alternative.
Ensure an opaque lift car is specified if only one car is available for passenger use.

Call points

Mount call points adjacent to the relevant lift door, away from adjacent walls or corners and clearly visible from all areas of the landing, and at a height above the floor that is suitable for all users to comfortably access.
Ensure call point faceplates contrast with wall finishes.
Ensure call point buttons are of a usable size, contrasted with faceplate, have tactile distinction from the faceplate, have tactile and visual markings to identify direction and are not touch controlled.
Provide tactile designations to the left of standard designations.
Ensure the call point button has a positive movement on activation, illuminates when pressed and emits an audible signal each time the button is pressed, even if the call has already been registered.

Destination control panels

Restrict the use of destination control system lifts to high rise employment buildings.
Position destination control panels adjacent to the lifts they control and close enough to allow building users to get to the allocated lift in adequate time.
Ensure destination control panels are visually obvious and easy to reach and their purpose apparent to all building users.
Ensure that touch screen interfaces are not the only form of floor selection or method of notification.
Ensure information is provided audibly as well as visually.
Ensure all lifts have accessible signage for identification.
Control lighting to ensure that glare does not present problems for building users trying to read the screen.
Enable the input of desired floor by touch screen interface, keypad and proximity key-cards. Keypad layouts should be as for a telephone with a raised dot on the 5.

Lift doors

Identify the lift to be used, its arrival and direction of travel by both visual and aural means.
Ensure there is a suitable acoustic environment to allow aural signals to be discerned. Acoustic screening should be provided where occupiers of adjacent spaces may be close by.
Ensure the indicator showing the lift to use is visually apparent from all areas of the lobby and seating positions.
Ensure the operation of the doors when opening generates a signal to warn those who are blind or have low vision.
Ensure lift doors are easy to identify from the surrounding wall and can be seen from all areas of the lift lobby.
Ensure lift doors are power operated.
Ensure stopping and levelling accuracy is easy to achieve and maintain.
Install full height door obstruction detection to prevent doors closing on users.
Ensure doors do not open until the lift is at the floor.
Ensure door dwell times are adjustable to suit the conditions where the lift is installed.

Lift car

Ensure the lift car is large enough to allow for all anticipated uses. Where doors on adjacent walls are installed, the lift needs to be large enough to allow wheelchair users to turn.
Where the lift car only operates between two floors, specify lift doors on opposite walls.
Where possible, specify a lift car with dimensions that allow for a wheelchair user to completely turn round.
Ensure the floor surface inside the lift car has a matt finish, is firm and slip-resistant, and has similar frictional characteristics to the floor surface on each landing.
Ensure the floor surface inside the lift is not dark in colour or tone but matches the lobby floors.
Ensure the walls inside the lift car contrast visually with the floor and ceiling surfaces.
Provide a mirror on the rear wall of single-door lifts to allow a wheelchair user to see what is behind them if they need to reverse out.
Avoid the installation of full height mirrors.
Avoid high gloss finishes for floor, wall, door and ceiling finishes.
Ensure any areas of glass in lifts such as the doors, lift car walls or shaft walls in glass-walled lifts incorporate permanent markings so that the glass is clearly apparent to people from a range of eye levels.

Control panel

Provide floor level information near the lift control panel.
Avoid the installation of touch screen control panels.
Position the lift control panels in the middle of the side walls at a height that enables all users to operate the system.
Ensure the lift control mounting plate contrasts with the wall it is mounted on.
Ensure control buttons have both visual and tactile contrast with the mounting plate and are of a size that allows operation with a clenched fist.
Ensure floor numbers, symbols and tactile indications on the control panel are embossed not engraved with sufficient space around each to allow them to be read by touch easily.
Ensure if tactile information is positioned on the lift button itself, the reading of it by touch will not select the appropriate floor and that there is sufficient space between the tactile elements (including the edge of the button)
Ensure ground floor numbering is "0" not "1".
Ensure the building exit floor level button is green and protrudes further from the faceplate than the other buttons.
Provide a ‘rapid-close’ button and a ‘hold-open’ button inside the lift car. A ‘hold-open’ button could also be provided on landings, allowing the user to hold the door open for an extended period.
Ensure there is visual, tactile and audible operating and registration feedback.
Ensure there is adequate illumination within the lift car and that building users are not expected to look at the light source when using the control panel or reading the lift position indicator.

Travel between floors

Provide contrasting handrails on all side and rear walls (interrupted by the control panel).
Consider the provision of a tip up seat in multi-storey buildings to allow users to rest between floors.
Ensure car lighting does not create glare or pools of light and dark but gives a sufficient level of illumination to make the use of the lift easy.
Ensure acceleration and deceleration of the lift car is progressive and does not cause unbalancing.
Ensure the intended direction of movement and the stopping level is easily identified to users both aurally and visually.
Locate lift position indicators at a height that is above the heads of other passengers and readable facing the main doors.
Ensure audible announcement of lift operation is provided in all lifts irrespective of the number of floors covered.
Ensure the environment within the lift car (temperature, ventilation, noise) is controlled and remains acceptable.

Exit at the correct floor

Install floor number signage at each level opposite the lift doors.
Install raised tactile floor number signage on the leading edge of all landing doors or entrance architraves.

Building Code requirement

Building Code clause D1 Access routes:

D1.3.1 Access routes shall enable people to: (c) move into spaces within buildings by such means as corridors, doors, stairs, ramps and lifts

D2.3.1 Mechanical installations for access shall: (a) move people safely, and stop and hold as required for the normal use of the installation, for all loads up to and including 25% in excess of the rated load, b) not (produce excessive acceleration or deceleration.

Building Code clause D2 Mechanical installations for access:

D2.3.2 Mechanical installations for access shall be provided with: (a) adequate control over normal use, to ensure people’s safety throughout any operation involving starting, stopping or changing the direction of travel, (b) notification of position, where people are fully enclosed and the installation serves more than two levels, (c) adequate lighting and ventilation for both normal and emergency use

D2.3.5 Mechanical installations on accessible routes shall: (a) where the passenger conveyor is manually controlled, provide: (i) controls which are easily identifiable and easy to use, (ii) adequate notification that the passenger conveyor has registered a summoning call, (iii) adequate notification that the passenger conveyor has arrived, and of its future direction of travel, (b) where the passenger conveyor is fully enclosed and serves more than two levels, provide an adequate means of informing occupants of their location, (c) where appropriate, have doors which: (i) are power operated, (ii) are readily distinguishable from their surroundings, (iii) where automatic, remain open sufficiently long to enable people with disabilities to pass through, (d) have handrails within the passenger conveyor.

Lift safety

The design of the lift should make its use as safe as possible.

When calling for assistance within a lift, building users with hearing impairment may not be able to hear the responses of the monitoring station. If these users have a hearing aid with a T switch, an inductive coupler would be of assistance.

Where step-free egress from all floors is not possible, the installation of an evacuation lift with associated refuges has the potential to save lives and ease the evacuation of those needing assistance.

Design considerations

Ensure the emergency communication system incorporates an inductive coupler.
Provide for visual confirmation that an emergency call has been received.
Ensure monitoring stations know the location of the lift and do not need to ask the occupants.
Ensure the alarm call button is yellow with a bell-shaped pictogram. The button should illuminate when pressed and provide an additional audible signal to indicate that the alarm has been raised.
Ensure telephone handsets incorporate a volume control and inductive coupler.
Consider the provision of a text facility in the lift as part of the emergency communication system.
Avoid the use of materials to which the user may be allergic (e.g. nickel, chromium, cobalt, natural or synthetic rubber).
Consider the installation of an evacuation lift.

Building Code requirement

Building Code clause D1 Access routes:

D2.3.3 Mechanical installations for access shall, for emergency purposes, be provided with a means of: (a) calling outside help

Building Code clause F2 Hazardous building materials:

F2.3.1 The quantities of gas, liquid, radiation or solid particles emitted by materials used in the construction of buildings, shall not give rise to harmful concentrations at the surface of the material where the material is exposed, or in the atmosphere of any space.

Platform, low speed and stage lifts

The design of the platform, low-speed or stage lift should make its use as convenient, easy and safe as possible.

Platform and low-speed lifts

A platform lift may have one or more walls but no ceiling. It may travel at about 0.15 m/s to a max height of about 7.5m.

A low speed lift will usually have two full height walls and a ceiling. The lift shaft will be enclosed on all sides. It may travel at about 0.3 m/s up to a max height of 15m.

In new public buildings, the priority should always be the installation of passenger lifts. Platform and low speed lifts may not be suitable because travel speed and limited occupancy causes issues.

In existing public buildings these lifts may be the only way of achieving a step-free route to necessary areas. However, this may mean that some building users may be able to gain access to areas where in the event of an evacuation they cannot leave unassisted. Platform and low speed lifts are generally not designed for safe use in evacuation of buildings in emergency situations.

Vertical platform lifts typically have gates or barriers on opposite sides enabling through-travel, making it easier for wheelchair users.

Doors can be manually opened or powered. Installations that require the least amount of physical input from the user are preferred.

In practice, the majority of landing doors for platform lifts and low-speed lifts will be hinged, not sliding. Landing doors should have powered opening and be self-closing. It should not be necessary for a building user to have to manoeuvre backwards or clear of the door swing after activation of the door control device. Slowly opening hinged doors are often pushed by wheelchair users which can cause failure.

The lift should be specified and detailed to ensure that there is no need for any form of ramp between the lobby and the car floor. In addition, they should be able to be operated by the building user without the need for a key or outside assistance.

There are various safety issues that should be considered when specifying a platform or low-speed lift.

If use of platform or low speed lift is unavoidable, the most convenient, accessible and safe type possible should be specified.

Stage lifts

A stage lift is an open or enclosed platform lift that has no or minimal projection above the level of the top landing.

Stage lifts may not have lift car walls or lift shaft enclosures extending above the level of the stage floor. This makes them a potential safety risk.

Design considerations

In new public buildings, the primary mechanical way for moving building users between levels should be a passenger lift.
If there is no other alternative way of providing step-free access to necessary areas in existing public buildings, ensure that the most accessible and safest type of platform or low-speed lift is specified.
Where provision of a stage lift is considered essential, ensure that all safety issues are fully investigated and that appropriate management procedures are in place.

Building Code reference

Building Code clause D1 Access routes:

D1.3.1 Access routes shall enable people to: (c) move into spaces within buildings by such means as corridors, doors, stairs, ramps and lifts

Building Code clause D2 Mechanical installations for access:

Location and identification

Design considerations

Building Code requirement

Ease of use

Approach to landing

Lifts with call points

Lifts with destination control panels

Lift doors

Lift car

Control panel

Travel between floors

Exit at the correct floor

Design considerations

Call points

Destination control panels

Lift doors

Lift car

Control panel

Travel between floors

Exit at the correct floor

Building Code requirement

Lift safety

Design considerations

Building Code requirement

Platform, low speed and stage lifts

Platform and low-speed lifts

Stage lifts

Design considerations

Building Code reference

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