Without a doubt, lifts are indispensable in modern life, especially in a country like Spain, where most buildings are over 30 years old. However, safe and efficient operation would not be possible without clear and up-to-date lift regulations.
Therefore, addressing user concerns, we will explore in detail the current statuses, as well as their evolution, and how they affect both residential communities and industry professionals.
If you live in the Balearic Islands and need advice, at Eleva Balear we specialize in meeting all legal requirements while ensuring maximum security. Read on for more information!
Why is it important to know the current regulations?
Above all, you should know that liftregulations are not a simple bureaucratic procedure, but rather a guarantee that these devices meet safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards.
Failure to comply with these regulations can also result in fines of up to €30,000, in addition to putting people's lives at risk. For example, in 2022, 121% of accidents in residential communities were related to lifts in poor condition.
Therefore, knowing the lift regulations not only prevents fines, but also ensures that the facilities are accessible to people with reduced mobility, a right recognized by the General Law on Disability (LGD).
Evolution of lift regulations in Spain
These types of regulations in our country have evolved in parallel with technological and social advances. Until the 1990s, these laws focused solely on mechanical aspects.
However, upon joining the EU, Spain adopted stricter directives, such as the Machinery Directive, incorporated into Royal Decree 88/2023, which today forms the fundamental basis for lift regulations.
Likewise, the latest update of these regulations, effective January 2023, introduces significant changes:
● Universal accessibility: All new elevators must allow 360° rotation for wheelchairs (minimum 1.20 m diameter).
● Emergency systems: alarm buttons connected to 24-hour control panels are mandatory.
● Energy efficiency: motors must be class IE4 or higher, reducing consumption up to 30%.
● Digitalization: Touch panel with Braille information and synthesized voice for the blind.
These changes to lift regulations seek to adapt lifts to current needs, something we at Eleva Balear implement in each installation.
Legislation and Regulations for Lifts in Spain
In this case, complying with all these regulations guarantees university safety, efficiency, and accessibility standards. Here, we'll provide you with all the information in a clear manner:
Main regulations governing lifts
● Royal Decree 88/2023: regulates the marketing and commissioning of elevators.
● Technical Building Code (DB-SUA): requires accessibility in buildings with more than 3 floors.
● Horizontal Property Law: requires communities to carry out annual reviews.
● UNE-EN 81-20/50: European regulation on elevator safety.
Complying with these lift regulations requires technical and legal knowledge.
Mandatory safety requirements
● Doors with anti-pinch system (maximum 150 Newtons of force).
● Certified speed limit (1.6 m/s in residential buildings).
● Manual rescue device in case of power failure.
● Fire extinguisher in the engine room (class A and B).
In addition, the maximum load must be clearly indicated, and the checks must be documented in a maintenance book.
Accessibility regulations for lifts
On the other hand, accessibility is one of the pillars of lift regulations. Since 2017, it has been mandatory that:
● The booths must be at least 1.10 m wide x 1.40 m deep.
● The buttons are between 0.90 m and 1.20 m high, with embossed numbers.
● Audible signaling to indicate floors.
In older communities, adaptation may require construction work, but there are grants that cover up to 75% of the cost.
Maintenance and Inspections according to the Regulations
In this case, Royal Decree 88/2023 establishes that preventive maintenance must include cable lubrication, brake inspection, and emergency system testing.
Frequency of mandatory inspections
The regulations for lifts include mandatory inspections every six months for lifts over 20 years old, and annual inspections for all other types.
Who should perform lift maintenance?
Only authorized companies, such as Eleva Balear, can issue certificates of conformity. Our technicians are EN ISO 9001 certified.
Penalties for non-compliance with regulations
The violations are classified as:
● Minor (up to €1,000): delay in revisions.
● Serious (€1,001-€10,000): lack of accessibility.
● Very serious (€10,001-€30,000): fraudulent manipulation of certificates.
Subsidies for the installation of lifts in Spain
Installing a lift can cost between €25,000 and €50,000, but there are grants available:
● State Housing Plan: up to €18,000 per home (for buildings built prior to 1996).
● VAT reduced to 10% on accessibility works.
● Regional aid: In the Balearic Islands, the IMAS offers up to €12,000 per community.
Don't miss this opportunity! Our team of professionals will handle all the paperwork, so you can take advantage of these grants without any paperwork. We invite you to read on. Grants for the Installation of Lifts.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lifts
With over 15 years of experience in the Balearic Islands, at Eleva Balear we take care of:
● Facilities adapted to RD 88/2023.
● Predictive maintenance with IoT sensors to prevent breakdowns.
● Comprehensive renovations to comply with lift accessibility regulations.
Do you need advice or an inspection? Contact us; we're lift specialists in Mallorca . We guarantee transparency, safety, and affordable prices.
Without a doubt, lift regulations are a constantly evolving framework designed to protect users and property. In an industry where the average age of lifts in Spain is over 25 years old, staying up-to-date is crucial.
Trust our trusted professionals and contact us. Your safety is non-negotiable! We offer exclusive consulting services for lift compliance, tailored to each specific situation. We look forward to hearing from you.
