A new norm for lift shaft smoke extraction

Lift shaft smoke extraction systems can save lives. Safe functioning of these installations requires the necessary expertise for planning, installation and maintenance. The new DIN EN 16763 standard must now be observed.

For over 20 years, electric lift shaft smoke extractions systems have been an essential part of lift infrastructure. Tens of thousands of installations have now been installed. Architects or lift planners usually carry out the planning.

These vital fire protection systems are usually installed and maintained by the local lift companies. However, the question of the "licence" required for such work has repeatedly arisen. The experience of experts has revealed that the companies and people doing the work often lack the expertise needed.

No "licence" up to now

In general, lift shaft smoke extraction systems must be planned while taking the fire protection concept and DIN EN 81 into account. Installation and maintenance of the smoke extraction system is carried out by electrical experts according to manufacturer guidelines while observing accident prevention regulations.

Up to now, there has been no "licence" for this kind of work on the fire protection system in the sense of a legal provision or general regulation.

DIN EN 16763 has now closed this gap. All of the requirements for service providers in each processing phase have now been described in the norm "Services for fire safety systems and safety systems." Lift shaft smoke extraction systems are completely covered by this standard.

Demonstrate the expertise required

Those involved in planning, installation and maintenance have to deal with DIN EN 16763 in order to make targeted provision for liability issues and demonstrate the expertise required.

The RAL Quality Association "GRW Rauch- und Wärmeabzugsanlagen e.V." provides a way of obtaining certification according to DIN EN 16763. The European standard has now been adopted in its quality statutes. As a result, certified companies obtain legal certainty on this point and are in addition entitled to use the accreditation logo. The first companies have already been certified.

Kurt Seifert
The author is the chairman of the management board of the RAL Quality Association "GRW Rauch- und Wärmeabzugsanlagen e.V." He was a member of the standardisation committee 16763.

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