The Importance of Protection Systems in Elevator Shafts

Protection systems in elevator shafts are a vital safety measure for preventing the risk of falling from height on construction and building sites. These areas are among the most dangerous zones, where workers and materials could fall and cause serious injuries or deaths. Safety nets complying with the TS EN 1263-1 and TS EN 1263-2 standards are designed to prevent both people and materials from falling. Manufactured from polyamide raw material, these nets reduce the force of a fall thanks to their impact-absorbing structure and are applied as a legal requirement within the scope of collective protection measures.

In addition, these systems can be used during elevator repair and renovation work in new buildings and apartment blocks. Thanks to hinged bracket systems, the nets are easily installed and can be cleaned when necessary. By installing safety solutions with professional teams, we provide both occupational safety and operational efficiency on construction sites. These protection systems ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations while also greatly reducing loss of life and workplace accidents.

What Is an Elevator Shaft and Why Is It Dangerous?

An elevator shaft is the enclosed space in a building in which the elevator car and, where applicable, the counterweight move vertically. This shaft consists of components such as the shaft walls, base plate, top plate, guide rails and safety devices. For the elevator system to operate safely, the structural soundness, insulation and protective measures of this area are of great importance. However, elevator shafts left open during construction or maintenance periods can create serious safety risks.

The potential hazards of an elevator shaft are as follows:

• Risk of Falling from Height: Elevator shafts left open during the construction stage pose a fatal risk of falling for workers. When safety nets or barrier systems are not used, people who accidentally step into these areas can suffer serious injuries. Safety nets complying with the TS EN 1263-1 and 1263-2 standards have become mandatory in order to minimise this risk.
• Falling Materials and Equipment Damage: Construction materials falling into an elevator shaft can cause harm to both workers and equipment. On high-rise projects in particular, a falling item can lead to serious material losses and disruption to the workflow. Safety nets and barrier systems offer effective solutions for preventing such accidents.
• Fire and Water Risk: Water entering the shaft during cleaning can cause short circuits in electrical systems and deterioration of the concrete structure. In addition, dust and flammable materials accumulating in the shaft increase the risk of fire. The shaft must therefore be cleaned regularly and waterproofing must be provided.
• Legal Liability and Inspection Risk: According to occupational health and safety regulations, collective protection measures are mandatory in working-at-height areas. Failing to take safety precautions in high-risk areas such as elevator shafts both increases the employer's legal liability and creates a risk of penalties during inspections.

Elevator Shaft Protection in Terms of Occupational Health and Safety

Elevator shaft protection is a critical measure for preventing the risk of falling from height in terms of occupational health and safety. Elevator shafts left open during construction and maintenance processes hold fatal dangers for workers. Safety nets complying with the TS EN 1263-1 and TS EN 1263-2 standards are therefore positioned at certain intervals along the shaft to prevent both people and materials from falling. Thanks to their impact-absorbing structure, polyamide-based nets reduce the force of a fall and have become a legal requirement within the scope of collective protection measures. In addition, guardrail systems installed at the shaft edges physically limit the risk of falling, providing a safe working environment.

Occupational health and safety regulations require collective protection measures to be applied before personal protective equipment in working-at-height areas. In this context, elevator shaft protection directly affects the safety of workers, maintenance teams and engineers. The fact that safety nets can be easily installed with hinged bracket systems allows flexible application on different floors. At Dekosi we install these systems with professional teams. We also provide both legal compliance and operational efficiency. These protective measures are one of the most effective steps in preventing workplace accidents.

Where Are Elevator Shaft Barriers Used?

Elevator shaft barriers can be used to delimit elevator shafts left open on new construction projects, during structural construction processes and during maintenance and renovation work. The scope of the application must be determined according to the dimensions of the shaft, the connection surface and the conditions of the working area.

When choosing a system, the opening where the barrier will be positioned, the installation method, access requirements and duration of use must be evaluated together. The dimensions of the application area and site photographs make it easier to determine the right solution.

The Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Protection Systems

Temporary and permanent protection systems are two fundamental solution groups serving different requirements in terms of building safety and occupational health. Both are used to reduce risks such as falls, impacts and unauthorised access. However, they carry clear differences in criteria such as duration of use, installation method, durability and cost. Choosing the right system is critically important for both safety and operational efficiency, particularly in construction, industrial facilities and public areas.

The characteristics of temporary protection systems are as follows:

• Duration of Use and Flexibility They are ideal for short-term projects, the early stages of construction sites and event venues. Thanks to the advantage of fast installation and dismantling, they can be easily moved to different areas.
• Portability and Modularity Thanks to their lightweight structure and modular design, they can be shaped according to the areas where they are needed. Trapezoidal sheet panels, crowd control barriers and temporary edge protection systems fall into this group.
• Cost and Time Savings They are lower cost than permanent systems. Because installation time is short, they do not interrupt the workflow.
• Durability Limitations Their resistance to harsh weather conditions and long-term use is limited. Regular checks and maintenance may therefore be required.

The characteristics of permanent protection systems are as follows:

• Long-Term Protection They are used in areas requiring continuous safety such as factories, warehouses, public buildings and industrial facilities. They are permanently installed and serve for many years.
• High Durability They are manufactured from robust materials such as concrete, steel or heavy trapezoidal panels. They are resistant to wear, impact and weather conditions.
• Low Maintenance Requirement Maintenance requirements after installation are low. This reduces operating costs in the long run.
• Aesthetics and Architectural Harmony Permanent systems can be designed to harmonise with the architecture of the building. They can be integrated into their surroundings with colour, coating and form options.

Get to Know Dekosi Elevator Protection Systems

Dekosi elevator protection systems are safety solutions complying with the TS EN 13374 standard, developed to prevent the risk of falling from height on construction sites. Used particularly in areas creating discontinuity such as elevator shafts, these systems consist of components such as temporary edge protection barriers, telescopic guardrails, clamp-on posts and ground support plates. Thanks to polyamide-based nets and galvanised steel structures, they provide both impact-absorbing and long-lasting protection. Dekosi's products can be applied flexibly on different floors with the advantage of easy installation and portability.

These systems ensure worker safety. They also support the workflow by maintaining order on site. Barriers installed around elevator shafts allow both workers and material traffic to be directed safely. Installed by Dekosi's professional teams, these systems fully comply with occupational health and safety regulations. Providing a safe working environment from the start of a project to handover, Dekosi solutions have become synonymous with reliability and quality in the construction industry.