Modern lift systems are designed to meet strict safety and performance standards. For building owners, facilities managers, and duty holders, understanding how these standards apply helps ensure lifts are not only compliant at installation but remain safe throughout their operational life.
Two of the most important standards in the lift industry are EN 81-20 and EN 81-50. Together, they form the foundation of modern lift safety requirements across the UK and Europe.
1. What Are EN 81-20 and EN 81-50?
EN 81-20 sets out the technical and safety requirements for the construction and installation of lifts. It defines how lifts must be built and installed to ensure passenger and engineer safety.
EN 81-50 complements this by covering the testing, examination, and certification of lift components. It outlines the procedures for verifying that parts such as brakes, doors, buffers, and control systems meet the required safety levels.
Together, these standards replaced the older EN 81-1 and EN 81-2 regulations in 2014, providing a unified framework that reflects advances in lift technology and safety design.
2. Why These Standards Were Introduced
The lift industry evolves rapidly, with new materials, digital controls, and design practices emerging every year. The previous standards no longer met the demands of modern buildings or the expectations of passengers.
EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 were introduced to:
- Strengthen passenger and engineer safety.
- Improve accessibility for users with disabilities.
- Standardise testing and documentation across Europe.
- Support the integration of modern control and monitoring systems.
By creating clearer, more comprehensive requirements, these standards ensure lifts are designed and installed to meet the highest levels of safety and reliability.
3. Key Safety Improvements in EN 81-20
EN 81-20 introduced several key safety improvements compared to older standards:
- Enhanced door safety: Modern sensors prevent doors from closing on passengers.
- Improved car lighting: Minimum lighting levels are specified for greater visibility.
- Better accessibility: Car and landing controls must be positioned and designed for use by all passengers, including wheelchair users.
- Fire protection: Materials and components must meet stricter fire resistance criteria.
- Safer working spaces: Clear dimensions for pit and headroom areas make maintenance safer for engineers.
These updates not only improve safety but also enhance the overall passenger experience.
4. EN 81-50: Component Testing and Certification
While EN 81-20 focuses on lift construction and installation, EN 81-50 governs the testing and verification of components. It defines how lift parts must be examined to ensure they meet performance and safety standards before installation.
Testing covers critical components such as:
- Safety gears and buffers
- Overspeed governors
- Suspension ropes and chains
- Braking systems
Manufacturers and engineers must document all test procedures and results. This traceability ensures that every lift component used in an installation or refurbishment project complies with recognised European safety benchmarks.
5. How LOLER Relates to EN 81 Standards
In the UK, compliance doesn’t end once a lift is installed. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) require that all lifts are kept in safe working order and thoroughly examined at regular intervals — typically every six months for passenger lifts.
While EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 govern design, installation, and component testing, LOLER governs ongoing inspection, use, and maintenance. Together, they form a complete safety framework:
| Aspect | EN 81-20 / EN 81-50 | LOLER |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Design, installation, and component testing | Safe use, inspection, and maintenance |
| Applies When | Installing or modernising lifts | Operating existing lifts |
| Responsibility | Manufacturers and installers | Building owners and duty holders |
| Purpose | Ensures lifts are built safely | Ensures lifts remain safe to use |
Regular LOLER inspections help identify risks in older lifts that may not meet current EN standards. Upgrading systems through modernisation can bridge these gaps and ensure long-term compliance. You can find out more LOLER inspections here.
6. What This Means for Building Owners
Building owners are responsible for keeping lifts safe and compliant. Even if a lift predates EN 81-20 or EN 81-50, modernisation can help align older systems with today’s safety expectations.
Key upgrades may include:
- Door protection systems and light curtains.
- Updated safety gear and overspeed governors.
- Improved car lighting and communication systems.
- New emergency lowering or alarm features.
At Deltron Lifts, we offer full compliance audits and modernisation services that address these safety areas while keeping disruption to a minimum.
7. Future-Proofing Through Compliance
Ensuring your lifts meet EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 standards protects equipment, passengers, engineers, and your organisation’s reputation. Compliance also supports insurance and regulatory requirements, helping avoid costly downtime or penalties.
Modern lift systems designed and maintained to these standards provide better reliability, lower energy use, and greater peace of mind for building owners.
For ongoing maintenance and compliance support, explore our lift maintenance services page.
Conclusion
EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 represent the benchmark for lift design, testing, and installation safety. When combined with regular LOLER inspections, they ensure lifts remain safe, efficient, and compliant throughout their lifespan.
Deltron Lifts works with building owners and facilities managers to assess compliance gaps and modernise lift systems to meet the latest standards.
Talk to our team today to ensure your lifts meet EN 81-20, EN 81-50, and LOLER requirements for safety and reliability.