Beyond “DDA Compliant”: Engineering Door Safety for Platform Lift Applications
Beyond “DDA Compliant”: Engineering Door Safety for Platform Lift Applications
Modern buildings have a simple promise to keep; everyone should be able to move through them safely and independently. In the UK, accessibility expectations that were once framed under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) are now largely carried forward under the Equality Act 2010, yet “DDA compliant” remains common shorthand in the lift and access sector. For platform lift OEMs, that translates into practical engineering requirements, doors must close smoothly, lock securely and never permit lift movement when conditions aren’t safe, aligning with the safety intent found in standards such as BS EN 81-41.
The hidden workhorse behind safe, accessible movement
At Magnet Schultz (MSL), we support platform lift manufacturers with electromechanical locking and sensing solutions that help underpin safe, repeatable operation. Our focus is simple, ensure doors are secured when they should be and provide reliable, unambiguous feedback to the control system on door position and lock status – so safety logic can perform as intended and end users experience consistent, dependable access.
Electric Bolt Locks built for platform lift requirements
A core solution in this space is our Electric Bolt Lock range, including the EBL-I, a widely used favourite of UK manufacturers. In platform lift applications, door locking isn’t just about holding a door shut; it supports the interlock logic that prevents movement until conditions are correct. Options such as a contact switch (including positive-break variants) and a manual override for controlled service access, make the EBL-I specialised to the needs of platform lift OEMs. Meanwhile, compact variants such as the EBL-IS support designs where installation space is limited to a smaller footprint.
Reliable door-position feedback
Locking is one part of safe operation; however, many systems also require confirmation that a landing door is fully closed. MSL’s Door Positioning Switch (DPS) provides position feedback via spring contacts, helping control systems verify closure and support robust interlock logic. In real installations, clear feedback can improve reliability, reduce ambiguity and help minimise nuisance faults that impact user confidence and maintenance efficiency.
Compliance isn’t “one size fits all”
In practice, lift projects rarely succeed with purely off-the-shelf solutions. OEMs often need variations to suit door geometry, finishing requirements, wiring architecture and environmental conditions. MSL supports this through configurable and bespoke options. Such as, stainless-steel front plates for durability, additional wiring for simplified integration, or tailored slam-lock bolt chamfers to suit different door behaviours, while maintaining proven durability, including designs tested to 1 million cycles. This helps manufacturers achieve consistent performance across varied platforms and high duty cycles.
Looking ahead
Accessibility and safety expectations continue to evolve, with guidance pointing duty holders toward recognised platform lift safety standards and Building Regulations reinforcing accessible design as a priority. For OEMs, that means solutions that combine proven performance with the flexibility to meet changing specifications and real-world constraints. Moving forward, we’re also working toward even smaller lock footprints to support the developing home lift market, where compact packaging and discreet integration are increasingly important. At MSL, we’re committed to supporting manufacturers with reliable door locking and the engineering collaboration needed to deliver safe, inclusive access every time.
📧 sales@magnetschultz.co.uk
📞 +44 (0)1483 794700