Since the new elevator regulations came into effect, property owners’ associations and maintenance companies have had to adapt their equipment to the new technical and safety requirements established in the Complementary Technical Instruction (ITC) AEM 1, which regulates the maintenance, modernization, and commissioning of elevators in Spain.
Currently, elevators play a fundamental role in the daily lives of millions of people, facilitating mobility within residential, office, and commercial buildings. Therefore, understanding and complying with the new elevator regulations is essential to ensuring the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of these systems.
Why are the new elevator regulations important?
The new elevator regulations, ITC AEM 1, represent a milestone in the sector’s regulation, as they introduce stricter safety, maintenance, and periodic inspection requirements. Their goal is to improve elevator reliability, reduce operational risks, and modernize the existing fleet of elevators.
Spain ranks as the country with the highest elevator density in the world. According to data from the Spanish Business Federation of Elevators (FEEDA), there are approximately 24 elevators per 1,000 inhabitants, highlighting the importance of having solid regulations governing their use and maintenance.
This reality makes it essential to strengthen the safety and efficiency of these devices, especially considering that a significant portion of the elevator fleet is over 20 years old. For property owners and industry professionals, adapting to changes is not only crucial to avoid penalties but also to ensure user safety and the proper operation of the equipment.
Main changes in the new elevator regulations
The update of ITC AEM 1 introduces key modifications in various aspects related to the installation and maintenance of elevators. Among the main changes are:
- Modernization of old elevators:The new regulation requires updating obsolete systems, including the incorporation of new elements to meet safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards. This may represent an additional cost for property owners, as adapting to current regulations requires investments in technology, materials, and specialized labor.
- New accessibility requirements: Requirements have been strengthened to ensure that all elevators are accessible to individuals with reduced mobility. For instance, the installation of mirrors inside the elevator is now mandatory to facilitate the use of the cabin for elderly individuals or other users with mobility difficulties. These measures aim to eliminate architectural barriers and ensure safe movement within buildings.
- Greater control over maintenance: Maintenance companies must have a comprehensive and documented plan detailing inspection, repair, and replacement operations for key components. This measure aims to ensure that elevators operate in optimal conditions, reducing the risk of failures and accidents.
How does the new elevator regulation impact the maintenance of these systems?
The implementation of the new elevator regulation presents a challenge for both building owners and maintenance companies. As with any regulation, a series of measures must be implemented to ensure the safety and legal compliance of the equipment, thereby guaranteeing adherence to the Complementary Technical Instruction (ITC) AEM 1.
Among the main measures to be adopted are:
Modernization of old elevators
The new regulation establishes the mandatory update of safety systems in elevators over 20 years old. This directive includes:
- Anti-entrapment systems in automatic access doors.
- Bidirectional communication systems in case of emergency.
- Optimization of cabin leveling, preventing dangerous unevenness between the elevator floor and the building floor, which could compromise user safety.
Review and update of maintenance protocols
As part of the new regulation, a stricter maintenance plan is required, with documented and periodic inspections based on the type of elevator and its frequency of use. Maintenance companies must:
- Prioritize the early identification of failures.
- Proactively replace worn-out components to prevent accidents.
- Maintain a detailed record of each intervention performed on the equipment, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.
Installation of additional safety systems
Elevators must include:
- Emergency lights.
- Backup batteries, ensuring functionality during power outages.
- Overload control systems.
- Real-time monitoring systems to detect potential failures and optimize elevator performance.
Compliance with established update deadlines
Building owners and homeowners’ associations must ensure that the required modifications are completed within the stipulated deadlines to avoid penalties and elevator shutdowns. Having a specialized maintenance service is essential to ensure that adaptations are carried out efficiently and in compliance with regulations.
Upgrade your elevator and comply with the new elevator regulations
To ensure the safety and operation of equipment, it is essential to comply with the new elevator regulations.
At Aszende, we offer a specialized service in the maintenance and modernization of vertical mobility platforms, ensuring that each installation meets the standards required by ITC AEM 1.
Why choose Aszende to stay up to date with the new elevator regulations?
- Highly qualified team: Our technicians specialize in elevator modernization and maintenance, guaranteeing a professional service that meets the latest regulatory requirements.
- Personalized solutions: Each elevator has specific needs. At Aszende, we conduct a detailed evaluation of your equipment’s condition and design a tailored modernization plan, optimizing safety, accessibility, and efficiency.
- Guaranteed regulatory compliance: We ensure that your elevator meets all the requirements of the new ITC, preventing penalties and ensuring user safety.
Now, you just have to relax—leave your equipment in our hands and stay up to date with the new elevator regulations, the Complementary Technical Instruction AEM 1.
We can help you
Would you like to know more about our products, services and vertical mobility solutions?
Do not hesitate and contact us without any obligation using this form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
If you want to know more about the treatment of your data, please visit our privacy policy.