One of the safety requirements of lifts is that they must be designed and constructed to prevent the risk of crushing when the cabin is in an extreme position.

This objective is normally achieved by means of free space or refuge beyond extreme positions. However, there exist certain specific cases, particularly in existing buildings, where this solution is impossible and other appropriate means may be provided to avoid the risk.

Therefore, if the person taking responsibility for the installation of the lift concludes that it is impossible to provide the refuge space required by the applicable standard, he may apply with the TRD-MCCAA to seek approval to install a lift that provides less refuge space than normal but that still offers protection against the risk of crushing by other means (normally by the installation of a safety device).

These approvals are only meant to be given in exceptional circumstances, whatever the kind of building concerned and are intended particularly for lifts to be installed in existing buildings.

Only in cases where the solution based on free space or refuge beyond extreme positions is impossible to fulfil will such a proposed lift for a new building be eligible for consideration.

The MCCAA interprets ‘impossible’ to mean either physically impossible due to constraints, such as those imposed by factors like the presence of major electric cables or tunnels, or legal constraints such as those imposed by preservation orders. It is not an economic concept.

For these reasons, it is important not to plan a new building with the presumption that an approval for the installation of a ‘low-pit’ or ‘low-headroom’ lift will be granted. In the case of new buildings, it is therefore recommended to apply for such approvals beforehand.

This information has been provided by the Regulatory Affairs Directorate, Technical Regulations Division, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.