FAQ: new safety regulation for lifts in Spain

22/07/2024

Implementation of the new safety regulation for lifts in Spain

On 1 July 2024, the new Complementary Technical Instruction ITC AEM 1 on “Lifts” entered into force in Spain. This new regulation introduces significant changes to update inspection and maintenance measures, as well as the safety of existing lifts.

To facilitate the understanding of and compliance with these new provisions, we have compiled a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that address the most relevant aspects of the regulation:

1. What is the new safety regulation for lifts and when did it enter into force?

The new regulation refers to Spanish Royal Decree 355/2024, of 2 April, which approves Complementary Technical Instruction ITC AEM 1 “Lifts”, and it entered into force on 1 July 2024 in Spain.

2. Who is affected by this new regulation?

The regulation affects lift operators, maintenance companies and Authorised Inspection Bodies (AIB).

3. What are the main changes introduced by the new regulation?

Some of the main changes include the need to conduct an initial inspection before the lift is first put into service with a “Favourable Without Defects” result, the obligation to provide the Lift Operating Manual, and the one-year period for registering lifts installed prior to the entry into force of this Royal Decree. Moreover, the deadlines for correcting minor defects detected during an inspection have been updated, the requirements and method of action in the event of accidents and incidents are set out for the first time, and new obligations for maintenance companies and operators are established.

4. What rights and obligations do the lift operator have under the new regulations?

The operator must ensure that the lift has a maintenance contract with an authorised maintenance company, keep the relevant documentation (commissioning register, installation data sheet, operating manual, maintenance record and inspection certificates), report any deficiencies or accidents to the maintenance company and arrange for the regular inspection of the lift in due time. They must also comply with the maintenance company’s instructions for repairing or replacing parts of the lift.

5. What are the obligations of the maintenance company?

Maintenance companies must have a Maintenance Plan for each type of lift according to the UNE 58720 standard, take out professional liability insurance, notify the lift operator at least three months in advance of the date on which the next regular inspection is due, and keep detailed maintenance and accident records.

6. What types of inspections must be conducted under the new regulations?

Description	Frequency
Initial inspections	Inspections, prior to commissioning, to check the condition of the lift and compliance with current and applicable regulations.	N/A
Regular inspections	Mandatory inspections to ensure the safety and correct operation of the lift, which are conducted at regular intervals depending on the type of building.	See specific frequency according to the type of building in table 2.*
Other inspections (due to accidents or when so determined by the competent body of the Autonomous Community)	Inspections following an accident due to damage to persons, pets or property, or relevant damage to the installation that will focus on the elements involved prior to repair.	As necessary following an accident.

*Table 2
Regular inspections according to building type	Frequency
Industrial or public buildings	Every 2 years
Blocks with more than 20 dwellings or more than four storeys served	Every 4 years
Other buildings	Every 6 years

7. What are the main safety improvements to be implemented in existing lifts?

The seven main improvements include:

Accurate levelling to prevent trips and falls.
Protective device (photoelectric barrier) on automatic doors to prevent impacts.
User protection against uncontrolled cabin movements.
Two-way communication system to facilitate the rescue of trapped persons.
Replacement of cabin guides or counterweight to increase structural safety.
Overload control devices to prevent overloading of the cabin.
Strengthening of counterweights to ensure their proper inspection and maintenance.

8. What is the estimated cost of adapting the lifts to the new technical standards?

The cost of adaptation will vary depending on the age and technology of the lift and is estimated at between €1,000 and €8,000.

9. What happens if a lift does not comply with the new safety measures?

The operator of the installation is obliged to make the necessary modifications, within the established deadlines, to implement the new safety measures applicable to them. If they are unable to implement the measures for objective technical reasons, an exemption must be requested from the competent body of the Autonomous Community.

10. What must maintenance companies do when taking on the maintenance of a new lift?

Submit a regular inspection conducted by an inspection body, such as Applus+, to the competent body of the Autonomous Community together with the maintenance contract, which can be submitted up to 30 days after changing maintenance company.

The implementation of the new safety regulation for lifts represents a crucial step towards modernising and improving safety in the sector. It is essential that lift operators, maintenance companies and inspection bodies familiarise themselves with these changes and comply with the new obligations to ensure the safety of users.

At Applus+, we are committed to supporting our clients in the transition to these new standards, offering inspection and technical advisory services to ensure that all lifts comply with the established legal and technical requirements.