Lift emergency phones are a critical safety requirement in Australian buildings. They allow passengers trapped in a lift to contact help immediately and ensure buildings comply with national safety standards.
In Australia, lift communication systems must comply with AS 1735, the Australian Standard that governs the design, installation, and operation of lifts.
This guide explains how lift emergency phones work, what the regulations require, and how building owners and strata managers can ensure their lift communication systems remain compliant.
What Is a Lift Emergency Phone?
A lift emergency phone is a communication device installed inside a lift car that allows passengers to contact assistance if the lift stops or experiences a fault.
When the emergency button inside the lift is pressed, the system connects the passenger to a designated response point such as:
- A building manager
- A concierge desk
- A monitoring centre
- A maintenance contractor
- An emergency response service
Modern lift phones typically operate using cellular or VoIP technology, replacing older copper-based telephone lines.
Australian Standard AS 1735 Lift Communication Requirements
The primary regulation covering lift emergency communication in Australia is AS 1735 – Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks.
AS 1735.19 outlines the specific requirements for emergency communication systems in lifts.
Key requirements include:
1. Two-Way Communication
The lift must provide a two-way voice communication system that allows trapped passengers to speak with a responsible person or monitoring service.
2. Continuous Availability
The communication system must be available at all times, including during power outages.
This usually requires:
- Backup battery power
- Reliable network connectivity
3. Clear Identification
Passengers must easily identify the emergency call button and know that it will connect them to help.
4. Connection to a Responsible Person
The system must connect passengers to a responsible person capable of initiating rescue procedures.
5. Automatic Dialling
Modern lift phones must automatically dial the designated monitoring number when the emergency button is pressed.
Why Lift Emergency Phones Are Critical for Building Safety
Lift communication systems are not just a regulatory requirement — they are a critical part of building safety.
They provide reassurance for passengers and enable a quick response in emergency situations.
Key benefits include:
- Immediate communication during lift breakdowns
- Faster rescue response times
- Compliance with Australian safety standards
- Improved safety for residents and visitors
- Reduced liability for building owners
PSTN Shutdown and Lift Phones
Many older lift phones rely on PSTN landlines, which are currently being phased out across Australia.
As carriers shut down copper networks, buildings must upgrade their lift emergency communication systems to modern alternatives such as:
- 4G lift emergency phones
- Dual-path cellular communication
- IP-based lift communication systems
Upgrading early helps prevent service interruptions and ensures continued compliance with safety standards.
Modern Lift Phone Solutions
Today’s lift emergency phone systems provide several advantages compared with traditional telephone lines.
Common features include:
- 4G cellular connectivity
- Automatic fault monitoring
- Remote diagnostics
- Battery backup systems
- Dual communication paths for redundancy
- Compliance with AS 1735 standards
These systems are designed to remain operational even during power or network disruptions.
Who Is Responsible for Lift Emergency Phones?
Responsibility for lift communication systems typically sits with:
- Building owners
- Strata committees
- Building managers
- Facility managers
These parties must ensure the lift emergency phone system:
- Remains operational
- Meets current Australian standards
- Is tested and maintained regularly
Lift maintenance contractors often assist with testing and compliance checks.
Signs Your Lift Emergency Phone Needs Upgrading
Many buildings still rely on outdated communication systems.
You may need to upgrade your lift phone if:
- It uses a copper PSTN line
- The system does not support cellular connectivity
- It lacks backup power
- Calls cannot be automatically monitored
- The system does not meet AS 1735 communication requirements
Upgrading ensures the lift remains compliant and operational.
How Lift Emergency Phones Work
When a passenger presses the emergency button inside the lift:
- The lift phone automatically initiates a call.
- The call connects to a monitoring centre or building contact.
- Two-way communication is established.
- The operator assesses the situation.
- Maintenance or emergency services are dispatched if required.
Modern systems can also provide automatic alerts when faults occur.
Choosing the Right Lift Emergency Phone System
When selecting a lift communication system, building owners should consider:
- Compliance with AS 1735 standards
- Network reliability
- Backup power capability
- Monitoring and alert features
- Ongoing support and maintenance
Working with an experienced provider ensures the system meets safety and compliance requirements.
Learn More About Strata Communications
If you manage or operate a strata building, you may also find these guides helpful:
- Lift emergency phones explained
- Phone systems for strata buildings
- Wi-Fi calling in apartment buildings
These technologies help improve communication reliability across modern buildings.
Summary
Lift emergency phones are a vital safety system required in Australian buildings. Compliance with AS 1735 ensures that passengers can contact assistance if a lift becomes stuck or experiences a fault.
With the ongoing shutdown of copper phone networks, many buildings are upgrading to modern cellular lift communication systems that provide improved reliability and monitoring capabilities.
Ensuring your lift emergency phone system is compliant helps protect residents, visitors, and building operators.