WRITTEN QUESTION E-4145/00

by Michel Hansenne (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: Safety of lifts

In 1995 the Commission adopted a recommendation on improving the safety of existing lifts (95/216/EC)(1). The European Parliament had taken the view that the safety of such lifts was a precondition for the adoption of Directive 95/216/EC which laid down the safety principles applying to new lifts installed in the Member States. In December 1998 Parliament also held a public hearing in order to inquire about action taken by the Member States to improve the safety of the three million existing lifts in Europe. The findings proved very disappointing. Accidents continue to occur, and are sometimes fatal.

What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Member States make the safety of old lifts not covered by the new directive one of their priorities?

(1) OJ L 213, 7.9.1995, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 2001)

The Commission attaches a high priority to the ongoing improvement of lift safety.

The Commission considers that the Parliament and Council Directive 95/16/EC of 29 June 1995, on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to lifts(1) has made a significant contribution towards raising the general level of safety of new lifts within the Community.

In addition, the Commission has adopted Recommendation 95/216/EC of 8 June 1995, concerning the improvement of safety for existing lifts(2). It recommends that Member States take all necessary action to improve the safety of existing lifts, based on the principles given in Annex I to the Recommendation.

It should also be noted that the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) is currently drafting a standard on the Rules for the improvement of safety of existing lifts, which is likely to be an important tool for Member States in their efforts to take action according to the Commission Recommendation.

Additionally, the public hearing organised by the Parliament in December 1998 helped raise awareness on this issue within the Community.

The Commission has, on several occasions, discussed this Recommendation with Member States and examined its implementation in the different national territories.

Some Member States have adopted substantial measures implementing the Recommendation, while others have proceeded more slowly. It appears to be the case that most Member States have partly implemented the Recommendation, and that several of them are currently in the process of taking further measures. An argument from Member States against full implementation is that lifts are fairly safe and that it could place unnecessary burdens on lift users without any corresponding safety improvements.

The lifts industry federations the European Elevator Association (EEA) and the European Forum of National Lift Associations (EFLA) are closely following the national implementations and are providing an annual overview of the situation. The latest information confirms that several Member States are acting in the area.

The Commission will continue to follow the safety of existing lifts in collaboration with national authorities, industry and users.

(1) OJ L 213, 7.9.1995.

(2) OJ L 134, 20.6.1995.