A fixed metal ladder permanently attached to the elevator pit wall allowing maintenance personnel to safely enter and exit the pit.
Full Definition
EN 81-20 §5.4 requires a pit ladder when pit depth exceeds 0.5 m. The first rung must be no more than 1 m below the lowest landing sill so the engineer can step on from the landing. In deep pits a folding design keeps the ladder clear of the elevator equipment during normal travel. The ladder must withstand at least 1 500 N point load without permanent deformation. The pit stop switch, a 230 V maintenance socket, and pit lighting are normally co-located at the ladder access point. The engineer must activate the pit stop switch from landing level before descending, preventing any unintended car movement while work is in progress in the pit.
