Noida: Elevators are medium to decrease human effort and make movement across multiple floors seamless. However, adherence to the rules of installing lifts or elevators in residential societies is critical as these norms directly affect the safety and security of the residents and users of a building.
Lifts are no more a premium feature but a basic necessity
The usage of lifts has become common in residential buildings of more than two floors. With builders to residents, all opting for lifts, it is important to stay up-to-date with the Indian lift regulations.
Number or size of lifts required in a building
No regulations specify any mandatory requirements as far as the number of lifts is concerned. For buildings higher than 15 m, there is a need for an eight-passenger fire lift (with automatic doors and speed sufficient to reach the top floor in 60 seconds), and other requirements as per the Fire Prevention Act and rules of each State.
Penalty for breaching lift regulations
The Electrical Inspector, along with Assistant Electrical Inspectors, are responsible for taking action against defaulters. There is also a penalty clause in the Bombay Lifts Act, 1939, which imposes a fine of Rs 500 for any breach of the Act or Rules made thereunder, as well as a fine of Rs 50 for each day following the first day when the breach continues. But Noida still awaits the lift act, so this is not here just now.
In Delhi NCR, the Inspector inspects lifts in all buildings to ensure they comply with the Delhi Lift Rules, 1942. In addition to issuing licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to lift adhering to the provisions of the Act, the Inspector also issues notices to defaulters for rectification of defects.
A building of over 13 m in height should have a lift
The lift should be provided from the ground floor with a capacity of a maximum of six persons. It is recommended to use IS-compliant lifts and escalators for the safety of equipment and passengers in States where a Lift Act is not defined. As per IS 15259:2002 Clause 5, a home lift shall have a load capacity of not less than 204 kg (three passengers) and not more than 272 kg (four passengers), and a car speed not exceeding 0.2 m per second. Also, a two-person lift is not recommended for various technical reasons.
Annual Maintenance Contract
The government has mandated AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) lifts from a qualified-licensed elevator. It is also necessary for security and convenience.
Breakdown of Lift
In such a scenario, immediately contact the helpline number to connect with lift repair services. They will provide you with the necessary information, know-how, and tools necessary to fix your lift as soon as possible.
Elevator rules
While there are many norms to be followed, maintaining the weight limit is the most important to avoid accidents. Also, do not use an elevator if the fire alarm has gone off.
Average lifespan of an elevator
With proper regular upkeep, an elevator can have a lifespan of about 20-25 years.
This long pending law would come into effect with great hope of better governance for the Operation and maintenance of Lifts and also the accountability of people responsible for its smooth functioning. A welcome step indeed for residents of high-rise society along with for high-rise commercial complexes.
The law brings in its importance for sustainable living in high-rise societies. It is also expected to bring in accountability from lift manufacturers with proper quality checks and controls in the system. This would also help in the initial installation stages to have better quality lifts and also address the need for timely upgradation and safety recommendations and safety norms for lift commuters.
There is a need of Auto Rescue Devices
Rajiva Singh, a resident of sector 50 says, ” Lift being the lifeline of condominiums, some of the key features needed for safety is proper functioning of ARD ( Auto Rescue Devices ), proper communication systems between people stuck in lifts and security/ rescue teams ( as mobile networks are not functional in closed lifts ), avoiding free falls, upgrading older lifts, life of lifts, alarm systems .etc
The ultimate challenge however would be to execute these laws in the true spirit with proper checks and balances in the system to avoid any future mishaps.