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New concerns over lift capacity

New Delhi: ‘This lift is for 16 people’ – we all have seen this warning in lifts. But is it really safe? Recently a study in Britain and Europe has raised this issue seriously. Research says that many old lifts are no longer safe for today’s increasing weight and changing body shapes.

The study was presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) held in Istanbul, Turkey. Research has shown that despite the problem of obesity, necessary improvements have not been made in the technology of lifts. Because of this, older design lifts may now pose a risk. The study was led by Professor Nick Finer, who analyzed 112 lifts built in different countries in Europe between 1972 and 2024.

Standard problem of old lifts

Many lifts are built on old standards

In the research, scientists studied the weight limit written on the lifts and the number of passengers. Next, these data were compared to the average weight at the time these lifts were made. In the 1970s, the average weight of men in Britain was about 75 kg, whereas now it has increased to 86 kg. The average weight of women has also increased similarly, but there has been no change in the capacity of many old lifts.

Big mistake in lift design

Big mistake in lift design

Professor Nick Finer said that companies designing lifts have focused on space for passengers rather than weight. They assumed that people would fit into less space, but the rising levels of obesity were not properly understood. Now both the body size and weight of people have increased, due to which they require more space in the lift. If the design remains based on old standards, it may pose a security risk.

Obesity problem in India

Obesity problem is increasing in India also

Experts believe that this problem is not limited to Europe only. Obesity rates are increasing rapidly in India also. According to the report of America’s National Library of Medicine, the obesity rate in India has exceeded 40 percent. The percentage of obesity is highest in South India, while it is lowest in Eastern India. In such a situation, it is necessary to check the safety of old lifts in India also.

Research also says that if lifts are not designed according to actual needs, discrimination against people affected by obesity may increase. Many times, when the weight limit is reached, some people have to stay out of the lift, due to which they may have to face uncomfortable situations. Professor Finer said that the society will now have to prepare public facilities according to the needs of the new era.