Why Lift Shaft Safety Matters More Than Ever
Summary
If you’re working on lift-shaft construction or refurbishment in Ireland, understanding the standard BS EN 13374 is critical for safety, compliance and project success. This guide explains what the standard covers, how it applies to lift-shaft voids, what contractors must do, what benefits it brings, and how you can implement compliant edge-protection systems. We’ll also walk through typical pain-points contractors face and how you can avoid them. Ready to ensure your lift-shaft work is safe, compliant and efficient?
Who this guide is for
Contractors, site managers and safety officers working on multi-storey buildings in Ireland with lift-shafts or core openings.
Procurement teams sourcing safety-gate / edge-protection systems around lifts.
Project planners needing to reduce risk of fall-from-height and void openings.
Anyone responsible for enforcing H&S compliance in the construction phase of vertical transport installations.
Why it matters in Ireland
Lift-shaft openings represent one of the biggest fall-from-void risks on site. In Ireland, construction sites must meet the general “work at height” and edge-protection obligations under Irish health & safety law (via the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and other regulations). The BS EN 13374 framework provides a widely accepted benchmark for temporary edge-protection systems — including those used around lift-shafts. Without compliance, you expose your workforce to hazards, your project to insurance / regulatory risk, and you may face costly delays or remedial work.
What is BS EN 13374?
The BS EN 13374 standard sets out the requirements for temporary edge-protection systems (guardrails, barriers, toeboards) used in construction, including on flat or sloped surfaces.
Key points:
It classifies systems into Class A, Class B, and Class C depending on slope and fall-height risk.
It specifies that systems must be designed, tested and installed so that components cannot accidentally be removed, the gaps are limited (e.g., maximum 120 mm gap in guardrail) and there must be a primary handrail + intermediate guardrail or equivalent.
While the standard is European, it is used in Ireland for specifying edge-protection systems.
The standard is temporary in nature (i.e., for the construction phase).
How BS EN 13374 applies to lift-shaft openings
In the context of a lift-shaft, the opening in the floor or structure is a vertical void where workers may access or pass materials, and thus the edges around that void must be protected. A compliant system according to BS EN 13374 would:
Provide a barrier around the perimeter of the shaft opening to prevent falls of personnel or materials.
Be anchored or fixed appropriately to resist the required loads, deflection, and impact forces.
Include toeboards or netting if required, to prevent objects or small tools from falling into the shaft.
Be suitable for the working surface (often horizontal floors, sometimes inclined slab edges) and the expected height of the drop.
In many cases for lift-shafts, Class A systems suffice (for flat surfaces). If the shaft walls or adjacent surfaces are inclined or if there are multiple floor openings, you may need to consider a higher classification or a more robust system. HAKI notes: Class A for flat surfaces/slopes up to 10°; Class B up to 30° etc.
The common pain-points contractors face (and how to avoid them)
Late installation of edge protection
Often, edge protection is treated as a “nice to have” and only installed after framing or slab pour. But in lift-shaft work you may already have drop hazards earlier than anticipated. If you delay, you risk worker injury, H&S citations or project hold-ups.
Solution: Plan edge-protection installation as part of the core works programme. Pre-select a system compliant with BS EN 13374 and schedule delivery/installation immediately after slab opening.
Wrong classification of system
Using a system rated only for Class A when the slope or drop requires Class B or C may expose you to risk. Or using a barrier without toeboard when falling materials are possible.
Solution: Do a proper risk assessment of the lift-shaft edge: slope, drop height, material risk, access. From that decide class and system. Suppliers’ literature will show which class their product meets. Example: “meets BS EN 13374:2013 Class A & B” from one supplier.
Poor anchorage/fixing method
You may have compliance-certified barrier but if it’s poorly fixed to structure it fails. The standard emphasises proper design and installation of fixings.
Solution: Use qualified installer or technician; ensure fixings are in line with manufacturer’s spec; inspect anchorage before use.
Gaps, missing toeboards or inadequate protection during material loading
Lift-shafts often see materials hoisted, loaded/unloaded through openings. If guardrails or toeboards are missing or gaps > 120 mm, you risk falling objects or personnel.
Solution: Use barriers with toeboards or mesh infill if required; check gaps; schedule inspection each phase.
Removal/disassembly hazards
When the project moves to later stages, removal of the temporary system may itself pose risk (working at height). The standard’s installation guidance includes dismantling as a hazard.
Solution: Include dismantling method in the lift-shaft safety plan, use competent personnel and safe systems of work.
Benefits of using systems compliant with BS EN 13374 for lift-shafts
Improved site safety: Reduced risk of falls from height, better safeguarding of personnel and materials.
Regulatory compliance: Aligns with Irish H&S legal requirements through adoption of recognised standard — helps avoid stop-work orders and insurance issues.
Project efficiency: By specifying and installing correct systems ahead of time, you reduce delays, avoid re-work or unscheduled stoppages.
Clear specification for procurement: When you ask for “systems compliant with BS EN 13374 Class A (or B)” you reduce ambiguity and supplier risk.
Professional credibility: Demonstrating you use compliant products and systems builds trust with clients, principal contractors and safety auditors.
What contractors should look for when selecting lift-shaft edge-protection systems
Here is a quick reference table of selection criteria:
| Criteria | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Classification (A/B/C) | Ensures system is suitable for slope/drop risk | Supplier data sheet confirming BS EN 13374 class |
| Fixing / anchorage method | If fixing fails the barrier fails | Check method, load rating, compatibility with slab/structure |
| Gap size & toeboard/mesh | Prevents falls of person/material | Gap ≤ 120mm, toeboard or mesh present |
| Load/impact testing | Ensures barrier can withstand dynamic forces | Supplier test certificate or third-party lab proof |
| Installation & dismantling method | Safe installation + removal are key | Evidence of competent installer and safe system of work |
| Supplier support & training | Some systems need training | Ask for training or installation guidance (one supplier offers it) |
How the process works in practice (for a typical lift-shaft project in Ireland)
Here’s a simplified “how-to” workflow contractors can follow:
Initial risk assessment: Identify lift-shaft opening location, size of drop, adjacent slopes, material handling routes.
Select system: Specify barrier system compliant with BS EN 13374 (state class) that suits your shaft opening.
Procure & schedule: Order barrier system and schedule installation immediately after slab formwork is set or as soon as the opening is available.
Installation: Qualified team installs barrier around the shaft, fixings anchored, toeboards/mesh in place, gaps checked.
Inspection & hand-over: Conduct inspection, complete H&S documentation, ensure the barrier is signed off before work around the opening proceeds.
Use & monitoring: Monitor during project phase; check if materials/loads change and if barrier remains suitable.
Dismantling: Once permanent shaft doors or finishes are installed and the temporary barrier is no longer required, dismantle with safe method, document removal, ensure area remains safe until completion.
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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