Low pit lifts
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Lifts are required in a great variety of settings and buildings. This has led to the need for installations that can be accommodated in environments that may have previously been unable to house a lift. A low pit lift offers a solution to the problem of previously unsuitable locations, allowing for the installation of lifts in more settings.
[edit] Low pit lift uses
The standard design of lifts requires a pit which allows space for the mechanical element of the installation. In the past, if a setting was unable to provide suitable space for a pit, the installation of the lift would not have been possible.
This inability to provide a pit may be likely in:
- Updates to listed buildings
- Shopping centres
- Homes
- Public buildings
- Educational buildings
A low pit lift or a pitless lift can allow for improved disabled access in buildings which may have been impossible to navigate previously.
[edit] Limitations
While low pit lifts have a huge range of applications, it is worth noting that they are limited in the speed they can travel, which is restricted to 0.15m/s according to a notified body certification.
[edit] Benefits
Low pit lifts have many benefits which have made them popular for a number of applications:
- Listed buildings often have plenty of rules and regulations to meet before they are able to make changes or updates to the building itself. This means that the excavation required for the installation of a regular lift may cause too much disruption to the original structure. However, a low pit lift can be installed with a pit as shallow as 120mm.
- The installation of a lift can often be disruptive, particularly during the pit excavation. This is significantly reduced when installing a pitless or low pit lift. For this reason, the low pit lift is often a popular choice for shopping centres and educational buildings, as disruption to business or learning is minimised.
- Lifts are often installed in homes, particularly when access is needed for an individual with mobility issues. Home installations are often restricted in terms of space, so a low pit lift can fit into a smaller space which may not be able to accommodate a standard lift.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Lifts and Escalators: A Quality Perspective.
- Lifts for Buildings.
- Disabled Access Lifts.
- The World’s Fastest Lifts.
- Considerations When Installing a Residential Lift.
- Updating Listed Buildings.
--Nathan Massey 14:25, 11 Jul 2017 (BST)
Featured articles and news
Extended reality in a post-pandemic world.
Can XR technology be leveraged in design & construction?
Or are you capping.
STEM ambassadors needed for ICE CityZen award.
Digital gaming competition for UK students aged 16 to 18.
Heritage protection in England vs Australia.
Fire doors and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
Three-quarters of fire doors fail inspections
UN International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.
The role of geoparks, biospheres and world heritage sites.
BSRIA conference 2022, June 23.
Just one month to go ! Find out more here.
Restoring Broadbent’s Bath House
A new gallery for the University of Huddersfield.
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.
The green jobs delivery group.
CIAT commentary after the first meeting.
Liverpool's world heritage site status
Who is to blame?
Research recommends focussing on portfolio success rather than project success.