Lift safety warning as its claimed capacity limits have not risen with obesity'

"The safety of lifts in buildings across the UK could be compromised, as manufacturers have reportedly failed to adapt to rising obesity levels, a recent conference heard. An expert highlighted that current lift capacity signs, indicating the maximum number of passengers, are now "out of date". This oversight could lead to extended journey times and potential safety hazards. Furthermore, it risks creating social stigma by implying more individuals can comfortably fit into an elevator than is realistic."

"While manufacturers are legally required to display maximum passenger numbers, a researcher is investigating whether lift designs have adequately evolved with contemporary weight trends. In the mid 1970s in the UK, the average weight of a man was 75kg, while the average weight of a woman was 65kg, experts said. Now this is around 86kg for men and 73kg for women, they added."

Lift safety in UK buildings may be compromised because manufacturers have reportedly not adapted lift designs to rising obesity levels. A conference heard that current capacity signs showing maximum passengers are “out of date,” which could cause extended journey times and potential safety hazards. The issue may also create social stigma by implying more people can fit comfortably in an elevator than is realistic. Manufacturers are legally required to display maximum passenger numbers, but researchers are investigating whether lift designs have evolved with contemporary weight trends. Average weights have increased since the mid-1970s, with men rising from about 75kg to around 86kg and women from about 65kg to around 73kg.

Read at www.independent.co.uk