Fire-fighting & Evacuation Lifts
Built for emergencies, designed for safety…
Bridge Lifts are able to supply and install a range of emergency lifts and can even upgrade existing lifts into emergency lifts if required.
One question we get a lot is: Can lifts be used in the event of a fire and for evacuation? More often than not, lifts are not used in the event of a fire. The majority of lifts will go to ground level and shut down in the event of an alarm (in accordance with British Standard EN81-73: 2020; Behaviour of lifts in the event of a fire).
However, there is a range of passenger lifts that can aid the fire and rescue service and emergency evacuation in the event of an emergency.
We work with our customers across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and the wider East Midlands to ensure their teams fully understand their lifts, including safe operating procedures, while also providing guidance on potential upgrades to evacuation lifts.
What’s the difference between fire-fighting & evacuation lifts?
In UK buildings, specialist lifts play a vital role in fire safety. Unlike standard passenger lifts, which are taken out of service during a fire, firefighting lifts and evacuation lifts are designed to operate safely in emergency conditions—each serving a distinct purpose.
Firefighting Lifts
Firefighting lifts are used exclusively by the fire and rescue service. Built to standards such as BS EN 81-72, they include protected shafts, backup power, water-resistant components, and manual controls for firefighter use. These features ensure reliable operation, allowing emergency teams to move quickly and safely during an incident.
Evacuation Lifts
Evacuation lifts are designed to help occupants—particularly those with reduced mobility—exit a building safely. Built to BS EN 81-76, they feature fire protection, backup power, and communication systems, and are used as part of a controlled evacuation strategy.
Key Difference
Firefighting provides support for emergency response, while evacuation ensures a safe escape—both are essential to modern building safety.
What is a firefighters lift?
Helps comply with: BS EN81-72:2020 Safety rules for the construction & installation of lifts – Firefighters lifts
Description: Exclusive use of a passenger lift by the fire service to carry firefighters and their equipment to the required floors in the event of a fire.
Features:
- Interface between the lift control, fire detection and alarm system
- Trap doors and ladders for rescue operations
- Electrical components in the shaft and on the car are protected against water
- Emergency intercom system and lift operation
- Separate power supply (supplied by builder) to enable the lift to remain in use
Lift size: Typically 8 or 13 person passenger lifts
What is an evacuation lift?
Helps comply with: BS9999 and BS9991 that may include the lift as part of an evacuation strategy.
Description: Enables the use of a passenger lift by a designated warden in an evacuation strategy to evacuate those less ambulant.
Features:
- Interface between the lift control system, fire detection and alarm system to support the evacuation management strategy
- Emergency intercom system and lift operation
- Separate power supply to the lift (supplied by builder) to enable the lift to remain in use throughout the evacuation process
- Post handover, additional procedures by the owner are put in place and trained staff must be designated to manage the use of the lift
Lift size: Available from 8 person and up
We have a fantastic range of qualified engineers installing fire-fighting and evacuation lifts across the Midlands, helping our clients provide the right solution for their needs. Whilst the lift shaft and car size will remain the same as our passenger lifts, everyone can be uniquely configured and engineered to become an emergency lift. Get in touch with Bridge Lifts today for more information.
"Our goods lift is well over 30 years old and was giving us lots of problems, which were causing major issues with our production, as this is a major part of our production system. Bridge Lifts quoted a very reasonable price for a full refurbishment of the lift, which was carried out on time with minimum disruption to our production, in a very professional manner and to a very high standard. We have now been running the lift for over 9 months with no issues. We are very delighted with the lift and have put Bridge lifts on a maintenance contract for ongoing service and maintenance of this lift".
"Having used a national lift service company in the past, which was a negative experience overall, it is a great improvement to have the services of a local family company to service and maintain our lifts".
"The team at Bridge Lifts have been servicing our lifts across multiple sites, including luxury accommodation blocks and corporate offices, all to an exceptional standard. Pleasure to deal with, highly recommended!"
"Bridge Lifts have been a long-standing trusted contractor with Rushcliffe Care Group Limited, the quality of service, reliability and value for money is first rate. Great team and great service!"