What You Need To Know About Lift Rules In India?

October 4th, 2023

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Introduction: Elevator Regulations In India

Elevator regulations in India are crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of vertical transportation systems. These regulations encompass various aspects, from installation and maintenance to safety standards. The Indian government has established guidelines to govern the elevator industry, with the primary aim of safeguarding the lives of millions of people who use elevators daily. In this article, we will delve into what you need to know about lift rules in India, providing up-to-date information from reliable sources to help you understand the regulations and their significance.

Key Legislation

Lifts in buildings must comply with these regulations to ensure safety and proper functioning. Here are some key points related to lift regulations in India:

• Lifts Acts and Rules: The construction, maintenance, and safe operation of lifts are governed by the Lifts Acts and Rules. These regulations are specific to certain states in India and outline the legal requirements for lifts within those jurisdictions.


• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): BIS sets national standards for elevators. These standards define the types of lifts, recommended dimensions, technical specifications, and testing methods. BIS also provides a code of practice for the installation, operation, and maintenance of passenger, goods, and service lifts.


• National Applicability: While BIS standards apply to elevator installations across the entire country, Lifts Acts are state-specific. Each state may have its own set of rules and regulations related to lifts.


• Safety Compliance: These regulations prioritise the safety of lift users. They encompass various aspects of lift design, installation, and maintenance to ensure that elevators are safe for passengers and comply with industry standards.

It's crucial for builders, property owners, and maintenance personnel to be aware of and follow these regulations to ensure the proper functioning and safety of lifts in India. Adhering to these standards helps prevent accidents and ensures a smooth and safe elevator experience for residents and users.

Government Approvals For Lift Installation In Buildings

Installing a lift in a building involves several important steps and government approvals, which can vary from state to state. Here's an overview of the process:

• Submit an Application: The owner of the complex, project, or building must submit an application to the relevant authorities to obtain two important licenses: a "licence to erect" (permission to install the lift) and a "licence to operate" (permission to use the lift).


• Certified Contractor: The installation and maintenance of the lift should be carried out by a certified contractor. This is a crucial requirement for the approval of the licenses.


• Validity Period Varies: The validity periods for both the "licence to erect" and the "licence to operate" can differ from state to state. Each state may have its own regulations regarding how long these licenses are valid.


• States Issuing Licenses: Currently, only ten states issue these licenses, and they include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh.


• Post-Installation Test: After the installation is completed, a post-installation test is required. This test ensures the lift's safety and security functions are working correctly, protecting passengers.


• Annual License Renewal: It's important to note that lifts are subject to annual license renewal. This means that the owner must periodically renew the licenses to comply with the lift regulations specific to the state in India where the building is located.

In summary, the process of installing a lift in a building involves obtaining government approvals, including licenses to erect and operate the lift. These licenses have varying validity periods depending on the state. Compliance with safety standards, certification of the contractor, and annual license renewal are all essential aspects of this process to ensure the safety and security of lift operations in India.

Elevator Requirements In Buildings

In India, there are no strict rules about how many elevators a building must have. Instead, there are some guidelines to figure this out.

Traffic Analysis Guidelines: These guidelines help decide how many elevators a building should have and how fast they need to be. They also determine how quickly an elevator should respond when someone presses the button.

The recommendations for elevators change depending on the type of building.

1. Buildings Taller than 15 Metres:

• These buildings need an eight-passenger fire elevator.


• This elevator should have automatic doors and be fast enough to reach the top floor in 60 seconds.

There are also other rules about fire safety that apply, which vary from state to state.

1. Buildings Taller than 30 Metres:

• If a building is more than 30 meters tall, it needs a special stretcher elevator. This is for medical emergencies.

In India, when a building has four or more stories above ground, it is a legal requirement to have a properly equipped lift. Here are the key points:

1. Mandatory Lift for Most Buildings: Virtually all buildings in India are required to have a lift, but the specifics vary depending on the number of stories and height.


2. Height-Based Requirement: If a building stands above 13 metres (approximately 43 feet), it must have a lift, according to lift regulations in India.


3. Nominal Capacity: The lift on the ground floor should have a nominal capacity for six people. This ensures adequate transportation capacity for residents or visitors.


4. Number of Lifts Based on Building Size: The number of lifts required may vary based on complex calculations that consider the National Building Code rules. This calculation helps determine the appropriate number of lifts needed to serve the building efficiently.

Rules Vary by State: The rules for elevators aren't the same everywhere in India. Each state might have slightly different rules. So, if you're planning a building, it's a good idea to talk to an expert who knows the rules in your area.

Get A Lift Permit For An Existing Building

Getting a permit for a lift (elevator) in an existing building varies from state to state in India. Here's a general idea of the procedure:

1. Check if a Permit is Required: Lift permits are only needed in certain states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. If your building is not in one of these states, you may not need a permit.


2. Consult the State's Lift Act: Each state has its own Lift Act that outlines the specific rules and procedures for obtaining a lift permit. You should refer to the Lift Act/rules of the state where your building is located for the exact process.


3. Understand the Requirements: Familiarise yourself with the requirements outlined in the State's Lift Act. This may include safety standards, fees, documentation, and timelines for obtaining the necessary permissions.


4. Submit an Application: Typically, you will need to submit an application to the relevant authorities. This application will include details about your existing building, the type of lift you want to install, and any required documentation.


5. Pay the Fees: There are usually fees associated with obtaining a lift permit. Make sure to pay these fees as per the fee structure mentioned in the State's Lift Act.


6. Inspection and Approval: After receiving your application, the authorities may conduct an inspection of the lift installation to ensure it meets safety standards. If everything is in order, they will grant you the necessary approvals.


7. Compliance with Guidelines: Ensure that your lift installation complies with the guidelines provided in the State's Lift Act. This may involve regular maintenance and safety checks.


8. Keep Records: It's essential to maintain records of your lift permit, inspection reports, and any other relevant documentation as required by the State's Lift Act.

Remember that the exact procedure can vary significantly from state to state, so it's crucial to consult the specific guidelines and regulations provided by your state's Lift Act to ensure compliance and a smooth permit procurement process.

Compliance With BIS For Lifts And Mirror Use

When it comes to lifts and their installations in India, it is essential to follow the guidelines set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. BIS Code of Practice: Adhering to the BIS code of practice is crucial for the proper installation and operation of lifts. These standards ensure safety and reliability.


2. Use of Mirrors Inside Elevators: Mirrors can be installed inside the elevator car, and this practice should align with the guidelines outlined in IS 14665, specifically in Section 4 or Section 3, clause 5.8. This ensures that mirrors are installed correctly and safely.


3. Safety of Mirrors: Mirrors inside elevators should be splinter-proof and designed in a way that they do not pose any harm to passengers in case of breakage or any abnormality. Safety is a top priority when using mirrors inside elevator cars.

By following these guidelines and adhering to the BIS standards, you can ensure the safe and compliant use of mirrors in elevators, promoting passenger safety and comfort.

Choose Safe Lifts And Escalators For Your Building

In states where there are no specific Lift Acts defined, it's highly recommended to use lifts and escalators that comply with Indian Standards (IS) for the safety of both the equipment and passengers. Here are some important standards to consider:

For Home Lifts:

• For home lifts, it's advisable to follow Indian Standards such as IS 14665 and IS 15259.


• If you're installing a machine room-less elevator, refer to IS 15785.


• If you're installing a hydraulic lift, consider IS 14671.

Load Capacity and Speed (IS 15259:2002):

• According to IS 15259:2002, a home lift should have a load capacity of at least 204 kg (equivalent to three passengers) and no more than 272 kg (equivalent to four passengers).


• The car speed for a home lift should not exceed 0.2 metres per second.

Avoid Two-Person Lifts:

• It's not recommended to install a two-person lift due to various technical reasons. Opt for lifts with a higher capacity for safety and efficiency.

By adhering to these Indian Standards, you can ensure that the lifts and escalators in your building meet safety requirements and provide a secure and reliable means of transportation for both equipment and passengers. Safety should always be a top priority in any building installation.

Considerations When Choosing A Lift And Improving Regulations

When selecting a lift for a building, there are several critical factors to consider, including:

• Weight and Capacity Requirements: Choose a lift that can handle the weight and capacity demands of the building. This ensures safe and efficient transportation for occupants.


• Occupant Number: Consider the number of occupants in the building to determine the lift's size and capacity. A larger building may require multiple lifts to handle the traffic.


• Traffic Conditions: Analyse traffic conditions within the building to determine the optimal number and size of lifts to minimise wait times for passengers.


• Speed: Determine the required lift speed based on the building's height and traffic patterns.


• Safety Features: Ensure the lift is equipped with essential safety features such as automated rescue systems, infrared door curtains, loading weighing devices, and mechanical safety mechanisms.


• Integrated Security Features: Consider integrated security features to enhance the safety and security of elevator operations.

Despite the lack of centralised regulation, there are still criteria that builders must follow when constructing a lift. However, there is a push for mandatory safety regulations in the lift and escalator industry, and organisations like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are working to bring consistency to these regulations. They aim to improve safety standards by collaborating with state authorities to establish and enforce comprehensive lift and escalator regulations. This will help ensure the safety and reliability of elevators and escalators in buildings across India.

Final Word

Elevator regulations in India play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of vertical transportation systems across the country. Staying informed about the latest rules and guidelines is essential for elevator manufacturers, building owners, and users to promote safety and compliance.

Source: timesproperty.com

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