The LEIA owners guide to lift safety The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LIEA) recently published a guide with the objective of improving safety for all those who use and work on lifts. The guide focuses on known high-risk areas. The areas of risk identified in the guide have been selected for the reason technological advancement can now significantly reduce the risk of injury. The main areas of risk identified within the guide are : Lift Doors A large number of incidents result from passengers being struck by the doors when they close. Mechanical devices offer only limited protection where as modern full height electronic protection devices are now commonly available. Top of lift cars Lift owners have a duty of care to all operatives undertaking work on the lift. The guide recommends, in accordance with BS7255, that a suitable inspection control box including door open and close functions is installed on the top of every lift car.  Levelling Customers expectations have increased with regard to safety within a building and poor lift car levelling is now seen as hazardous and not as an inconvenience. Tripping is amongst the most frequent causes of litigation. Modern drives including hydraulic and VF will significantly reduce the risk of tripping by greatly improving floor levelling. Communication Entrapment can be very distressing to lift users. The result of prolonged entrapment without contact with a rescue service can cause anxiety. This feature will also be required, by Law, for new lifts from 1 July 1999.