Lifts for Non-Enclosed or Partially Enclosed Liftways – EU Market Ready
Safe, Documented Vertical Access – Without a Lift Shaft Shaft
At Sesame Access Systems we specialise in platform lifts designed for non-enclosed or partially enclosed liftways — the ideal access solution where a fully enclosed shaft is impractical or unnecessary. These lifts meet the rigorous safety and compliance expectations of EU markets, even in the absence of a harmonised EU standard specific to this configuration.
EU Conforming Without Compromise
While the EU does not currently publish a harmonised standard for vertical platform lifts in non-enclosed liftways, our systems are developed in strict alignment with the applicable legal and technical framework.
Classified Under These EU Directives:
- EU Machinery Directive (EU) 2023/1230
- EU Low Voltage Directive 2016/35/EU
- EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU
Designed in Accordance With:
- EN 60204-1:2018 – Electrical safety of machinery
- EN ISO 12100 – Safety of machinery: Risk assessment & risk reduction
- EN ISO 13849-1 – Safety-related parts of control systems
- BS 6440:2011 – Powered lifting platforms (used as reference for non-enclosed liftways)
Important Note:
EN 81-41:2024 is only applicable to platform lifts installed in fully enclosed liftways. Our lifts are engineered for locations where this level of enclosure is neither feasible nor required and are assessed individually under the Machinery Directive.
Our Compliance Process
Every lift we install is:
- Customised to your site and use case
- Accompanied by a full technical file, CE declaration of conformity, and user documentation
- Evaluated through detailed risk assessment and control function verification
- Tested for conformity with electrical, EMC, and safety performance standards
- Installed to meet national implementation requirements, including inspections by authorised bodies where required (e.g. under Spain’s Royal Decree 355/2024)
Ideal Applications
- Public buildings with space constraints
- Historic structures where structural changes are limited
- Shops, libraries & schools
- Residential access solutions
- Outdoor or internal locations without traditional lift shafts
Frequently Asked: "How is it allowed without a shaft?"
EU law allows for non-enclosed platform lifts when fully risk-assessed and CE-marked under the Machinery Directive.
Since there is no harmonised EN standard for these lifts, we build our compliance through a combination of directives, technical standards, and national legal pathways.
We do not rely on EN 81-41 for non-enclosed liftways but do apply elements of its design philosophy where relevant.
Our EU Installation Process
- Site Review & Design Specification
- Detailed Risk Assessment & Control System Planning
- Installation by Certified Engineers
- Inspection by Local Authorities / Approved Bodies (as required by local law)
- Customer Handover with CE Declaration and Safety Documentation
Expertise Where It Counts
We’ve delivered successful installations across the EU, including recent projects in Germany, Spain, Italy and France with our French partners AccesPlus.