Overview
ISO/TR 25741:2008 - "Lifts and escalators subject to seismic conditions - Compilation report" is an informative Technical Report that compiles existing national and regional safety guidance for protecting vertical transportation equipment (lifts, escalators, moving walks) and users during seismic events. The report documents seismic design rules, procurement information, seismic zone maps and relevant national standards (for example, ASME A17.1, Japan Elevator Association guidance, and NZS 4332) and is intended to assist designers, manufacturers and authorities in regions subject to earthquakes.
Key Topics
- Scope and intent: Compilation of safety requirements and good practice for lifts and escalators in seismic regions, focusing on commonly occurring (non‑catastrophic) ground motions.
- Seismic design principles: Overview of seismic effects on vertical transportation, earthquake magnitudes and ground motions, and historical earthquake case studies that illustrate typical damage modes.
- National standards and guidance: Summaries of country-specific documents including:
- ASME A17.1-2004 (U.S.) - seismic requirements for Risk Zone 2 or greater (clauses covering horizontal clearances, machinery and sheave beams, supports and foundations, guarding, car enclosures, guide rails and brackets, driving machines, emergency operation and signalling).
- Japan - Guide for Earthquake Resistant Design & Construction of Vertical Transportation (JEA Guide) and anti‑earthquake design practices.
- New Zealand - NZS 4332 requirements for passenger and goods lifts under seismic conditions.
- Component-level requirements: Topics addressed include car and counterweight clearances, guide‑rail design and bracket spacing, fastenings and stresses, rope retainers, car safeties, and seismic load application.
- Operational and rescue considerations: Emergency operation, signalling, and measures to minimize risk to users inside stalled cars during and after earthquakes.
- Supporting material: Seismic zone maps, bibliography and annexes reproducing key national guidance.
Applications
ISO/TR 25741:2008 is useful for:
- Elevator and escalator designers and manufacturers developing seismic-resistant equipment.
- Building engineers and structural designers coordinating lift installations with building seismic design.
- Facility owners, building managers and procurement teams specifying seismic protection measures.
- Regulators, certification bodies and inspection authorities assessing compliance with seismic requirements.
- Maintenance and emergency response planners preparing rescue and recovery procedures for seismic events.
Related standards
- ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) - seismic clauses summarized in the report
- NZS 4332 - New Zealand passenger/goods lift seismic requirements
- Japan Elevator Association (JEA) Guide - earthquake‑resistant design and construction guidance
- ISO/TS 22559-1 - global essential safety requirement on effects of earthquake
Keywords: ISO/TR 25741:2008, lifts, escalators, seismic design, seismic safety, vertical transportation, ASME A17.1, NZS 4332, earthquake-resistant design.