Why Lift Shaft Safety Matters More Than Ever
In Ireland’s fast-paced construction sector, safety standards are no longer optional—they’re essential. From high-rise projects in Dublin to mixed-use developments in Cork, contractors are under increasing pressure to meet strict safety guidelines. One of the biggest risks on site? Open lift shafts.
Unprotected shafts are a leading cause of falls, site delays, and compliance issues. That’s why lift shaft safety gates, compliant with BS EN 13374 standards, have become a mandatory fixture on modern sites. But what exactly is BS EN 13374, how does it apply to lift shaft gates, and what should contractors know to stay compliant?
What is BS EN 13374?
BS EN 13374 is the European standard for temporary edge protection systems. It was created to ensure that edges, openings, and drop hazards on construction sites are properly protected against falls.
In simple terms:
It sets the rules for guardrails, barriers, and lift shaft gates.
It defines how strong and secure safety systems need to be.
It provides testing and compliance frameworks for manufacturers and contractors.
Why it matters for lift shafts
Lift shafts are one of the most dangerous openings on site. Without safegate lift shaft safety systems, workers face risks of:
Falling from height
Dropping tools or materials into the shaft
Project shutdowns due to HSA non-compliance
By choosing BS EN 13374-compliant lift shaft gates, contractors prove they’re meeting the highest safety standards.
Classes of BS EN 13374 Explained
The standard is divided into three classes, depending on the type of protection required:
Class A – Prevents falls for people standing or walking (e.g., flat sites with minimal slope).
Class B – Prevents falls for workers moving on slopes or exposed platforms (common for scaffolds or open shafts).
Class C – Designed for high-risk conditions, such as steep slopes or high wind exposure.
For lift shaft safety gates, Class A and Class B protection is most relevant.
Safety Features in Passenger Lifts and Lift Shaft Gates
When contractors search Google for “safety features in passenger lifts”, they often want to know: What exactly keeps people safe in a lift system?
Key safety features include:
Safety interlocks – Prevent doors from opening unless the lift is present.
Emergency stop buttons – Allow quick halting of lift movement.
Load sensors – Prevent operation if the lift gate weight limit is exceeded.
Fire-rated materials – Added protection in case of fire.
Manual overrides – Allow safe evacuation in emergencies.
On construction sites, these same principles apply at a temporary level with lift shaft gates. A well-designed safegate lift shaft safety system:
Locks securely to block unauthorised entry
Handles moderate site traffic without bending or breaking
Meets weight load standards for safe operation
Creates a clear visual barrier to alert workers
Lift Gate Weight Limit: Why It Matters
Contractors often search for “lift gate weight limit” when choosing equipment. Why? Because overloading is one of the most common safety violations.
Standard safegate lift shaft gates weigh around 40 kg—light enough to handle, heavy enough to provide security.
They are not designed to support workers standing on them or heavy materials being leaned against them.
Always follow manufacturer weight guidance to prevent structural failure.
Pro tip: During site training, remind workers that gates are safety barriers, not load-bearing platforms.
Safegate Lift Shaft Safety: The Trusted Choice in Ireland
When Irish contractors type “Safegate lift shaft safety” into Google, they’re usually comparing suppliers. Safegate systems are popular because they are:
Lightweight but robust (~40 kg)
Quick to install
Compliant with BS EN 13374 and HSA standards
Adaptable for standard or double-access openings
Sharkey supplies and installs Safegate lift shaft safety gates across Ireland—ensuring full compliance and minimal downtime.
How Lift Shaft Safety Gates Reduce Risk on Site
Using lift shaft gates isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about real-world safety. Benefits include:
Fewer accidents – Reduce falls and dropped tools
Lower insurance costs – Safer sites mean fewer claims
Regulatory confidence – Avoid inspections delays and fines
Worker trust – Crews know they’re working in a safe environment
Choosing the Right Supplier in Ireland
Not all lift safety gear is created equal. When selecting a supplier:
Check they meet BS EN 13374 standards
Ensure installation and maintenance support is included
Look for proven experience with Safegate lift shaft safety
At Sharkey, we combine decades of expertise with hands-on installation support—helping contractors reduce risk and stay compliant.
Safety and Compliance Go Hand in Hand
Lift safety equipment in the future in Ireland is a matter of blending innovation, compliance, and protection for working people. Employing state-of-the-art products such as Safegate lift shaft safety equipment, contractors are reducing risk, complying with regulations, and delivering a safer environment for all.
Ignoring lift shaft safety isn’t an option. With HSA inspections tightening across Ireland, every contractor must prove their site is secure. The easiest way? Install BS EN 13374-compliant lift shaft safety gates from a trusted supplier.
✅ They reduce risk
✅ They meet regulations
✅ They keep projects moving
Ready to secure your construction site?
Contact Sharkey today for a free site survey and consultation. Our team will recommend the best lift shaft safety gates for your project—whether you need hire or purchase options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Temporary lift shaft gates must comply with BS EN 13374 and Irish HSA regulations to be legally accepted on site.
Failure to comply can lead to fines, site shutdowns, or even criminal liability in the case of serious accidents.
BS EN 13374 is the European standard for temporary edge protection systems on construction sites, including lift shaft safety gates
Most temporary lift shaft safety gates weigh around 40 kg, designed for safe handling and installation.
Passenger lifts include safety interlocks, emergency stop buttons, load sensors, fire-rated materials, and manual overrides.
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