Lift Overloading Incident Highlights Safety Gaps
A recent headline news reported that 17 passengers were trapped in a lift designed for only 10. Was the overload device missing—or failed to operate? Critical safety lapses like these point to both design non-compliance and poor maintenance.
Our codes clearly limit capacity by both weight and carpet area. A clear, bold caution board should be placed at eye level—not just inside the COP.
Maintenance must ensure the capacity plate is intact and visible. Document if they are damaged by users. Propose Overload device where it is not provided. Provide hand railings at waist levels inside the cabin if the carpet area is more than rated capacity to prevent entry of excess passengers..
As per the new IS 17900, lifts must also display the supplier’s name and manufacturing date inside the lift cabin also.
