EN 81-40:2008

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

1.1   This European Standard deals with safety requirements for construction, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and dismantling of electrically operated stairlifts (chair, standing platform and wheelchair platform) affixed to a building structure, moving in an inclined plane and intended for use by persons with impaired mobility:
- travelling over a staircase or an accessible inclined surface;
- intended for use by one person;
- whose carriage is directly retained and guided by a guide rail or rails;
- supported or sustained by chain, rack and pinion, screw and nut, friction traction drive, rope and ball.
1.2   The standard identifies hazards as listed in Clause 4 which arise during the various phases in the life of such equipment and describes methods for the elimination or reduction of these hazards when used as intended by the manufacturer.
1.3   This European standard does not specify the additional requirements for:
- operation in severe conditions (e.g. extreme climates, strong magnetic fields);
- lightning protection;
- operation subject to special rules (e.g. potentially explosive atmospheres);
- handling of materials the nature of which could lead to dangerous situations;
- use of energy systems other than electricity;
- hazards occurring during manufacture;
- earthquakes, flooding, fire;
- type C wheelchairs as defined in EN 12183 and/or EN 12184;
- evacuation during a fire;
- stairlifts for goods only;
- concrete, hardcore, timber or other foundation or building arrangement;
- design of anchorage bolts to the supporting structure.
NOTE   For the actual type of machinery, noise is not considered a significant nor relevant hazard.
1.4   This document is not applicable to power operated stairlifts which are manufactured before the date of publication of this document by CEN.

Sicherheitsregeln für die Konstruktion und den Einbau von Aufzügen - Spezielle Aufzüge für den Personen- und Gütertransport - Teil 40: Treppenschrägaufzüge und Plattformaufzüge mit geneigter Fahrbahn für Personen mit Behinderungen

1.1   Diese Europäische Norm enthält Sicherheitsanforderungen an die Konstruktion, Herstellung, den Einbau, die Wartung und die Demontage von elektrisch betriebenen Treppenschrägaufzügen (mit Sitz, Steh-plattform und Rollstuhlplattform), die an einem Gebäudeteil montiert sind, sich in einer geneigten Ebene bewegen und die für die Benutzung durch Personen mit eingeschränkter Beweglichkeit bestimmt sind:
   sie fahren über eine Treppe oder eine zugängliche, geneigte Oberfläche;
   sie sind zur Benutzung durch eine Person bestimmt;
   ihr Lastaufnahmemittel wird direkt von einer oder mehreren Führungsschiene(n) gehalten und geführt;
   sie werden durch Seile (5.4.4), Zahnstangen (5.4.5), Ketten (5.4.6) Spindeln (5.4.7), Friktionsantriebe (5.4.8) und einem Seil-Kugelantrieb (5.4.9) gestützt oder gehalten.
1.2   Diese Norm führt in der in Abschnitt 4 angegebenen Liste Gefahren auf, die in den verschiedenen Phasen der Lebensdauer dieser Anlagen auftreten, und beschreibt Verfahren zur Beseitigung oder Reduzierung dieser Gefahren, wenn diese wie vom Hersteller vorgesehen betrieben werden.
1.3   Diese Europäische Norm enthält keine zusätzlichen Anforderungen in Bezug auf:
   Betrieb unter erschwerten Bedingungen (z. B. extreme Klimabedingungen, starke Magnetfelder);
   Blitzschutz;
   Betrieb, für den besondere Regeln gelten (z. B. in explosionsfähigen Atmosphären);
   Umgang mit Materialien, die aufgrund ihrer Beschaffenheit gefährliche Situationen verursachen können;
   Verwendung von anderen als elektrischen Systemen zur Energieversorgung;
   Gefahren, die während der Herstellung auftreten;
   Erdbeben, Überschwemmung, Brandfall;
   Typ C Rollstühle nach EN 12183 und/oder EN 12184;
   Evakuierung im Brandfall;
                ausschließlich für Lasten bestimmte Treppenschrägaufzüge;
   Beton, Packlagen, Bauholz oder sonstige Gründungs  oder Baumaßnahmen;
   Auslegung und Bemessung der für die Verankerung im Tragwerk verwendeten Bolzen.

Règles de sécurité pour la construction et l'installation des élévateurs - Élévateurs spéciaux pour le transport des personnes et des charges - Partie 40: Ascensièges et plates-formes élévatrices inclinées à l'usage des personnes à mobilité réduite

1.1   La présente Norme européenne porte sur les prescriptions en matière de sécurité pour la construction, la fabrication, l’installation, la maintenance et le démontage des ascensièges électriques (fauteuil, plate-forme pour position debout et plate-forme pour fauteuil roulant) posés sur une structure de bâtiment, se déplaçant sur un plan incliné et destinés aux personnes à mobilité réduite :
   se déplaçant dans un escalier ou sur une surface inclinée accessible ;
   prévus pour être utilisés par une personne ;
   dont le chariot est directement retenu et guidé par un ou plusieurs rails de guidage ;
   supportés ou soutenus par câble de suspension (5.4.4), engrenage à crémaillère (5.4.5), chaîne de suspension (5.4.6), système de vis et d’écrous (5.4.7), entraînement par adhérence (5.4.8), et câble guidé et bille (5.4.9).
1.2   La norme identifie les phénomènes dangereux répertoriés dans l’Article 4 susceptibles de survenir lors des différentes phases de la durée de vie de l’équipement et décrit les méthodes d’élimination ou de réduction de ces phénomènes dangereux dans le cadre de l’utilisation prévue par le fabricant.
1.3   La présente Norme européenne ne précise pas les prescriptions supplémentaires en matière :
   de fonctionnement dans des conditions difficiles (conditions climatiques extrêmes, champs magnétiques importants, par exemple) ;
   de protection contre la foudre ;
   de fonctionnement soumis à des règles particulières (atmosphères explosibles, par exemple) ;
   de manipulation de matériaux, dont la nature pourrait provoquer des situations dangereuses ;
   d’utilisation de systèmes énergétiques autres que l’électricité ;
   de phénomènes dangereux se produisant lors de la fabrication ;
   de séismes, d’inondation, d’incendie ;
   de fauteuils roulants de type C tels que définis dans l’EN 12183 et/ou l’EN 12184 ;
   d’évacuation en cas d’incendie ;
   des plates-formes inclinées pour le transport des objets uniquement ;

Varnostna pravila za konstruiranje in vgradnjo dvigal (liftov) - Posebna dvigala za prevoz oseb in blaga - 40. del: Priprave za vzpenjanje po stopnicah in dvižne ploščadi z diagonalnim pomikanjem za osebe z omejenimi gibalnimi sposobnostmi

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 28-Oct-2008
• Withdrawal Date: 13-Apr-2025
• ICS: 11.180.10 - Aids and adaptation for moving
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 10 - Passenger, goods and service lifts
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 10 - Passenger, goods and service lifts
• Current Stage: 9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
• Start Date: 16-Sep-2020
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Directive: 2006/42/EC - Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast)
• Directive: 95/16/EC - European Parliament and Council Directive 95/16/EC of 29 June 1995 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to lifts
• Directive: 98/37/EC - Machinery
• Mandate: M/008 - Standardization mandate given to CEN concerning machinery presenting hazards due to the lifting or moving of persons
• Mandate: M/396 - Mandate to CEN and Cenelec for standardisation in the field of machinery
• Mandate: M/BC/CEN/92/3 - Standardization mandate assigned to CEN/CENELEC concerning Lifts
• Ref Project: SIST EN 81-40:2009 - 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

Relations

• Replaced By: EN 81-40:2020 - 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
• Effective Date: 23-Sep-2020

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2009
9DUQRVWQDSUDYLOD]DNRQVWUXLUDQMHLQYJUDGQMRGYLJDOOLIWRY3RVHEQDGYLJDOD]D
SUHYR]RVHELQEODJDGHO3ULSUDYH]DY]SHQMDQMHSRVWRSQLFDKLQGYLåQH
SORãþDGL]GLDJRQDOQLPSRPLNDQMHP]DRVHEH]RPHMHQLPLJLEDOQLPLVSRVREQRVWPL
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
Sicherheitsregeln für die Konstruktion und den Einbau von Aufzügen - Spezielle Aufzüge
für den Personen- und Gütertransport - Teil 40: Treppenschrägaufzüge und
Plattformaufzüge mit geneigter Fahrbahn für Behinderte
Regles de sécurité pour la construction et l'installation des élévateurs - Élévateurs
spéciaux pour le transport des personnes et des charges - Partie 40 : Ascensieges et
plates-formes élévatrices inclinées a l'usage des personnes a mobilité réduite
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 81-40:2008
ICS:
91.140.90 'YLJDOD7HNRþHVWRSQLFH Lifts. Escalators
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 81-40
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2008
ICS 11.180.10
English Version
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
Règles de sécurité pour la construction et l'installation des Sicherheitsregeln für die Konstruktion und den Einbau von
élévateurs - Élévateurs spéciaux pour le transport des Aufzügen - Spezielle Aufzüge für den Personen- und
personnes et des charges - Partie 40 : Ascensièges et Gütertransport - Teil 40: Treppenschrägaufzüge und
plates-formes élévatrices inclinées à l'usage des personnes Plattformaufzüge mit geneigter Fahrbahn für Behinderte
à mobilité réduite
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 25 July 2008.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 81-40:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword.4
1 Scope.6
2 Normative references.7
3 Terms and definitions .8
4 List of significant hazards .10
5 Safety requirements and/or protective measures.14
5.1 General.14
5.1.1 Introduction.14
5.1.2 Pattern of use.14
5.1.3 Access for maintenance, repair and inspection.14
5.1.4 Fire resistance.15
5.1.5 Rated speed.15
5.1.6 Rated load.16
5.1.7 Resistance to operating forces .17
5.1.8 Protection of equipment against harmful external influences.17
5.1.9 Guarding of equipment from mechanical damage.17
5.2 Guide rails and mechanical stops.18
5.2.1 Guide rails.18
5.2.2 Folding guide rails.18
5.2.3 Stairlift guide rail.18
5.2.4 Rail design.18
5.3 Safety gear and overspeed detection device.18
5.3.1 General.18
5.3.2 Control.19
5.3.3 Release.19
5.3.4 Access for inspection .19
5.3.5 Electrical checking.19
5.3.6 Overspeed detection device .19
5.3.7 Rotation monitor unit .19
5.3.8 Safety nut.20
5.4 Driving units and drive system .20
5.4.1 General requirements.20
5.4.2 Braking system.21
5.4.3 Emergency/manual operation.21
5.4.4 Additional requirements for rope suspension drive.22
5.4.5 Additional requirements for rack and pinion drive .23
5.4.6 Additional requirements for chain suspension drive .24
5.4.7 Additional requirements for screw and nut drive.24
5.4.8 Additional requirements for friction/traction drive .25
5.4.9 Additional requirements for guided rope and ball drive.25
5.5 Electrical installation and equipment .26
5.5.1 General.26
5.5.2 Drive contactors.28
5.5.3 Motor and brake circuits for stopping the machine and checking its stopped condition.28
5.5.4 Creepage and clearance distances and enclosure requirements .29
5.5.5 Protection against electrical faults .29
5.5.6 Electric safety devices.30
5.5.7 Time delay.31
5.5.8 Protection of the driving motor.31
5.5.9 Electrical wiring.31
5.5.10 Safety circuits.32
5.5.11 Residual current devices .33
5.5.12 Additional requirements for battery powered operation .33
5.5.13 Cableless controls.34
5.5.14 Control devices.34
5.5.15 Terminal limit switches and final limit electric safety devices .35
5.5.16 Emergency alarm devices and warning signals .36
5.5.17 Socket outlet .36
5.6 Carriage.36
5.6.1 Combined type of carriage .36
5.6.2 Chair.37
5.6.3 Carriage with standing platform .39
5.6.4 Carriage with wheelchair platform.40
6 Verification of safety requirements and/or protective measures.43
6.1 General.43
6.2 Verification of design.43
6.3 Examinations and tests before putting into service.45
6.4 Verification tests on each machine before first use .45
7 Information for use.45
7.1 General.45
7.2 Signals and warning devices .46
7.3 Accompanying documents (in particular: Instruction handbook) .46
7.3.1 General.46
7.4 Marking.47
7.4.1 Carriage.47
7.4.2 Emergency alarm device.48
7.4.3 Disabled persons symbol.48
7.4.4 Emergency manual operation.48
7.5 The additional information given to the installer .48
7.5.1 Dedicated electrical supply.48
Annex A (normative) Verification type tests for overspeed detection device and safety gear .49
A.1 Instruments.49
A.2 Safety gear and overspeed detection device .49
A.2.1 General provisions.49
A.2.2 Method of test .49
A.2.3 Test report.50
Annex B (normative) Electronic components: failure exclusion.51
Annex C (informative) Guidance in selection of stairlifts .60
C.1 Introduction.60
C.2 Selection of stairlift .60
C.2.1 Suitability.60
C.2.2 Control devices.60
C.2.3 Location of the stairlift.60
C.2.4 Duty cycle.60
C.3 Electrical supply and lighting .61
C.4 Maintenance.61
C.5 Alarm system.61
Annex D (informative) Recommendations for the provisions and use of specially adapted control
devices, switches and sensors.62
D.1 Control devices.62
D.2 Specially adapted switches.62
Annex E (informative) In-use periodic examination, tests and servicing .63
E.1 Periodic examinations and tests .63
E.2 Servicing.63
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of the EU Directive 98/37EC .64
Annex ZB (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of the EU Directive 2006/42/EC .65
Bibliography.66

Foreword
This document (EN 81-40:2008) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 10 “Lifts, escalators
and moving walks”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the
latest by April 2009.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EC Directive(s).
For relationship with EC Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA and B, which is an integral part of this
document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
This European Standard is a Type C standard as stated in EN ISO 12100.
The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and events are covered are
indicated in the scope of this document.
The stairlifts defined in this European Standard are suitable for type A and type B wheelchairs as defined
in EN 12183 and/or EN 12184.
When provisions of this type C standard are different from those which are stated in type A and type B
standards the provisions of this type C standard take precedence over the provisions of the other standards,
for machines that have been designed and built according to the provisions of this type C standard.
Assumptions
With the aim of clarifying the intentions of the standard and avoiding doubts when reading it, the following
assumptions were made when producing it:
a) components without specific requirements are:
1) designed in accordance with the usual engineering practice and calculation codes, including all
failure modes;
2) of sound mechanical and electrical construction;
b) general electrical hazards are dealt with according to B level electrical safety standards;
c) components are kept in good repair and working order, in accordance with the maintenance manual, so
that the required characteristics remain despite wear;
d) by design of the load bearing elements, a safe operation of the machine is assured throughout the entire
maximum working load range;
e) a mechanical device built according to good practice and the requirements of the standard, will not
deteriorate to a point of creating a hazard without the possibility of detection;
f) to ensure the safe functioning, the operating temperature range of the equipment has to take into account
the conditions of the place of use of the machinery, inside the range of ambient temperature
between 0 °C and +40 °C.
Negotiation occurs between the manufacturer (the person applying the CE mark) and the user concerning the
specificity of the use and places of use of the stairlift:
g) suitability for user (see Annex C);
h) the place of installation allows a safe use for the machine;
i) any additional fire protection requirements.
1 Scope
1.1 This European Standard deals with safety requirements for construction, manufacturing, installation,
maintenance and dismantling of electrically operated stairlifts (chair, standing platform and wheelchair
platform) affixed to a building structure, moving in an inclined plane and intended for use by persons with
impaired mobility:
 travelling over a stair or an accessible inclined surface;
 intended for use by one person;
 whose carriage is directly retained and guided by a guide rail or rails;
 supported or sustained by rope (5.4.4), rack and pinion (5.4.5), chain (5.4.6), screw and nut (5.4.7),
friction traction drive (5.4.8), and guided rope and ball (5.4.9).
1.2 The standard identifies hazards as listed in Clause 4 which arise during the various phases in the life of
such equipment and describes methods for the elimination or reduction of these hazards when used as
intended by the manufacturer.
1.3 This European standard does not specify the additional requirements for:
 operation in severe conditions (e.g. extreme climates, strong magnetic fields);
 lightning protection;
 operation subject to special rules (e.g. potentially explosive atmospheres);
 handling of materials the nature of which could lead to dangerous situations;
 use of energy systems other than electricity;
 hazards occurring during manufacture;
 earthquakes, flooding, fire;
 type C wheelchairs as defined in EN 12183 and/or EN 12184;
 evacuation during a fire;
 stairlifts for goods only;
 concrete, hardcore, timber or other foundation or building arrangement;
 design of anchorage bolts to the supporting structure.
NOTE For the actual type of machinery, noise is not considered a significant nor relevant hazard.
1.4 This document is not applicable to power operated stairlifts which are manufactured before the date of
publication of this document by CEN.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 81-1:1998, Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts — Part 1: Electric lifts
EN 349, Safety of machinery — Minimum gaps to avoid crushing of parts of the human body
EN 953, Safety of machinery — Guards — General requirements for the design and construction of fixed and
movable guards
EN 12385-4, Steel wire ropes — Safety — Part 4: Stranded ropes for general lifting applications
EN 60204-1:2006, Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines — Part 1: General requirements
(IEC 60204-1:2005, modified)
EN 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529:1989)
EN 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems — Part 1: Principles,
requirements and tests (IEC 60664-1:2007)
EN 60695-11-10, Fire hazard testing — Part 11-10: Test flames — 50 W horizontal and vertical flame test
methods (IEC 60695-11- 10:1999)
EN 60747-5 (all parts), Discrete semiconductor devices and integrated circuits — Part 5: Optoelectronic
devices
EN 60947-1:2004, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Part 1: General rules (IEC 60947- 1:2004)
EN 60947-4-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Part 4-1: Contactors and motor-starters -
Electromechanical contactors and motor-starters (IEC 60947-4-1:2000)
EN 60947-5-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Part 5-1: Control circuit devices and switching
elements — Electromechanical control circuit devices (IEC 60947-5-1:2003)
EN 60950-1, Information technology equipment — Safety — Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60950-
1:2005, modified)
EN 61249-2-1, Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures — Part 2.1: Reinforced base
materials, clad and unclad — Phenolic cellulose paper reinforced laminated sheets, economic grade, copper-
clad (IEC 61249-2-1:2005)
EN 61508-2, Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems — Part
2: Requirements for electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems (IEC 61508-2:2000)
EN 61508-3, Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems — Part
3: Software requirements (IEC 61508-3:1998)
EN 61558-1:2005, Safety of power transformers, power supplies, reactors and similar products — Part 1:
General requirements and tests (IEC 61558-1:2005)
EN 62326-1, Printed boards — Part 1: Generic specification (IEC 62326-1:2002)
EN ISO 9773, Plastics — Determination of burning behaviour of thin flexible vertical specimens in contact with
a small-flame ignition source (ISO 9773:1998)
EN ISO 12100-1:2003, Safety of machinery — Basic concepts, general principles for design — Part 1: Basic
terminology, methodology (ISO 12100-1:2003)
EN ISO 12100-2:2003, Safety of machinery — Basic concepts, general principles for design —
Part 2: Technical principles (ISO 12100-2:2003)
EN ISO 13850, Safety of machinery — Emergency stop — Principles for design (ISO 13850:2006)
EN ISO 13857:2008, Safety of machinery — Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by
upper and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2008)
EN ISO 14121-1, Safety of machinery — Risk assessment — Part 1: Principles (ISO 14121-1:2007)
ISO 606, Short-pitch transmission precision roller and bush chains, attachments and associated chain
sprockets
ISO 9772, Cellular plastics — Determination of horizontal burning characteristics of small specimens
subjected to a small flame
ISO 7000:2004, Graphical symbols for use on equipment — Index and synopsis
IEC 60417-DB-12M (2002-10), Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 60617 (all parts), Graphical symbols for diagrams
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in EN ISO 12100-1 and EN 81-1 and the following
apply.
3.1
barrier arm
bar or similar device so arranged as to provide protection against persons falling from a stairlift
3.2
brake
mechanism employed to bring the stairlift to a stop and hold it in position
3.3
carriage
mobile trolley which is retained, supported and guided by one or more rails, upon which a chair, platform or
other purpose-made adaptation to carry the user is supported and securely attached
3.4
competent person
person, suitably trained and qualified by knowledge and practical experience, and provided with the necessary
instructions to enable the required work to be carried out safely
3.5
drive system
arrangements that cause the carriage to move under power
3.6
drive unit
unit including the motor that drives and stops the stairlift
3.7
driving nut
internally threaded component that acts in conjunction with a screw to produce linear motion of the carriage
3.8
driving screw
externally threaded driving component that acts in conjunction with a nut
3.9
electrical safety chain
total of the electric safety devices, which can either be switches or safety circuits, connected in series with
each other
3.10
electrical safety circuit
electrical or electronic circuit with an equivalent degree of safety to a switch containing electrical safety
contacts
3.11
electrical safety contact
contact in which the separation of the circuit breaking elements is made by positive means
3.12
electrical safety device
either an electrical switch incorporating one or more electrical safety contacts, or a safety circuit
3.13
final limit device
last electric safety device situated beyond terminal floors
3.14
guide rail
rigid components which provide guiding for the carriage
3.15
guided rope
rope that is either fixed or moving, and is completely guided over its entire length such that it may transmit a
load either in thrust or tension
3.16
impaired mobility
difficulty in using stairs because of impairment
NOTE 1 Some examples, but not restricted to, are: wheelchair user, person with walking difficulties, persons with
impaired mobility and/or children with impaired mobility and elderly persons.
NOTE 2 This definition is specific to the sense of this standard and not a full definition of the term.
3.17
maximum working load
rated load + overload
3.18
overload
25 % of rated load
3.19
overspeed detection device
device which interrupts the electric safety chain and if necessary causes the safety gear to be applied when
the stairlift attains a pre-determined speed
3.20
public access
any location where the user is unknown
3.21
rated load
load for which the equipment has been designed
3.22
rated speed
speed (v) in metres per second of the stairlift for which the equipment has been built
3.23
safety gear
mechanical device for stopping and maintaining the carriage stationary on the guide rail/s in case of
overspeeding in the downward direction or the breaking of the suspension
3.24
safety nut
internally threaded component, used in conjunction with a screw/nut drive, so arranged that it does not
normally carry the load but is capable of doing so in the event of failure of the threads in the main driving nut
3.25
self-sustaining drive system
system that, under free running conditions, ensures that the speed of the stairlift decreases
3.26
sensitive edge
device attached to any edge to provide protection against a trapping, shearing or crushing hazard
3.27
sensitive surface
device similar in effect to a sensitive edge but so arranged to protect a whole surface
3.28
slack rope/chain device
device or combination of devices, arranged to stop the stairlift if any suspension rope or chain slackens by a
pre-determined amount
3.29
stairlift
appliance for transporting a person (either seated or standing) or person in a wheelchair between two or more
boarding points by means of a guided carriage moving in an inclined plane
3.30
terminal device
device or combination of devices arranged to stop the stairlift at or near a boarding point
3.31
unlocking zone
zone extending above and below a boarding point in which the carriage must be positioned to enable the
corresponding ramp(s) and barrier arm(s) to be unlocked
4 List of significant hazards
This clause contains all the significant hazards, hazardous situations and events, as far as they are dealt with
in this standard, identified by risk assessment as significant for this type of machinery and which require action
to eliminate or reduce the risk.
The significant hazards are based upon EN ISO 14121-1. Also shown are the subclause references to the
safety requirements and/or protective measures in this standard.
Table 1 shows the hazards which have been identified and where the corresponding requirements have been
formulated in this standard, in order to limit the risk or reduce these hazards in each situation.
NOTE Hazards resulting from allergic reactions to persons are not addressed in this standard.

Table 1 — Significant hazards relating to the general design and construction of stair lifts
Hazards Relevant clauses in EN 81-40
1 Mechanical hazards
Shape; relative location; mass and stability (potential energy of elements
which may move under the effect of gravity); mass and velocity (kinetic

energy of elements in controlled motion); inadequacy of energy inside the
5.3.1.7
machinery, e.g accumulation of energy inside the machinery elastic

elements (springs); liquids and gasses under pressure the effect of vacuum
5.4
1.1 Crushing hazard 5.6.2.5, 5.6.3.5, 5.6.4.10
1.2 Shearing hazard 5.6.2.5, 5.6.3.5, 5.6.4.10
1.3 Cutting or severing hazard 5.6.2.5.5
1.4 Entanglement hazard 5.4.7.4
1.5 Drawing-in or trapping hazard 5.1.9, 5.4.1.2 , 5.4.1.7, 5.4.6.4,
5.4.7.4
1.6 Impact hazard 5.6.4.4, 5.6.4.6.4, 5.6.2.5
1.7 Stabbing or puncture hazard 5.1.9
1.8 Friction or abrasion hazard 5.6.2.5.5, 5.6.2.5
1.10 Falling hazard 5.2.1.1, 5.3.1.7, 5.3.1
2 Electrical hazards
2.1 Electrical contact of persons with live parts 5.5.11, 5.5.12, 5.1.8, 5.5.9.6
(to be continued)
Table 1 (continued)
Hazards Relevant clauses in EN 81-40
2.2 Electrical contact of persons with parts which have become live under faulty 5.5.1.2, 5.5.11
conditions
2.3 Approach to live part under high voltage 5.5.4.1, 5.5.1.3
2.4 Electrostatic phenomena 5.5.1.2, 5.5.12.10
3 Thermal hazards
3.1 Burns and scalds 5.5.8, 5.5.1.3, 5.1.4
3.2 Health-damaging effects 5.1.7, 5.1, 5.5.12.3
7.1 Contact with or inhalation of harmful fluids, gases, mists, fumes and dusts 5.1.4, 5.5.12.2
7.2 Fire or explosion 5.1.4, 5.4.2.2
8 Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles in machine
design
8.1 Unhealthy postures or excessive effort 5.2.2.2, 5.6.4.4, 5.3.4
8.2 Inadequate consideration of human hand/arm or foot/leg anatomy 5.6.1.3, Annex C 2.1,
8.4 Inadequate area lighting 5.5.17, Annex C.3
8.6 Human error 5.5.14, 5.5.9.7, 5.5.7, 7.5
8.7 Inadequate design, location or identification of manual controls 7.4.4, 5.5.14, 5.1.3, Annex C.2.1.4
8.8 Inadequate design or location of visual display units 5.2.2.6, 5.5.12.9, 5.5.14.4, 5.5.16.2,
7.2, 7.4.3
10 Hazards caused by failure of energy supply, breaking down of
machinery parts and other functional disorders
10.1 Failure/disorder of the control system 5.5.5.1, 5.5.14.1, 5.4.2.1, 5.5.15,
5.5.6.5, 5.4.2, 5.5.3.3, 5.5.5.1, 6.4
10.2 Restoration of the energy after an interruption 5.5.5.1, 5.5.14.1, 5.5.2.4, 5.5.3.2,
5.5.5.1, 6.4
10.5 Errors in software 6.4, 5.5.6.5
10.6 Errors made by the operator (due to mismatch of machinery with human 5.5.14, 5.4.3, 5.5.9.7, 7
characteristics and abilities)
11 Impossibility of stopping the machine in the best possible conditions
11.1 Unsafe position 5.5.15, 5.2.3, 5.4.2.1
11.2 Overspeeding 5.4.2, 5.5.3.3, 5.5.5.1, 5.3
13 Failure of the power supply
13.1 Overspeeding 5.4.2, 5.5.3.3, 5.5.5.1,5.3
13.2 Unexpected start 5.5.5.1, 5.5.14.1
13.3 Change of direction 5.5.2.4, 5.5.3.2, 5.5.5
13.4 Loss of memory 5.5.5.1, 6.4
13.5 Unsafe position 5.2.4, 5.4.2.1, 5.5.15.1
13.6 Entrapment 5.4.3, 5.5.16, 5.6.4.7.2, 5.6.4.9,
5.6.4.11, 5.2.2.4
14 Failure of the control circuit
14.1 Errors on software 5.5.6.5, 6.4
14.2 Failure to stop 5.5.2, 5.5.3, 5.5.4, 5.5.5, 5.5.6, 6.4
14.3 Unexpected stop 5.5.2, 5.5.3, 5.5.4, 5.5.5, 5.5.6, 6.4
(to be continued)
Table 1 (continued)
Hazards Relevant clauses in EN 81-40
14.4 Unexpected start 5.5.2, 5.5.3, 5.5.4, 5.5.5, 5.5.6, 6.4,
5.5.5.1, 5.5.13.1, 5.5.14.1.4
14.5 External influences 5.1.8
14.6 Unexpected start (See 14.4 above)
14.7 Failure to start 5.6.3.4, 5.3.5, 5.5.3.2, 5.5.6.1,
5.5.6.2
14.8 Maintenance operation 5.4.3
14.9 Unexpected activation 5.4.3, 5.5.14.1, 5.5.14.2
14.10 Brake remains lifted 5.3, 5.4.2.2, 5.5.3.1
14.11 Prevent stopping 5.4.2, 5.5.3.2
14.12 Ineffective protection 5.6.4.6, 5.6.4.10, 5.6.2.5.1
14.13 Isolation 5.5.9
15 Errors of fitting 5.5.9.2, 5.5.9.3
Break-up during operation
16.1 Stress failure 5.1.7
16.2 Falling 5.6.2.6, 5.6.3.3, 5.6.4.6, 5.6.4.7,
5.6.4.8, 5.6.2.1, 5.6.2.3, 5.6.3.1.1,
5.6.3.2
17 Falling or ejected objects or fluid
17.1 Falling objects 5.6.4.5, 5.6.4.6.3, 5.6.3.2
18 Loss of stability / overturning of machinery
18.1 Overturning 5.2, 5.3.1.7
18.2 Falling 5.2, 5.3.1.7, 5.6.2
Slip, trip and fall of persons (related to machinery)
19.1 Slipping 5.6.2, 5.6.4.1
19.2 Tripping 5.6.4.1, 5.6.4.5.1
19.3 Falling 5.6.4.6.1, 5.6.4.6.3, 5.6.4.7,
5.6.4.5.2, 5.6.3.2
27 Mechanical hazards and hazardous events
27.1 from load falls, collisions, machine tipping caused by:
27.1.1 lack of stability 5.2.1
27.1.2 uncontrolled loading- overloading- overturning moments exceeded 5.5.8, 5.6.4.3, 6.4.
27.1.3 uncontrolled amplitude of movements 5.1.5, 5.4.2, 5.4.2.2, 6,3
27.1.4 unexpected/unintended movement of loads 5.1.5, 5.1.6, 5.4.2, 5.4.2.2, 6,3
27.1.5 inadequate holding devices/ accessories 5.6.4.6.2
27.3 from derailment 5.1.7.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.3, 5.2.2.
27.4 from insufficient mechanical strength of parts 5.1.2, 5.1.7
27.5 from inadequate design of pulleys, drums 5.4.1.3
27.6 from inadequate selection of chains, ropes, lifting and accessories and their 5.4.1.3, 5.4.4, 5.4.1.5, 5.4.1.6,
inadequate integration into the machine 5.4.7.2, 7.4.1
27.7 from lowering of the load under the control of the friction brake 5.4.2.1
(to be continued)
Table 1 (end)
Hazards Relevant clauses in EN 81-40
27.8 from abnormal conditions of assembly/testing/use/maintenance 6.4, 7.5
27.9 from the effect of load on the persons (impact by load or counterweight) 5.2.2.2, 6.4
Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles
29.1 insufficient visibility from the driving position 5.6.4.13, 6.4.
34 Mechanical hazards and hazardous events
due to:
34.1 Inadequate mechanical strength – inadequate working coefficients 5.1.2, 5.1.6, 5.1.7, 5.4.1.3, 5.4.4.1,
5.4.5.1, 5.4.5.2, 5.4.6, 5.4.6.2,
5.4.7.5, 5.4.6.3, 5.4.7.1, 5.4.8, 5.4.9
34.2 Failing of loading control 5.1.6.2
34.3 Failing of controls in person carrier (function, priority) 5.5.14.3, 5.5.14.1
34.4 Overspeed of persons carrier 5.1.5, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.5, 5.3.6, 5.3.7,
5.3.8, 5.4.1.2, 5.4.2.2, 5.4.7.3
35 Falling of person from person carrier 5.1.7.1, 5.6.2.5, 5.6.4.4
Falling or overturning of person carrier
36.1 Preventing of falling or overturning 5.3
36.2 Acceleration and braking 5.1.5, 5.3.6, 5.4.2.1
37 Human error, human behaviour 5.5.14, 7
5 Safety requirements and/or protective measures
5.1 General
5.1.1 Introduction
Machinery shall comply with the safety requirements and/or protective measures of this clause. In addition,
the machine shall be designed according to the principles of EN ISO 12100 for relevant but not significant
hazards, which are not dealt with by this standard.
It shall be ensured that the dimensions specified in this standard are maintained despite wear. Consideration
shall also be given to the need for protection against the effects of corrosion. All materials shall be asbestos
free.
The positioning of the stairlift at the terminal or intermediate stops shall be such that the main entry or exit
doors to the building can be fully opened when not in use.
5.1.2 Pattern of use
The mechanical design of the stairlift shall take account of the intended use and frequency to which it will be
subjected, as determined by the manufacturer with a minimum of 10 stairlift starts per hour (see informative
guidance on the selection of stairlifts C.2.4).
NOTE One stairlift start equals a single complete journey between boarding points.
5.1.3 Access for maintenance, repair and inspection
Stairlifts shall be designed, constructed and installed so that periodic inspection, testing, maintenance or
repair of all components can be safely and readily carried out. Information concerning these activities is
provided in Clause 6.4 and 7 and annex E.
5.1.4 Fire resistance
Materials used in the construction of the stairlift shall minimise the effect on combustion; neither shall they be
dangerous through the toxic nature and quantity of gas and fumes they may generate in a fire situation.
Plastic components and electrical wiring insulation shall be flame retardant and self-extinguishing.
Materials shall have flame retardant properties to the following classifications as appropriate.
Table 2 — Fire resistance classification
Material type Applicable standard Class designation
Cellular plastic materials having ISO 9772, Cellular plastics – Determination of HF-1
densities less than 250 kg/m horizontal burning characteristics of small
specimens subjected to a small flame
Thin, flexible plastic materials EN ISO 9773, Plastics — Determination of VTM-0
burning behaviour of thin flexible vertical
specimens in contact with a small-flame
ignition source
Solid and cellular plastic and EN 60695-11-10, Fire hazard testing – Part Horizontal burning –
other non-metallic materials 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and HB40
having a density of not less vertical flame test methods
Vertical burning –
than 250 kg/m
V-0
5.1.5 Rated speed
The rated speed of the stairlift in the direction of travel shall not be greater than 0,15 m/s when measured at
the reference points defined in Figures 1 and 2.

Key
A reference point for speed calculation
Figure 1 — Reference point for wheelchair and standing user
Dimension in millimetres
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