The LEIA owners guide to lift safety Lighting Power failure may result in the car lift being thrown onto complete darkness. The guide therefore recommends that emergency lighting is included within the lift car for passengers and in the machine room engineers to safely release trapped passengers. This feature will also be required by law for new lifts from 1 July. Overloading Overloading of the lift car may not only be dangerous but could cause damage to components. An audible and visible overload devise should therefore be fitted that will prevent closing of the lift doors or movement of the lift until normal loading is restored. This feature will also be required by law for new lifts from 1 July 1999.  Guards Lift machinery is dangerous and their are now legal requirements to protect against potential dangerous equipment. The guarding of rotating equipment is therefore essential. Voids All voids within the lift shaft that present a risk of falling to persons carrying out maintenance or inspections should be guarded. All new Otis lifts should come equipped with a suitable barrier on the car top as standard. Rescue Current British standards lay down procedures to be under taken by trained personnel in the event of evacuating trapped or disabled passengers. The procedures require that the position of the lift car be known from within the lift machine room.