Tightened standards for lift operators

Passenger transport systems will be more strictly examined from 2021. Modernisation and modern emergency call systems will therefore become increasingly important in 2020.

The Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV) has made the regulations for lift operators considerably more demanding for lifts used by people. Since lifts are regarded for the most part as work equipment, operators have to check lifts more strictly and if necessary update them to the latest standard.

For example, an effective two-way communication system has to have been installed in the car from 1 January 2021 and be constantly accessible via an emergency service. Corresponding solutions are described in DIN EN 81-28. Incidentally, the communication system can also operate with a mobile communications connection to the emergency service. Consequently, an expensive landline is no longer needed.

A test every three days

According to DIN EN 81-28, the terminal triggering the emergency call has to simulate an emergency call every three days. The emergency call control centre has to evaluate and document this test and recognise faults.

This applies to all lifts used for economic or commercial purposes by people and includes all lifts with which people are transported, i.e. also cargo lifts and paternosters.

The latest technology is mandatory

The most important change: operators of systems subject to monitoring are now treated the same as employers. As a result, the liability law consequences will increase for many of those responsible for lifts. Everyone is obliged to operate the lift according to the current state of technology at the time of it was installed. Consequently, anyone planning modernisation of a communication system on account of BetrSichV should implement the current EN 81-28.

Even if the legislature has provided for a deadline for retrofitting up to the end of this year, tackling installation of the emergency call system at short notice is advisable. The operator is already liable today if rescuing a trapped person cannot initiated in good time.

But what could a solution that meets the requirements and standards look like? Intercom systems with remotely triggered emergency call buttons meet the new requirements. An emergency call can be simulated at regular intervals with them; the emergency call control centre can acknowledge and log their receipt. Supplementary microphone tests ensure highly available lift communication. These detect errors and communicate them to the emergency call query centre or a central malfunction centre. The results of the test have to be understandably recorded there – as demanded by the BetrSichV.

Direct fault detection

Lift intercom systems, such as those from Commend, provide the advantage of permanent line monitoring. Every telephone terminal reports errors directly to the responsible control centre. In addition, the telephone terminal in the car indicates errors by flashing LED pictograms in a rhythm specified by the standard as well as errors detected by the automatic testing of the emergency call installation. The intercom system logs the entire test; only faults are reported immediately.

This can also be worthwhile for the operator, since the maintenance personnel no longer have to test the emergency call equipment of the lifts manually, which can optimise personnel and maintenance costs.

In addition, not all components have to be replaced: the intercom systems adjust to the existing infrastructure. Existing loudspeakers, microphones and displays can almost always be connected to a new emergency call telephone terminal. Only the emergency call button has to be replaced. Consequently, the manufacturer-specific design is retained overall, which many operators prefer.

Michael Schenkelberg
The author is the sales and marketing director of Schneider Intercom

Weitere Informationen:schneider-intercom.de