By ILECS, Independent Lift & Escalator Consultants
As any property manager knows, staying on top of changing regulations is more than a box-ticking exercise; it’s about protecting people, maintaining operational continuity, and safeguarding reputations. The recently updated BS EN 81-76:2025 standard brings these priorities into sharper focus, especially where lift safety and emergency preparedness are concerned.
This standard, part of the BS EN 81 series that governs lift design and safety, specifically address how lifts should operate in emergencies, with a particular emphasis on evacuating people with reduced mobility. And with its 2025 update which went live in July it’s something every property manager should be aware of.
So, what is BS EN 81-76:2025?
Put simply, it’s a technical standard that sets out recommendations for evacuation lifts, those designed to be used by emergency personnel during incidents like fires where their use forms part of a defined evacuation strategy. The 2025 revision updates older guidance, accounting for advances in technology, better alignment with fire safety strategies, and a stronger focus on inclusivity.
Key changes include:
- Improved communication systems within lifts and lobbies during emergencies.
- More specific design guidance on car dimensions, lobby spaces and control systems.
- A greater emphasis on resilience, ensuring lifts can function during loss of power or building-wide incidents.
Why this matters for property managers
It’s easy to assume this is something for developers or engineers to worry about, but that’s a risky mindset.
Property managers are often the key link between building systems and end users. You’re responsible for ensuring your building remains safe, functional and compliant. If a lift doesn’t perform as expected during an emergency, fingers will point to those overseeing the asset. That includes you.
Even if you’re not actively commissioning new lifts, you may be:
- Refurbishing older equipment
- Involved in fire strategy reviews
- Planning upgrades or responding to tenant concerns about accessibility or evacuation
In any of these cases, understanding what BS EN 81-76:2025 requires and where your lifts stand in relation to it is critical.
Compliance isn’t always black and white
Let’s be clear: BS EN 81-76:2025 isn’t legislation. But that doesn’t mean it can be ignored.
It aligns closely with existing legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Requirements), and the Equality Act. So, while the standard itself might not be mandatory, following it helps demonstrate a best-practice approach to lift management, something regulators, insurers, and occupants increasingly expect.
What’s more, property managers who proactively assess and plan for compliance are far better positioned to avoid costly retrofits, legal disputes, or emergency failures.
Common misunderstandings
We’ve already seen confusion arise around this new standard. Some property managers assume:
- Their existing lifts are compliant by default
- The standard only applies to new builds
- Their lift contractor will “just take care of it”
Unfortunately, these assumptions can lead to exposure. Many lift systems were not designed with the 2025 revisions in mind. And not all lift contractors will highlight gaps, particularly if doing so means losing a maintenance contract or revealing costly shortfalls.
Designation as an evacuation lift is a building-level decision tied to the fire strategy, not something achieved by lift upgrades alone.
This is where independent advice becomes essential.
Where independent lift consultants come in
At ILECS, we help property managers navigate precisely these challenges. Our role is to interpret and apply standards like BS EN 81-76:2025 to your unique buildings, not just in theory, but in practice.
Whether you’re reviewing your fire safety strategy, upgrading a lift, or simply unsure where you stand, we can:
- Assess your existing lift systems for compliance and risk
- Advise on appropriate adaptations or upgrades
- Support full project delivery if new equipment is needed
- Ensure all advice is unbiased, commercially aware, and technically sound
With decades of experience across residential, commercial, and public buildings, our team understands the realities that property managers face: limited budgets, competing priorities, and operational constraints.
We’re here to make the complex standards like BS EN 81-72:2025 easy to understand, and even easier to act on.
Final thought: Don’t wait for a problem to arise
BS EN 81-76:2025 reflects the changing expectations around building safety, accessibility and resilience. It’s not just about the lifts; it’s about your role as a responsible property manager.
By staying informed and acting early, you can avoid surprises down the line, protect your tenants, and safeguard your building’s long-term value.
If you’re unsure how the new standard applies to your building, or want a professional, independent review, we’re here to help.
