Regulations and Tests in the Italian Lift History (From its Origins to the Present Time)

Lifts in Italy have been subject to a safety testing system since 1927, when lifts were still considered a luxury. Since that date, jurisprudence and technical safety standards have been in constant evolution imposed by institutional changes technological progress. The only constant element is that the testing and supervision procedures have always been prerogative of Public Bodies. Following the enforcement of the European Directive institutional reforms are being carried out, representing a traumatic change to Italy’s traditions. This paper looks at the history of testing, supervision and use of lifts in Italy and concludes with the reforms being carried out.