Installation of lifts is no more a premium feature. The usage of lifts has become as common as building an apartment with more than two floors. With developers to individuals, all opting for lifts, it is important to stay abreast with the Lift Regulations prevalent in India. Varying from State to State, the rules are so vast that users are always left with unconnected dots and multiple questions in their minds. Read on to know some of the key rules and regulations pertinent to the installation of lifts in India.
Is there any mandate regarding the number or size of lifts required for a particular number of floors?
No regulations specify any mandatory requirements as far as the number of lifts is concerned. IS 14665 Part 2, Section 1, as well as the National Building Code (NBC) of India 2016, offers guidelines for traffic analysis calculations, which determine the handling capacity and response time. Basis this analysis, there are different recommendations for different types of buildings. For buildings higher than 15 meters, there is a need for an eight-passenger fire lift (with automatic doors and speed sufficient to reach the top floor in 60 seconds), and other requirements as per the Fire Prevention Act and rules of each State. The NBC 2016 highlights that there is a need for a stretcher lift in buildings having a height of more than 30 meters. These requirements vary from State to State, and one must consult a technical expert for specific cases.
What is the procedure to procure a lift permit for an existing building?
Lift licenses, as of today, are required only in ten States including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. Every State’s Lift Act defines the procedures, fee structure and timelines for obtaining various permissions for lifts and escalators within that State. There are guidelines given for obtaining licenses for existing buildings as well. One has to refer to specific State’s Lift Act/rules for the exact procedure.
Are mirrors prohibited inside the elevator car, or is it optional?
The code of practice prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards is required to be followed for lifts and its installations. As per IS 14665 Part 4 / Section 3 clause #5.8, mirrors can be used inside the elevator car. However, it is recommended that they are splinter proof and should not cause injury to passengers in case they are broken due to any abnormalities.
Recommendations for lifts
It is recommended to use IS-compliant lifts and escalators for the safety of equipment and the passengers in States where a Lift Act is not defined. For home lifts, recommended Indian Standards are IS 14665 and IS 15259. If it is a machine room-less elevator then IS 15785, similarly IS 14671 if it is a hydraulic lift. As per IS 15259:2002 Clause #5, a home lift shall have a load capacity of not less than 204 kg (three passengers) and not more than 272 kg (four passengers), and car speed not exceeding 0.2 mps. A two persons lift is not recommended for various technical reasons.
*Disclaimer: The above article is for general information of the readers and offers broad guidance. Readers are advised to consult their appropriate technical experts and lawyers for any expert opinion. Credits