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
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”