Understanding the Requirements of the New EN-81 Standards with Respect to Speed Monitoring, Speed Reducing and Prevention or Stop Devices

Standard documents are industry guidelines rather than legislation to be enforced; standard publications do not act as industry police, but rather advice to be discussed by those involved in the industry. Manufacturers and producers are not obliged to adhere to them, but can fully expect to find themselves at the mercy of the law should consequences arise from any negligence, neglect or malpractice. Designers, however, are free to have their design tested by another notified body, should they desire. Thus, they are widely followed, and the source of much discussion and debate. This piece examines sections of the latest set of standards, EN81-20 and 50, to be released by British Standards Institute (BSI), governing the safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts.