Elevators have become an indispensable part of modern life. These systems, which facilitate transportation between floors in both residential and commercial buildings, are designed in accordance with various safety standards to ensure the secure movement of both passengers and cargo. From manufacturing to installation, elevators undergo multiple inspection processes. In this article prepared by Uygar Elevator, we will examine the fundamental elements of elevator safety standards in detail.
International Safety Standards
For elevators to operate safely, they must comply with internationally accepted standards. These standards guide manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and inspection processes.
Elevator safety is subject to many international standards and regulations. These standards aim to ensure user safety, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of elevator systems. Below, you can find the most important international standards applicable worldwide.
EN 81 Series Standards
The EN 81 standards, valid in the European Union, define the fundamental requirements for elevator design, installation, and operation. These standards are essential for user safety and equipment durability.
EN 81-20 covers general safety rules for passenger and freight elevators. It regulates aspects such as fire resistance of elevator cabins, door safety systems, and cabin interior lighting.
EN 81-50 is the standard related to the design and testing of elevator components. The durability of ropes, braking systems, and load-bearing capacities are tested within this scope.
ISO Standards
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides comprehensive guidance on elevator safety and energy efficiency.
ISO 25745 aims to improve the energy efficiency of elevators. This standard promotes the development of energy consumption monitoring and reporting systems. It particularly supports sustainability goals in commercial buildings.
ISO 9386 includes safety regulations for platform and vertical elevators designed for disabled access.
ASME A17.1 / CSA B44
These standards serve as primary reference documents for elevator safety and design in North America.
ASME A17.1 regulates electrical systems, speed regulators, and emergency braking systems to ensure the safe operation of elevators.
CSA B44 is the standard used in Canada. It is compatible with ASME A17.1 and also includes climate-specific safety requirements, such as those related to winter conditions.
GB/T 7588 (China)
This standard, valid in China, aligns with EN 81 but has been adjusted according to local requirements. It considers factors such as environmental conditions and high population density.
Basic Safety Systems
Various mechanical and electronic systems are used to ensure safety in elevators. These systems guarantee the safety of both passengers and equipment:
Braking Systems
One of the most critical safety components in elevators is the braking system. In the event of a power outage or malfunction, the brakes activate to prevent the cabin from falling uncontrollably.
The parallel braking system includes both electrical and mechanical brakes, securing the cabin in place.
The emergency brake activates when excessive speed is detected.
Speed Regulators
Speed regulators control the maximum speed of the cabin. If the cabin exceeds the predefined speed limit, the system automatically engages the brakes.
Door Safety Systems
An elevator cannot operate unless its doors are fully closed. Modern elevators use sensors that automatically stop the doors if they detect a passenger or object.
Overload Sensors
When the cabin weight exceeds the specified capacity, the system issues a warning, and the elevator does not move. This feature prevents damage to the equipment and minimizes safety risks.
Emergency Lighting and Telephone Systems
In case of a power outage, emergency lighting activates to prevent passengers from being left in complete darkness. Additionally, telephone or intercom systems inside the cabin allow passengers to call for assistance.
Installation and Periodic Maintenance Standards
For elevators to operate safely, not only their design and manufacturing but also their installation and periodic maintenance are of critical importance.
Installation Stages
Proper Installation: It is essential that professional teams handle elevator installations. Proper assembly of each component ensures the system’s longevity and safe operation.
Testing Processes: After installation, all system features are thoroughly tested. These tests are conducted in accordance with international standards.
Periodic Maintenance
Regular maintenance is mandatory to ensure the continued safe operation of elevators. Maintenance processes include:
- Inspection of Critical Components: Regular checks of brakes, ropes, motors, and door mechanisms.
- Testing of Sensors and Electronic Systems: Ensuring that sensors and control panels function correctly.
- Lubrication and Cleaning: Mechanical components must be lubricated and cleaned to extend the system’s lifespan.
Legal Regulations and Inspections
Many countries have implemented legal regulations to ensure the safe use of elevators. These regulations cover all aspects of elevator design, operation, and maintenance.
Regulations in Turkey
In Turkey, elevator safety regulations are governed by:
- Elevator Operation, Maintenance, and Periodic Inspection Regulation
- Elevator Regulation (2014/33/EU)
These regulations, prepared in compliance with European Union standards, make periodic inspections of elevators mandatory.
Periodic Inspection Requirement: Elevators must be inspected at least once a year by authorized personnel.
Red and Green Tag System: After an inspection, colored tags indicate the elevator’s safety status.
- Green tag: The elevator is safe for use.
- Red tag: The elevator must not be used and requires immediate maintenance.
International Legal Framework
Many countries integrate international standards into their national regulations to ensure global compliance for both imported and exported elevators.
Inspection Mechanisms
Periodic inspections of elevators are conducted by authorized organizations, covering both mechanical and electronic systems. The reports prepared after inspections play a crucial role in certifying compliance with safety standards.
The Future of Elevator Safety
With technological advancements, elevator safety standards are expected to be further improved. Some key innovations include:
Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Inspections: Data from sensors can be analyzed with artificial intelligence algorithms to develop early warning systems.
Certification with Blockchain: Maintenance and inspection history can be securely stored using blockchain technology, ensuring a transparent record of the elevator’s history.
Ensuring elevator safety not only protects lives but also allows equipment to operate efficiently and have a longer lifespan. International standards, legal regulations, and modern technologies continuously improve elevator safety.
Therefore, both users and businesses must prioritize elevators that comply with safety standards and emphasize regular maintenance processes.
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