Proudly Designed and Manufactured in Britain
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
9.1 Carrier Construction – Protection of access sides
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
Highest quality
and safety standards
Member of LEIA (Lifts
& Escalator Industry Association)
Proudly Designed and
Manufactured in Britain