The Importance of Service Lifts
Contents |
Introduction
Installed in a wide variety of businesses and buildings, service lifts are suitable for almost every environment. Aiding in the facilitation of the transportation of goods, service lifts offer a more flexible solution than other lifts due to not being intended for human use.
Utilising electric traction for movement, service lifts have a reduced weight capacity. Vital for industries with requirements such as low headrooms and reduced pits, these lifts are capable of being installed in only a few days.
Without compromising safety and security, service lifts transport goods between multi-storey buildings in an efficient and timely way.
Some of the types of buildings that benefit from service lifts include the following:
Service lifts allow for space optimisation as they occupy less space than other lifts. Following building regulations and adapting to a business’ needs, service lifts help to improve the level of productivity.
Dumb Waiter Lifts
Also known as food lifts and micro-lifts, dumb waiter lifts are the preferred choice for transporting food between floors. Dating back to approximately 200 BC, dumb waiter lifts were used by the Romans to carry goods. In the 1840s, the mechanical version of the lift was invented by New Yorker inventor George W Cannon.
Previously human-powered, dumb waiter lifts evolved to electric-motorised versions in the 1920s due to the Industrial Revolution. With different building and regulation requirements in the 21st century, the necessity for state-of-the-art dumb waiter lifts has increased.
Trolley Lifts
Unlike dumb waiter lifts, trolley lifts are utilised for situations in which larger and heavier loads need to be transported. Commonly required in commercial buildings, retail, and hotels, trolley lifts can service as many floors as dumb waiter lifts. Although slightly slower, trolley lifts are easily installed and sturdy.
Whether leaf gated, single-hinged or locked variants, doors easily meet the varied requirements for loads and building sizes.
With minimal physical strain, trolley lifts reduce the physical stress of carrying and transporting heavy goods in multi-storey buildings.
Find Out More
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Considerations When Installing a Commercial Lift.
- Considerations When Installing a Residential Lift.
- Escalator.
- Firefighting lift.
- Lifting device.
- Lifting platform.
- Lifts and Escalators: A Quality Perspective.
- Lifts and Their Special Operating Modes.
- Lifts for buildings.
- Lifts for office buildings.
- Smart elevators.
--Nathan Massey 14:38, 11 Jul 2017 (BST)
Featured articles and news
Grenfell Tower fire – eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.