Lift Shafts & Basement Fires — Are You Ignoring a Critical Safety Gap

Why Lift Lobby Protection is Critical — A Lesson from the Basement Connection

It was a usual Tuesday afternoon when I sat down with my colleague to review a fire protection design for a newly proposed high-rise building. The building was well-equipped in many ways: smoke detectors in rooms, sprinkler systems throughout, and multiple fire exits. Everything seemed fine—until we came across the section on vertical transportation.

The lifts.

At first glance, the lift design seemed standard: three passenger lifts and one fireman’s lift, all operational from the ground level to the topmost floor. But then I noticed something that immediately raised concern—these lifts also travelled down to the basement, and there was no fire-rated lobby or pressurization system provided at basement levels.

When I asked my colleague about this, his response was casual:

“Why do we need a fire-rated lobby? The lifts are not for evacuation. And pressurization is only needed at fireman lifts, isn’t it?”

This conversation sparked a deeper discussion—and a critical learning opportunity I want to share through this article.

🚧 Understanding the Fire Risk: Lift Shaft & Basement Connectivity

A lift shaft that connects above-ground floors to basement levels is a known path for vertical fire and smoke spread, especially in case of a basement fire. This creates a “chimney effect” where smoke and hot gases rise rapidly through the lift shaft, potentially affecting upper floors within minutes.

In buildings without fire-rated lift lobbies or pressurization systems, the risk of smoke infiltration into lift cars and adjacent areas increases manifold. This not only compromises safe egress but endangers occupants who may unknowingly call a lift during a fire event.

🔍 What Indian Standards Say

✅ NBC 2016 (National Building Code of India)

• Part 4 – Fire and Life Safety, Clause 4.10.3 states:
  “Where lifts serve basement floors, the lift lobby and lift shafts shall be protected with fire resisting construction of at least 2 hours.”
• Clause 4.9.6 on Fire Lifts:
  “Fire lifts shall be provided with a separate lobby protected with fire resisting walls and doors, and be pressurized.”
• Clause 4.6.2.4 – Basement Protection:
  “Basements shall be ventilated naturally or mechanically and must have compartmentation to contain fire.”

So, if a lift opens into a basement, a fire-rated lobby (minimum 2-hour rating) is mandatory to separate it from fire-prone zones like parking or storage areas.

Additionally, for fire and smoke control, pressurization systems are to be installed in:

• Staircases
• Lift wells (for fireman’s lift)
• Lift lobbies (especially when connected to basements)

🌍 International Perspective: What Global Codes Say

✅ NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)

• Requires smokeproof enclosures or pressurized lift lobbies for elevators that penetrate more than 3 stories or open to hazardous zones like basements.

✅ IBC (International Building Code)

• Section 3006 states:
  “Elevator lobbies serving underground stories shall be enclosed with smoke barriers and be provided with an automatic sprinkler system.”
• Requires pressurization or mechanical smoke control to prevent smoke movement through elevator shafts.

🧯 Key Precautions When Lifts Connect to Basements

If your building design includes lifts reaching basements, ensure the following:

🏗️ The Lesson Learned

Back in the meeting room, after walking through the code clauses and fire risk scenarios, my colleague nodded. “You’re right,” he said. “We often overlook these small things, but they can be critical during emergencies.”

And that’s the truth—fire safety is not just about compliance; it’s about foresight. Every lift lobby without protection is a missed opportunity to save lives in a fire emergency.

🔚 Conclusion

When designing or reviewing any high-rise building—especially with lifts connecting to basements—do not compromise on lobby protection or shaft pressurization. Codes exist for a reason, but more importantly, fires don’t wait for designs to catch up.

If you’re planning a project and need help reviewing your fire protection strategy, feel free to reach out to us.

🔗 Visit: www.agnirakshaniti.com

📧 Contact: info@agnirakshaniti.com

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