BS 6440:2011 Headlines

Posted: 23rd March 2011

BS 6440:2011 – Powered Vertical Lifting Platforms having non-enclosed or partially enclosed liftways, intended for use by persons with impaired mobility – Specification

Following 12 months of intense consultation and redrafting, the new BS 6440:2011 was submitted to the BSI (MHE/4) for their approval. All comments received were considered and the draft standard was approved for publication.

This revision changes the standard from a code of practice to a specification and importantly although not a Harmonised European standard it meets the essential health and safety requirements of Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

This now means that the latest standard in the public domain is BS 6440:2011. This is the standard which should be referred to for all new lift applications that fall within its scope. The document was published 31st August 2011.

For Specifiers, Purchasers and Users of platform lifts, the major changes are highlighted below:-

Significant Amendments to BS 6440:2011

1. Scope
The maximum travel has been changed to 3 metres and now applies to any application domestic or public access

• No requirement for full height upper level door or enclosure

• Currently this contravenes the current Building Regulations, which was based on the superseded standard we believe these will be amended in line with the latest standards in a forthcoming amendment.

9.1 Carrier Construction – Protection of access sides

• Public Access Applications
• A carrier gate / barrier shall be provided at the lower level access side of the carrier, with dimensions as follows:-
• For travels up to 1000mm, the gate / barrier shall be 900 -1100mm high and shall have an intermediate bar and 100mm high kick plate
• For travels over 1000mm the carrier gate / barrier shall be not less than 1100mm high and shall provide effective guarding which will not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through any openings.

For many years Terry lifts have mounted the argument that no public access lift should be installed without a carriage gate. Now this argument has been ratified by both BSi and the CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers) in their recently published Guide to Vertical Transportation. The introduction of this standard will ensure that all types of users with impaired mobility can be assured of travelling in safety even when unfamiliar with the environment they find themselves in.

9.10.3 – Carrier construction for domestic use – the new BS 6440:2011 standard differentiates domestic applications and recognises the use of arrestor bars and bridging steps rather than gates or barriers. This applies to lifting heights less than 1 metre, where there is a trained wheelchair user and the lift is fitted with key locking to prevent un-authorised use. This enables the traditional Step Lift to continue to be used as a cost effective solution where often other solutions are not suitable.

To find out more about Terry Group products and services, visit: www.terrylifts.co.uk
For more information about Terry Lifts, contact:
John McSweeney, Sales & Marketing Director, Terry Group Ltd, Longridge Trading Estate, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 8PR
Telephone 0845 365 5366.
E-mail: jmcsweeney@terrylifts.net

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