Overview
ISO/TR 8101-10:2024, issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), focuses on fire safety for lifts (elevators) by comparing worldwide safety standards relating to lifts used by firefighters and for building evacuation. The document offers a unique, updated international perspective, providing valuable reference material for national standards committees, fire safety experts, building designers, and lift manufacturers. Its scope primarily centers on electric traction lifts but includes some content applicable to positive drive lifts and lifts suspended by rope or chain.
This technical report supports the ongoing improvement and global alignment of lift safety requirements, addressing both the use of lifts by emergency personnel and their application in emergency building evacuations.
Key Topics
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Comparative Requirements: The report analyzes the similarities and differences in fire safety standards for lifts across various countries and regions. It highlights how national codes define and regulate lifts for firefighter use, evacuation procedures, and general fire safety.
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Focus on Electric Traction Lifts: Although electric traction lifts are the main focus, select sections provide information relevant to other lift types (e.g., positive drive and rope-suspended lifts).
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Evacuation and Firefighter Lifts: The document details critical features such as protected lobbies, smoke control, ambient temperature ranges, fire ratings of doors, and requirements related to safety systems, rescue operations, and power backup.
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Design and Performance Criteria:
- Requirements for load, size, and door operation of firefighter lifts
- Standards for electrical protection against water and short circuits
- Standby power supply requirements and performance expectations in emergencies
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Harmonization and Reference: Comparison tables allow easy identification of consistent and divergent practices, referencing well-known standards like EN 81-72 and others from Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia.
Applications
ISO/TR 8101-10:2024 is a valuable tool for several stakeholders:
- Standards Developers: Provides a basis for drafting or revising national building and fire safety codes, and encourages convergence toward optimal lift safety practices.
- Building Designers and Architects: Informs design choices when specifying or evaluating lifts for emergency operations in high-rise and complex buildings.
- Lift Manufacturers and Engineers: Offers guidance on compliance and helps in designing lifts that meet multiple international requirements, supporting export and installation in different regulatory environments.
- Fire Safety Consultants and Authorities: Delivers insights into evacuation strategies and minimum technical requirements, assisting with risk assessment and holistic fire protection planning.
- Facility Managers and Owners: Aids understanding of building safety obligations regarding lift use in emergencies, and ensures that evacuation and firefighter lift systems are compliant, reliable, and ready for use.
- Academic and Training Organizations: Serves as a comparative educational resource illustrating the evolution and variety of lift fire safety approaches.
Related Standards
- EN 81-72: European standard specifying lifts used by firefighters, widely adopted across the EU and associated countries.
- ISO/TS 18870: Requirements for lifts used to assist in building evacuation.
- ISO/TR 25743: Guidelines for rescue by lifts and building evacuation using lifts.
- ISO 21542: Accessibility and usability standards that include evacuation requirements.
- EN 81-20 & EN 81-58: Address general safety rules and fire resistance of lift landing doors.
- National Codes: Building/fire codes from participating countries, which include unique standards and regulations highlighted in this comparative report.
Practical Value
By collating and analyzing the safety requirements found in fire codes and lift standards worldwide, ISO/TR 8101-10:2024 improves consultation, design quality, and the harmonization of safety features for lifts used in emergencies. This supports not only the safety of building occupants and rescue personnel but also long-term international collaboration on building fire safety and accessible evacuation solutions.
Keywords: fire safety lifts, firefighter lifts standard, building evacuation lift, ISO lift safety standards, EN 81-72, lift fire codes comparison, emergency building evacuation, electric traction elevators, international lift safety, building code harmonization.