LIFTEX takes place from 15 – 16 May 2019 at London’s ExCeL. Organised by the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), it is the UK’s only event where you can find the solutions to these complex challenges.
Our modern built environment is inconceivable without lifts, escalators, lifting platforms and stairlifts. At the “top end” of high-speed lifts, there’s continual research into solutions to move more people faster using less building space. However, this innovation heavily influences the world of standards where the primary focus is safety, and with accessibility top of the agenda – how can you find the right solutions and remain compliant?
LIFTEX Event Director Oliver Greening explains: “Evacuation and accessibility need to be at the forefront of building planning, whether it’s new build or modernisation projects. With changes in regulations and standards ahead, plus ongoing challenges in renovation and upgrading, it can be a minefield to navigate the regulations, remain compliant and find the right solutions for your project.”
Innovation in action
On the show floor, you will see thousands of products displayed by over 115 UK and international exhibitors.
You will find everything from components to car and landing doors, compact gearless machines, alarm systems, passenger lifts, home lifts, goods lifts and stair lifts – plus everything in between.
Find the answers
Running alongside the exhibition is a free seminar programme offering insights, advice and guidance on crucial issues from regulations to safety from industry experts.
Just one of the issues being addressed is evacuation in building design. With recent events initiating widespread reviews of current fire safety guidance, and an ageing population, evacuation methods and procedures for those with mobility impairment is a key issue.
Fire safety expert Matt Ryan of the Fire Surgery explains: “If we are aspiring to make buildings accessible to all, the question arises: what about evacuation? While new buildings are being fitted with evacuation lifts where required, there are large numbers of older buildings pre-dating modern standards expectations where there are seemingly no effective or practical evacuation lift provisions. The improvement of the evacuation lift provision for these existing buildings is a serious challenge.”
Ryan will address the issue in a seminar looking at the relevant guidance. He adds “Over the last 20 years lift technology and fire safety design approaches have advanced and evolved significantly. But this progress has led to there being a large variation (and sometimes confusion) in the standard and functionality of lifts that are intended to be used in the event of fire provided in the UK’s diverse existing building stock.”
If your work involves sourcing, specifying and managing the provision of moving equipment – then you can’t afford to miss LIFTEX.
Registration is free at www.liftex2019.com.
