Modernizing model lifts and the implications

Those undertaking the modernisation of a lift system should be competent and have sufficient understanding that the lift is either installed to a standard at the time it was first placed into service or by way of a conformity assessment directed through an Approved or Notified Body, where the lift is declared as a “model lift”. These model lifts are typically mass manufactured and are limited to the exact requirements that deviate them from the standard, such as the rated speed, the rated load, and the travel or mass of an empty car. Understanding the importance of these restrictions can often be daunting, and gathering the required information can be difficult at times. Completing a risk assessment can be a good way to capture these details. Components related to the equipment can often need verification. It is important to understand the detrimental effect on the overall modernisation scheme and the consequences after the lift has been placed back in service. This paper looks at the implications of modernising lifts that have been subjected to a conformity assessment and are accompanied by CE marking. This paper also looks at the commissioning methods when modernising lifts and where the lift parameters have been changed. This should allow concise testing requirements before placing the lift back into service.