Why standards are important
Stairlifts and platform lifts are machines that transport people – many of whom have limited mobility. Accordingly, the requirements for safety, reliability and operability are strict.
In Europe, there are two levels for this:
EU laws / directives
– especially the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (future Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230) with so-called “essential health and safety requirements” (EUR-Lex+1)
European standards (EN)
– e.g. EN 81-40 and EN 81-41, which describe very specifically how a lift must be designed and installed so that these legal requirements are met (iTeh Standards+1)
For end customers, this means:
Products that have been developed according to these rules and are correctly CE-marked operate at a clearly defined and verified safety level.
EN 81-40 – Stairlifts & inclined platform lifts
The standard EN 81-40:2020 is entitled:
“Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts – Special lifts for the transport of persons and goods – Part 40: Stairlifts and inclined lifting platforms intended for persons with impaired mobility” (iTeh Standards+1).
Who does it affect?
- Seated stairlifts
- Inclined platform lifts (e.g. along a staircase)
Central topics
Crush andpinch protection
Safety bars, contours, safety distances, obstacle detection – everything to ensure that no one is caught or trapped.
Driving behavior and load-bearing capacity
Requirements for platform size, load capacity and speed so that the journey is smooth and controlled.
Operability and comprehensibility
Position and design of controls, emergency stop, labeling and pictograms – important for elderly and disabled users.
Emergencies andpower failure
Specifications for how the lift must behave in the event of a fault or power failure (e.g. defined standstill, emergency stop), as well as requirements for emergency stop and emergency release (normsplash.com+1).
EN 81-41 – Vertical platform lifts
The standard EN 81-41 deals with vertically moving platform lifts for people with limited mobility. It is also called: “Vertical lifting platforms intended for use by persons with impaired mobility” (leia.co.uk+1).
Typical applications:
- Platform lifts that travel vertically over several levels
- Solutions in single-family homes, public buildings, practices, etc.
Central topics
Accessibility
Minimum dimensions of the platform, door widths, thresholds – so that wheelchairs and aids can move safely.
Shaft and enclosure
Requirements for shaft walls, doors, enclosure heights and locks so that no one can fall into shafts or gain unauthorized access.
Operation and displays
Clearly structured controls, easily recognizable display functions, possibly taking into account visual/hearing impairments.
Safety and rescue
Specifications for emergency call concepts, emergency lowering and protection against unwanted movements (HSE+1).
Machinery Directive and standards – which comes first?
It is important to understand the legal classification:
- EU legislation is at the top
The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (or the future Machinery Regulation) lays down the basic health and safety requirements.
First and foremost, a manufacturer must carry out a risk assessment and ensure that its machine meets these requirements. Legislation.gov.uk+1 - The standards come next – as a tool
Standards such as EN 81-40 and EN 81-41 are so-called harmonized standards for the Machinery Directive. They translate the rather abstract requirements of the directive into concrete technical solutions (e.g. exact dimensions, circuit diagrams, test procedures). iTeh Standards+1- If a manufacturer complies with these standards, it generally enjoys the so-called presumption of conformity: It is assumed that the legal requirements are met. osha.europa.eu
- Standards are formally “voluntary”, but in practice they represent the recognized state of the art.
In short:
First comes the legal framework (Machinery Directive), followed by the risk assessment – and the standards are the most important tool for implementing the requirements cleanly in practice.
When does the Machinery Directive apply and when does the Lifts Directive apply?
Classic passenger lifts with a higher speed and a fixed shaft are generally covered by the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU. Legislation.gov.uk
Stairlifts and many platform lifts (typically with a speed of ≤ 0.15 m/s), on the other hand, are classified as machines and are subject to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC in conjunction with the EN standards mentioned. Legislation.gov.uk+1
For the end customer, this is ultimately reflected in the CE marking and the associated documents.
What is an EC-Type Examination?
The EC-Type Examination – called “EC type-examination” in the Machinery Directive – is a testing procedure by an independent, notified body (e.g. TÜV).
The official definition in Annex IX of the Machinery Directive can be simplified as follows:
A notified body checks and confirms that a representative sample (type) of a machine meets the requirements of the directive. Legislation.gov.uk+1
When is an EC-Type Examination necessary?
- It is mandatory for certain “particularly dangerous” machines that are listed in Annex IV of the Machinery Directive (e.g. certain saws, presses, safety components). osha.europa.eu+1
- In these cases, the manufacturer must either:
- have an EC-Type Examination carried out by a notified body or
- set up an approved quality assurance system (e.g. full quality assurance in accordance with Annex X).
For other machines, the EC-Type Examination is not mandatory, but can be used voluntarily – e.g. to give customers or authorities an additional, independent confirmation of safety.
Important:
Whether a specific lift system falls within the scope of mandatory EC-Type Examination depends on its classification and design. The manufacturer assesses this on the basis of the directive, the standards and, if necessary, in consultation with a notified body.
What does that mean for end customers?
If you as a user come across terms such as EN 81-40, EN 81-41, Machinery Directive or EC-Type Examination, this primarily means:
- Your lift is based on safety rules harmonized throughout Europe.
- Typical risks (falls, crushing, incorrect journeys, power failure) are systematically considered and technically addressed.
- There is a risk assessment, technical documentation and CE marking – and for certain types of machinery, possibly also a test by an independent body. Legislation.gov.uk+1
In short: These rules are there to ensure that you can rely on the safety and reliability of your lift.
What does this mean for specialists & planners?
For architects, specialist planners and executing companies, standards and guidelines provide:
- Clear framework conditions for shaft design, entrances, door situations and enclosures.
- Specifications for safety distances, escape routes, emergency call and emergency release concepts.
- A binding state of the art that facilitates coordination with authorities and testing organizations.
- The certainty that a product designed in accordance with EN 81-40/41 is fundamentally in line with European law – provided it is installed and operated correctly.
Lehner supplements this with:
- Planning documents, CAD/BIM data and tender specifications
- Technical support for special installation situations
- and – depending on the product – testing and conformity documents that you can use in project communication.
Note:
This page provides an understandable summary, but does not replace individual legal advice. For binding interpretations, the original text of the directives and standards as well as national implementations and official requirements are always decisive.