Overview
ISO/TR 16765:2003 is a Technical Report that compares worldwide safety standards for firefighting lifts (firefighter elevators). It compiles and contrasts requirements used across Europe, Australia, Russia, Japan, USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan. The report is informational (not normative) and focuses on electric traction lifts, while noting where requirements may also apply to positive-drive or rope/chain suspended lifts. ISO/TR 16765:2003 is intended to support standards writers, national committees and practitioners working toward convergence of lift safety requirements for fire and evacuation use.
Key topics
The report summarizes selected technical topics and notable national variations, including:
- Scope and terminology - clarifies “lift” vs “elevator” and passenger/freight definitions used by different countries.
- Building integration - requirements for protected lobbies, applicability by building height, and whether a single firefighting lift must serve all floors.
- Smoke and water control - guidance on lift well and lobby smoke control, pit drainage and protection from firefighting water ingress.
- Fire testing and door performance - comparison of fire-resistance tests for landing doors (examples: EN 81‑72 test concepts; common durations of 1 h to 1.5 h and representative test temperatures such as Tmax = 330 °C in some regimes).
- Mechanical and dimensional minimums - minimum rated loads, car sizes and entrance dimensions specified by various codes (examples shown in the report: 630 kg typical minimum rated load; car widths/depths and minimum entrance heights).
- Operational limits and performance - maximum machine-room and hoistway temperatures, allowable travel time from fire service access level to top floor (commonly around 60 s in many codes).
- Firefighting equipment and services - sprinkler and water-supply allowances in machine rooms, pits and lobbies, and requirements for certified interlocks and labels.
Applications and users
ISO/TR 16765:2003 is useful for:
- Standards committees and national code writers comparing domestic rules with international practice.
- Lift and elevator manufacturers specifying firefighting features and compliance strategies for global markets.
- Building designers, fire safety engineers and consultants developing specifications for high-rise buildings and evacuation planning.
- Authorities having jurisdiction and fire services evaluating equipment and operational procedures for firefighter use.
Practical uses include drafting or harmonizing regulations, performing risk assessments, preparing procurement specifications and retrofitting lifts to meet firefighter service requirements.
Related standards
The report cross-references major standards such as EN 81‑72, ASME/ANSI A17.1, CAN/CSA B44, and national documents (e.g., Japan BSLJ series, Russia SNIP/NPB). ISO/TR 16765:2003 should be read alongside the specific national lift, fire and building codes cited for definitive requirements.