Health Technical Memorandum (HTM 08‑02): A Guide for Healthcare Lift Design and Compliance

Healthcare environments place unique and often complex demands on lift systems. Unlike commercial buildings, hospitals and clinical facilities must consider patient mobility, infection control, emergency response, and strict operational reliability. These requirements influence everything from lift size and layout to security features and maintenance procedures.

To support safe and effective design across the NHS and wider healthcare sector, the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) series provides detailed guidance on engineering standards, building design, and operational best practice. HTM 08‑02 is the document dedicated specifically to lifts and lifting equipment.

What Is the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM 08‑02)?

The Health Technical Memorandum is a collection of technical documents issued by the Department of Health and Social Care. Each HTM focuses on a particular engineering or building service, offering guidance to estates teams, designers, contractors, and maintenance providers.

The suite covers areas such as:

• Fire safety
• Electrical systems
• Ventilation
• Decontamination
• Lifts and lifting equipment

For lifts, the relevant document is HTM 08‑02, which sets out the standards and expectations for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of lift systems in healthcare settings.

HTM 08‑02 provides guidance on:

• Managing lift installation and maintenance contracts
• Defining internal and external "responsible persons"
• Selecting the correct lift type for clinical needs
• Incorporating additional features beyond standard lift specifications
• Lift car sizes, door widths, and circulation space
• Routine maintenance responsibilities
• Modernisation and lifecycle planning
• Management of all lifting equipment on site

This framework ensures that lifts used in healthcare environments support safe patient movement, efficient clinical operations, and compliance with statutory requirements.

Types of Lifts Defined in HTM 08‑02

Healthcare facilities rely on a variety of lift types, each designed for specific functions. HTM 08‑02 outlines the performance, size, and safety requirements for each category.

Passenger Lifts

Passenger lifts are used for general circulation and must accommodate a wide range of users, including wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. HTM 08‑02 specifies:

• Minimum space for a wheelchair user and attendant
• Adequate turning and manoeuvring room
• Accessible control panels

These lifts support everyday movement of staff, patients, and visitors.

Goods Lifts and Goods/Passenger Lifts

Goods lifts transport equipment, supplies, waste, and other non‑passenger loads. In some facilities, goods lifts may also carry attendants.

HTM 08‑02 provides guidance on:

• Separation of goods and passenger traffic where possible
• Safe combined use in smaller buildings
• Hygiene considerations for "clean" vs "dirty" goods routes

Service and Housekeeping Lifts

These lifts are typically used for clean goods such as:

• Sterile equipment
• Laundry
• Catering supplies

Dumbwaiter lifts fall into this category, offering compact, low‑capacity transport that reduces contamination risks and saves space.

Firefighting, Emergency, and Evacuation Lifts

Healthcare buildings require enhanced emergency lift provision due to the number of patients who cannot self‑evacuate. HTM 08‑02 includes requirements for:

• Firefighting lifts
• Emergency lifts
• Evacuation lifts for mobility‑impaired users

These systems must remain operational during emergency scenarios and support rapid, safe movement.

Trolley, Stretcher, and Bed Lifts

These lifts are essential for patient transfer, particularly in acute and emergency care environments.

HTM 08‑02 specifies:

• Space for stretchers, beds, and accompanying staff
• Handrail positioning that does not obstruct equipment
• Protective finishes to prevent damage from trolleys and beds

These lifts must support fast, uninterrupted movement during critical situations.

Special Design Considerations in Healthcare Lift Projects

Beyond lift type, HTM 08‑02 highlights several additional factors that influence safe and efficient lift design.

Lift Quantity, Positioning, and Circulation

Healthcare buildings often experience uneven or high‑intensity traffic flows. HTM 08‑02 provides guidance on:

• Determining the correct number of lifts
• Positioning lifts to support clinical workflows
• Managing peak‑time circulation
• Combining lift functions where appropriate

Accessibility and Usability

The memorandum sets out clear requirements for:

• Door widths
• Car dimensions
• Handrail placement
• Control panel height and layout
• Emergency exits

These ensure lifts remain accessible to all users, including those with mobility impairments.

Security and Controlled Access

Some healthcare environments — particularly mental health wards — require enhanced security. HTM 08‑02 supports the use of:

• Key card or fob access
• Restricted‑use lift controls
• Zoning to protect vulnerable patients

Emergency Bed Service (EBS / Code Blue)

HTM 08‑02 also details the Emergency Bed Service system, which allows authorised staff to take priority control of a lift during emergencies. This ensures:

• Direct travel to the required floor
• No intermediate stops
• Rapid patient transfer between departments

EBS is essential in theatres, A&E departments, and any hospital area where urgent patient movement is critical.

Supporting Healthcare Facilities with HTM‑Compliant Lift Solutions

Healthcare lifts must meet exceptionally high standards of reliability, hygiene, safety, and performance. Working with a provider who understands HTM 08‑02 is essential for ensuring compliance and operational continuity.

If you'd like help designing, modernising, or maintaining lifts in line with HTM 08‑02, Acute New Elevators offers:

• HTM‑compliant lift design
• Installation and modernisation
• Preventative and corrective maintenance
• Compliance audits and lifecycle planning

Our experience in healthcare environments ensures your lifts support safe patient care and meet all relevant technical and regulatory requirements.