New ITC for elevators 2024

What is the Complementary Technical Inspection of elevators?

The objective of the ITC regulations for lifts (Complementary Technical Inspection) is to improve the safety of lifts installed in Spain and of those who use them. Approximately 50% of the lifts installed are around 20 years old, so they need a periodic review to guarantee the safety of users, accessibility and protection of the environment .

When does the new 2023 elevator regulations come into force?

Although it was initially planned to be implemented in 2023, it was not until April 2, 2024 that the Government of Spain approved Royal Decree 355/2024 , which introduces the Complementary Technical Instruction (ITC) AEM 1 "Elevators", a regulation intended to regulate the commissioning, modification, maintenance and inspection of elevators, as well as to increase the safety of the existing elevator fleet in the country.
This measure responds to the need to update and improve current regulations to ensure the safety and reliability of elevators, given the ageing of the elevator fleet and recent technological advances.

The regulations come into force on 1 July 2024.

Main News of the new ITC for elevators 2024

Royal Decree 355/2024 introduces several key changes to the regulation of elevators in Spain:

1. Commissioning: Establishes new requirements for the installation and commissioning of lifts, ensuring that all devices meet the most advanced safety standards. This includes the obligation to carry out thorough testing before first use.
2. Modification of Existing Elevators : The regulations also govern modifications that can be made to elevators already installed. Upgrades must be documented and certified to ensure that they do not compromise safety.
3. Maintenance and Periodic Inspections : Elevator maintenance has become a crucial aspect under this new regulation. Detailed guidelines are set out on the periodic inspections that must be carried out, both at a technical and safety level, and the minimum frequencies of these inspections are specified.
4. Technical Inspection : The ITC AEM 1 includes a rigorous technical inspection protocol, which must be carried out by accredited control bodies. These examinations will include verifications of critical components, emergency systems and safety devices.
5. Elevator Park Safety : One of the main objectives of this regulation is to increase the safety of existing elevators. To this end, a plan is introduced to modernize and adapt older elevators, requiring the implementation of improvements to meet current safety standards.

Requirements of the new ITC for elevators

Minimum safety requirements to be applied to already installed elevators .

• Improving cabin leveling: The required adjustments must be implemented to ensure cabin leveling:
  • Within a period of up to 6 months in the event of an accident due to poor levelling or a change in the tractor unit, it is advisable to use a frequency converter.
  • For lifts already installed, after passing the Mandatory Periodic Inspection (IPO) and if their stopping precision differs from the UNE EN 81-20 standard, it will be necessary to make the corresponding modifications within a period of 1 year.
• Automatic door closing protection: Every elevator must have a photoelectric curtain as a safety system, covering the opening from a minimum of 25 mm to a maximum of 1,600 mm above the cabin step. This implementation must be carried out:
  • Within 6 months in the event of an accident
  • Within the first year in the context of the periodic inspection.
• Protection against uncontrolled cabin movements: Adaptations must be implemented to prevent or stop the cabin from moving off the plant level.
  • This adjustment must be carried out during the joint replacement of the powertrain and control system.
• Two-way communication in the cabin: All elevators must be connected to a rescue center that allows for rapid and agile intervention in the event of entrapment.
  • The installation must be completed within 1 year and must be accessible to people with physical disabilities.
• Replacement of guides: Previously installed elevators, unless they are considered historical or artistic heritage, must not have rails for the cabin and/or counterweight that have parachutes, are cylindrical or made of wood.
  • Elevators installed before 06/09/1952:
    • Before three years in case of having wooden or hollow cylindrical guides
    • Six years in all other cases, from the entry into force of this RD.
  • Elevators installed between 06/09/1952 and 01/04/1967:
    • Before three years in case of having wooden or hollow cylindrical guides
    • Eight years in the rest of the cases, since the entry into force of this RD
  • Elevators installed since 01/04/1967:
    • Before ten years from the entry into force of this RD.
  • Load and counterweight control devices: All lifts must be equipped with a mechanism that warns in the event of overload in the car. It is also necessary to ensure that the counterweight can be inspected throughout its journey. The inspection must be carried out within:
    • 3 years for elevators over 50 years old.
    • 5 years for newer elevators.

New operating manual

According to the ITC, companies in charge of elevator maintenance must create an instruction manual for the safe use of each elevator they maintain and must provide a copy to the owner of the facility. They must create them during a minimum period of two years if they do not have them. They must contain:

• Guidelines for rescuing trapped users, specifying the number of conservators required.
• Procedures for accessing the cab roof, pit and other relevant machinery spaces.
• Electrical diagrams of power, safety chain and normal and emergency lighting circuits in the cabin and shaft.
• Instructions for use and testing of the two-way communication system.
• Identification of safety components.
• Procedure for safely removing an elevator from service.
• Availability and type of shelter spaces on roof and in pit.
• In the case of elevator modifications, the instructions from the installation-maintenance company regarding these must be included.
• Complete instructions on operation, programming and context menu codes.

Measures to be implemented in existing hydraulic elevators

Regarding the existing hydraulic lift fleet, there are 4 points for improvement. These are:

• Poor leveling .
• User protection against uncontrolled cabin movements .
• Load control devices .
• Measures to increase security arising from previous legislation .

When should elevator inspections be performed?

UNE 58720 Standard indicates that elevator maintenance companies must periodically carry out maintenance plans:

• Elevator maintenance for single-family homes should be performed every four months.
• Maintenance of the rest of the elevators must be carried out on a monthly basis.

In addition, companies responsible for elevator maintenance must prepare a specific plan for each type of elevator under their responsibility within a period of one year. This plan, in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned regulations, must include:

• Detailed description of activities.
• Methods.
• Resources, both human and material.
• Duration of planned tasks.

New additional periodic inspection when a maintenance change is made

When there is a change in the company responsible for the maintenance of an elevator, in addition to the usual documents, the person in charge must submit to the competent authority of the Autonomous Community a periodic inspection carried out by a control body no more than 30 days in advance of the date of signing the contract with the new company.

The fundamental role of property managers

Currently, in Spain, the regulations applicable to each lift are those in force at the time of its installation. This new version of the ITC (Complementary Technical Instruction) has been created with the aim of safeguarding people against the risk of accidents and allowing all lifts in the Spanish fleet to benefit from the technological and safety advances of recent years.

It is essential that Property Managers are familiar with and understand the new safety measures and requirements of the new ITC Elevators 2024 in order to provide accurate information to property owners . By understanding what is established in this regulation, proper management of the property and maintenance of such a common and crucial element as elevators are guaranteed.

If you have an old hydraulic lift installed that is affected by the new ITC for lifts and you need to update it or have any questions, write to us and we will give you a solution! And don't forget to share this article if you think someone might be interested!