Lift shafts are deep vertical voids that run through multi-storey buildings and present serious fall-from-height hazards throughout construction. Workers constructing the shaft, installing guide rails, and working on adjacent floors all face the risk of falling into the open shaft. The confined vertical space also complicates rescue. This talk covers the controls for safe lift shaft construction on building projects.
Key Hazards
Fatal falls into the open lift shaft from unprotected floor openings at each level
Objects dropped into the shaft striking workers below during construction
Confined working conditions inside the shaft restricting movement and escape
Scaffold or platform collapse within the shaft due to poor design or overloading
Control Measures
Install full edge protection or secure barriers around every floor-level opening into the lift shaft.
Provide a safe working platform inside the shaft designed by a competent person for the specific loads.
Ensure debris netting or fans are installed to catch falling materials within the shaft.
Brief all workers adjacent to the shaft on the fall hazard and the requirement to maintain barriers.
Use only purpose-designed lift shaft platforms or proprietary climbing systems for access within the shaft.
Provide adequate lighting inside the shaft at every working level throughout construction.
Ensure a rescue plan is in place for extracting an injured worker from within the shaft.
Do not store materials in the shaft unless they are on a stable platform and secured against falling.
Inspect barriers, platforms, and debris nets at the start of each shift and after any construction activity.
Emergency / Rescue
If a worker falls into the lift shaft, call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to climb down to reach them without a safe access system. Use the rescue plan to access the casualty from the nearest platform level below.
Remember
Full edge protection or barriers must be installed at every floor-level opening into the shaft
A safe working platform designed by a competent person is required inside the shaft at all times
Debris netting or fans must catch falling materials to protect workers below within the shaft
A rescue plan for extracting an injured worker from within the shaft must be in place
Inspect barriers, platforms, and debris nets at the start of every shift without exception
Applicable Legislation: Work at Height Regulations 2005 · CDM Regulations 2015 · BS 5975:2019 (Temporary Works) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974