This page is referenced from and supplements the guidance in the Introduction of BS 5655-11 DPC. The Introduction includes a link to this page so that further guidance can be developed to assist with issues which are not covered in BS 5655-11.
The Introduction of BS 5611-11 DPC was drafted by the BSI lifts hoists and escalators committee, MHE/4, since the committee recognised that further guidance on some important topics might be helpful with the revision of the standard after more than 20 years.
The Introduction of BS 5655-11 DPC includes the following text.
It is recognized this standard cannot cover all aspects (e.g. suitable qualifications in support of competence and quality management systems) and that technical development and advances in understanding cannot be incorporated until this standard is next amended or revised. For these reasons, further information can be found on the LEIA website at www.leia.co.uk/bs-5655-11-lift-modification-guidance
Competence
BS 5655-11 DPC introduces core competences for lift modification in Table 1 which identifies the following phases of modification work:
> Survey and agreement of scope of work
> Design and engineering of modification
> Installation and on-site works
> Test and verification
Lift modifications can involve a range of competences. The common core competences are described in Table 1; it is expected that these will be supplemented, where necessary, by competences relating to the scope of work and the specific situation.
In particular, modifications made by digital means (see 4.8) might not be part of a standard process such as undertaking maintenance. This has implications for the competence of those undertaking a modification by digital means, and the level of competence required depends upon the nature of the change. For example, adjusting the door dwell time might well be within the competency of a trained maintainer; however, updating software or altering drive parameters might need in-depth knowledge of the equipment, high level training, a detailed understanding of the manufacturer’s instructions, and the ability to carry out a thorough test/verification after the change has been made.
Whilst it is recognized that professional body memberships and professional qualifications for individuals, or membership of trades associations and representative bodies for organizations, do not guarantee ethical behaviour and competency, they do provide owners, users, those working on the lift in the future and other stakeholders with confidence regarding the competence of those engaged to carry out lift modification. It does not mean that those without such memberships and qualifications lack competence in carrying out lift modernization; it is simply that there is no independent benchmark for them.
Guidance on suitable basic levels of certified competence for those carrying out installation work and those carrying out testing can be found at www.leia.co.uk/industry-qualifications and for competent persons under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations can be found at www.safed.co.uk/publications/standards.
Persons (including organizations) involved in any part of the modification process, from initial specification of owner’s requirements to verification, test and returning a lift to service, should:
1. possess the organizational capability to fulfil the role they are appointed to undertake;
2. possess, or have access to individuals possessing, the necessary training, skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work;
3. identify the range of competences required for the modifications to be made and determine that they have relevant competence to complete the work, including the core competence criteria given in Table 1;
4. identify the competences required by persons able to make modifications, including by digital means, including recognizing the implications of making such changes; and
5. understand the limits of their competence and only undertake tasks at the level appropriate to their ability, unless they are supervised and supported by another appropriately competent person.
Assessed capability. Users of this part of BS 5655 are advised to consider the desirability of quality management systems covering their activities involved in this part of BS 5655, and assessed against the appropriate standard in the BS EN ISO 9000 series by an accredited third-party certification body.
Persons under the control of an organization include both direct employees and those subcontracted to carry out roles.
Quality Management Systems
BS 5655-11 DPC advises users of the standard to consider the desirability of quality management systems covering their activities involved in this part of BS 5655, and assessed against the appropriate standard in the BS EN ISO 9000 series by an accredited third-party certification body.
BS EN ISO 9001 has become the recognised benchmark for quality management systems for most organisations carrying out work from initial scoping of work from an audit of the lift prior to planning the scope of work, surveying, design including selection of equipment, installation to site test and verification. Other management systems might also be relevant e.g. BS ISO/IEC 17020 might be relevant for the activities of inspection bodies.
The following aspects of a quality management system are highlighted for organisations undertaking modification work to lifts:
> the scope of quality management systems should cover all the aspects of work undertaken by the organisation;
> policies and procedures should cover the measures in place to address at least the phases of work identified above;
> the quality management system should be audited including competence management, engineering design, testing and verification activities.