A specially designed elevator certified for use during building evacuation, allowing mobility-impaired occupants to exit safely while firefighting operations are underway.
Full Definition
Evacuation lifts (sometimes called emergency evacuation lifts) are designed to operate safely during a fire or other emergency when normal evacuation routes are compromised. Unlike standard fire service lifts which are reserved for firefighter use, evacuation lifts are intended for use by occupants — particularly people with disabilities or mobility impairments who cannot use stairs. EN 81-76 (Evacuation of persons with disabilities) specifies the requirements including a protected lift lobby at each floor, a two-hour fire-rated shaft enclosure, backup power supply, two-way communication, a designated refuge area, and a building management system interface. The lift must continue to operate safely for at least one hour after alarm activation. Evacuation lifts are increasingly required in tall buildings and are integrated into emergency management plans.
