A Lift or Elevator is a mechanical device designed to vertically transport people or goods between
floors in a building. It typically consists of a guided car or platform, enclosed or open, which
moves within a shaft using electric motors, hydraulic mechanisms, or counterweight systems.
Lifts are governed by standards and codes to ensure safety, reliability, efficiency, and
accessibility. The following norms are generally applicable in India:
RELEVANT STANDARDS & CODES:
1. National Building Code of India (NBC), 2016 – Part 8, Section 5
o Specifies provisions for lifts and escalators in buildings.
2. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – IS Codes:
o IS 14665: Design and installation of electric lifts
o IS 14671: Hydraulic lifts
o IS 15259: Lifts for persons with disabilities
o IS 15330: Firefighters’ lifts
o IS 15785: Safety provisions for maintenance
REQUIREMENTS AS PER NORMS:
Parameter Standard Requirements
Minimum Lift Size 1100 mm × 1400 mm (6-person lift)
(Passenger)
Lift Speed 0.7–1.0 m/s for residential; up to 2.5 m/s or more for
commercial/high-rise
Lift Capacity 4–20 persons (320 kg – 1360 kg), depending on building type
Door Type Automatic, center-opening preferred; should remain open for min.
20 seconds
Accessibility Braille buttons, auditory signals, minimum 800 mm door width (as
per accessibility norms)
Power Backup Essential for high-rise and hospital lifts
Fire Lift Mandatory above 15 m height; fire-resistant shaft, backup power,
landing call switches
Pit and Overhead As per IS 14665 based on lift speed and shaft configuration
Clearance
Lift Shaft Ventilation Properly ventilated as per fire safety norms
OBSERVATIONS / DATA:
Parameter Observed Details
Building Type (e.g., Educational / Commercial /
Residential)
Location of Lift (Block/wing/floor, etc.)
Number of Floors (e.g., Ground + 3)
Served
Lift Type (Electric / Hydraulic / Fireman’s Lift
/ Goods Lift)
Lift Manufacturer (e.g., OTIS, KONE, Johnson,
Schindler)
Rated Capacity (e.g., 6 persons / 408 kg)
Rated Speed (e.g., 1.0 m/s)
Cabin Dimensions (e.g., 1100 mm × 1400 mm)
Door Type (Manual / Automatic – Center or
Side Opening)
Door Width (e.g., 800 mm – suitable for
wheelchair access?)
Control System (Manual Push Button /
Microprocessor-Based / Smart
Panel)
Display System (Digital floor display, Voice
Announcement – Yes/No)
Safety Features (Overload sensor, emergency
alarm, intercom, brake system,
etc.)
Power Backup Present (Yes / No – UPS / DG backup)
Last Maintenance Date (As per logbook or sticker on lift
panel)
Compliance with (Yes / No – Braille, voice alert,
Accessibility Norms adequate door width)
Fire Lift Designation (if (Yes / No – confirm with signage or
any) building plan)
Ventilation in Shaft (Yes / No / Partially – Natural or
mechanical)
License & Safety (Valid / Expired – mention expiry
Certificate Validity date if known)
