What is BS7255:2023?
BS7255 is the Code of Practice for Safe Working on Lifts. Recognised as the industry benchmark by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was recently revised in 2023. The code provides guidance on lift safety, ensuring that only trained and competent individuals work on or around lifts.
Who Can Work on Lifts?
BS7255:2023 specifies that individuals working on or near lift-related equipment, including lift wells, shafts, machinery spaces, pulley rooms or lift lobbies, must possess demonstrable competence in basic lift safety. Alternatively, they must be under the direct supervision of a qualified lift engineer.
A competent person, according to the code, is defined as a ‘Lift Engineer’ who holds:
- A minimum of NVQ Level 3 in Lift Engineering Maintenance
- EOR 202 certification: ‘Working Safely in a Lift Engineering Environment’
Anyone lacking these qualifications should not enter or work in these areas.
Restricted Access
Access to areas such as machinery spaces, lift shafts, wells and pulley rooms is strictly controlled. Individuals without demonstrable competence should only enter under the following conditions:
- When supervised at all times by a qualified lift engineer.
- When the lift has been mechanically and electrically locked by a lift engineer.
- When conducting a safe passenger release procedure (see below for training requirements).
Responsibilities of Lift Owners
BS7255:2023 outlines that lift owners must establish a ‘rescue service’ for the release of trapped passengers. This responsibility includes:
- Appointing a competent lift contractor to attend and release trapped passengers.
- If a contractor is unavailable, utilising trained personnel from within their organisation.
- Ensuring the fire rescue services are not used for routine lift passenger releases.
- Arranging for the selected ‘Rescue Service’ to have sufficient trained personnel available 24/7.
Passenger Release Training
Passenger release training must be specific to the types of lifts in a given premises. The training should be provided only to authorised individuals who:
- Have been verified as competent.
- Have undergone training from an instructor with detailed knowledge of lift rescue procedures and experience in a lift engineering environment.
- Have been trained by a ‘Trainer’ who is competent within the industry, as per BS7255.
Here at Rise Compliance, the Managing Director, Kris McGough completes all passenger release training. With 26 years of experience as a Lift Engineer, he is also a qualified LEIA Lift Engineering Assessor and a CAVA Level 3 Engineering Trainer. This means he exceeds the requirements for those needing training.
If a lift owner chooses to use their own staff for passenger rescue, a risk assessment must be conducted to determine whether the trapped passengers face greater risk from remaining in the lift or being released by trained non-lift personnel. BS7255:2023 highlights that trapped passengers are not usually in imminent danger, although they may experience anxiety or discomfort. While prompt action is required, safety procedures must not be rushed as hasty releases could compromise safety protocols.
Risk Assessments
A dynamic risk assessment should be conducted for all trapped passengers, considering their medical needs throughout the process. Additionally, individuals working on lifts or performing passenger release must participate in ongoing professional development, including:
- Regular toolbox talks
- Health and safety training
- Skills and technical training
- Product-specific training
Following a risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) at all times is essential for maintaining safety standards.
Ongoing Training and Maintenance
Annual refresher training is required to ensure continued competency. Furthermore, lift owners must:
- Include rescue equipment (keys, wheels, levers, brake-opening devices, battery-assisted rescue devices, etc.) in their maintenance schedules or planned preventative maintenance (PPM) checks.
- Ensure rescue equipment remains available, operational, and stored within the lift machine room at all times.
- Keep site-specific instructions for safe passenger release easily accessible.
BS7255:2023 provides clear and structured guidelines for lift safety, ensuring that only trained and competent individuals work on or around lifts. By adhering to these regulations, lift owners and engineers can create a safer working environment and ensure the swift and secure release of trapped passengers when necessary.