For Goods lifts, designed for the movement of goods only applications, the Machinery Regulations has been achievable either by satisfying a harmonised standard or through the manufacture of a unit which has been type tested within a European member state against its national standard and subsequently installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation manual by a competent trained installer. Goods lifts are covered by EN81-3 2001

For platform lifts designed for the movement of individuals with impaired mobility, compliance with the Machinery Regulations has also been achievable either by satisfying a harmonised standard or through the manufacture of a unit which has been type tested within a European member state against its national standard and subsequently installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation manual by a competent trained installer. Whilst until recently there has not been a harmonised standard forcing compliance by the second method; there are currently two standards (EN81 – 40 and – 41):

• Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts — Special lifts for the transport of persons and goods — Part 40: Stairlifts and inclined lifting platforms intended for persons with impaired mobility
• Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts — Special lifts for the transport of persons and goods — Part 41: Vertical lifting platforms intended for use by persons with impaired mobility

which have been ratified by the European parliament and will become effective during 2009.

Compliance will be evident by the display of a CE mark.