Investigation into the Closing Force of Passenger/Goods Lift Automatic Power Operated Doors and Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Injury to Lift Users

Passenger lifts are primarily configured with automatic power operated doors to increase passenger flow efficiency. Injuries caused by impact and entrapment between closing powered lift doors do occur, even though safety devices are fitted which should prevent this happening [1]. There are different types of non-contact safety devices that should reverse a closing door to prevent impacts and entrapments. Innovation in technology has allowed these devices to become more effective. However, the devices still do not eliminate entrapment risks entirely. Additionally, many lifts still employ outdated and inferior devices because within the United Kingdom upgrades to improve safety are not mandatory.