Lifting platform
Lifting devices provide vertical transportation between building floors, levels or decks, and are commonly found in offices, public buildings and other types of multi-storey accommodation.
The requirement for lifting devices is set out in Part M of the building regulations; Access to and use of buildings. Approved document M makes clear that passenger lifts are the most suitable form of vertical transportation, however, in some existing buildings, and very occasionally in new buildings, if a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, then a vertical lifting platform (or platform lift) may be considered as an alternative.
Lifting platforms are only intended for wheelchair users, people with impaired mobility and their companions, not for general users. They should not travel more than 2 m unless there is a liftway enclosure. They are slow moving, limited to 0.15 m/s, and so may not be suitable for users with some disabilities.
Ideally they should have opposing doors, or doors at 90 degrees, so that wheelchair users can leave them without having to reverse.
They should be at least:
- 800 mm wide and 1,250 mm deep where they are not enclosed and are for unaccompanied wheelchair users.
- 900 mm wide and 1,400 mm deep where they are enclosed and are for unaccompanied wheelchair users.
- 1,100 mm wide and 1,400 mm deep where doors are at 90 degrees, they are enclosed and are for accompanied wheelchair users.
In exceptional circumstances in existing buildings, a wheelchair platform may be considered as an alternative. See Wheelchair platform for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Access and inclusion in the built environment: policy and guidance.
- Approved document M.
- Escalator.
- Firefighting lift.
- Hoists.
- How do platform lifts work?
- How to use a ladder.
- Inclusive design.
- Lifting device.
- Lifts.
- Lifts and Their Special Operating Modes.
- Lifts for office buildings.
- Liftway.
- Post lift.
- Ramps.
- Smart elevators.
- Stairs.
- The importance of service lifts.
- The science of lifts.
- Wheelchair platform.
- Work at height.
- Working platform.
- Working platforms for tracked plant: good practice guide to the design, installation, maintenance and repair of ground-supported working platforms.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.