Lift emergency phones are designed to allow passengers trapped in a lift to contact assistance quickly. In Australia, these systems must meet specific safety standards to ensure reliable communication.
One question building managers and strata committees often ask is whether lift emergency phones must be actively monitored.
This guide explains the monitoring requirements under Australian lift standards and how building owners can ensure their lift communication systems remain compliant.
Why Lift Emergency Phones Exist
Lift emergency phones provide a direct communication link between passengers inside a lift and a responsible person who can organise assistance.
When a passenger presses the emergency button, the system automatically initiates a call to a predefined contact such as:
- building management
- concierge or security
- lift maintenance provider
- monitoring centre
This communication allows trapped passengers to receive reassurance and enables building staff to coordinate a response.
Australian Standard AS1735 Communication Requirements
Lift emergency communication systems in Australia are governed by AS 1735 – Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks.
AS1735 requires lifts to include:
- two-way voice communication
- automatic connection to a responsible person
- reliable communication at all times
- backup power capability
The system must ensure that passengers can speak with someone capable of initiating rescue procedures.
Does AS1735 Require Lift Phone Monitoring?
The standard does not always require a dedicated monitoring centre, but it does require that calls connect to a responsible person who can respond to emergencies.
This means the call must connect to someone who can:
- answer the call promptly
- communicate with the passenger
- arrange assistance or lift technician response
If calls are routed to an unattended phone line, voicemail, or unavailable staff member, the system may not meet the intent of the standard.
Why Many Buildings Use Monitoring Services
Many modern lift communication systems connect to 24/7 monitoring services.
Monitoring services provide several benefits.
24/7 Availability
Emergency calls can be answered at any time, including outside business hours.
Faster Incident Response
Monitoring centres can contact lift technicians or emergency services if required.
Fault Detection
Some monitoring platforms automatically detect faults in lift communication systems.
Compliance Support
Monitoring services can help buildings demonstrate that emergency calls are always answered.
Risks of Unmonitored Lift Emergency Phones
If lift emergency phones are not properly monitored, several risks may occur.
Missed Emergency Calls
Calls may go unanswered if routed to unavailable staff.
Compliance Issues
Building auditors may determine that emergency communication systems are not adequate.
Delayed Response
Passengers trapped in lifts may experience delays in receiving assistance.
Increased Liability
Building owners may face increased risk if communication systems fail during emergencies.
Modern Lift Communication Systems
Many buildings are upgrading lift communication systems to modern technology.
Modern systems may include:
- cellular lift communication units
- automatic fault alerts
- dual-path communication
- remote monitoring
- battery backup
These technologies help ensure lift communication remains reliable even if one network fails.
Best Practice for Lift Emergency Communication
To ensure reliable lift communication, building managers should consider:
- regular testing of lift emergency phones
- monitoring of communication systems
- upgrading legacy PSTN-based systems
- implementing backup communication methods
Working with experienced providers can help maintain reliable lift communication systems and support compliance requirements.
Summary
Lift emergency phones are a critical safety feature in Australian buildings. While the AS1735 standard does not always require a dedicated monitoring centre, emergency calls must connect to a responsible person capable of organising assistance.
Many buildings choose to implement monitoring services to ensure emergency calls are answered at all times and to improve reliability and compliance.
Maintaining a reliable lift communication system helps protect passengers, building owners, and property managers.