Stairlifts and disabled lifts for public places

by: Martin Balwin

Stairlifts are important in modern society because they allow elderly people, who are affected by disabilities or mobility problems, to move freely around their home.

Stairlifts can be fitted to any sort of stairs - be it spiral, curved or straight. They are also useful to stop accidents.

They are simple to use for several reasons. Not only do they come with easy-to-use joysticks and buttons, but, also, you can customise your stairlifts to fit in with your design patterns.

Disabled people use outdoor stairlifts and lifts to explore the area without injury.

They are becoming increasingly popular as it becomes obvious that they are the ideal living aides for outdoors.

Stairlifts of this kind require no electric power because they are battery operated.

The batteries last a very long time, which alleviates any risk of the stairlift shutting down – provided they are recharged every so often.

For practical reasons, outdoor stairlifts are waterproofed. The materials easily withstand the rain, snow and wind.

There are many different brands of outdoor stairlifts.

Steplifts should be used in the face of a small rise for wheelchair access. They lift up to three metres and are usually used for public access.

Unlike standard stairlifts, they are suited to either outdoor or indoor applications. There is an integral ramp so there is no need for a pit – thus keeping building work to a minimum.

A major feature of the design is the lack of mast or support towers, minimising aesthetic intrusion into the environment.

The standard finish is maintenance free stainless steel but other materials or paint finishes are available to suit the surrounding decor.

In the event of a mains power failure the lift features an emergency lowering facility.

It is difficult install a stairlift on anything but straight or curved staircases. Thankfully, most staircases are designed like this.

However, in public places other measures need to be taken. For spiral staircases, a more convention lift is a better option. Both spiral and helical stairs are characterised by the amount of turns.

The perfect solution for public buildings such as airport and leisure centres, the Aritco Platform Lift is perfect for an inexpensive and attractive way of complying with the latest disabled access regulations.

It is supplied with its own shaft enclosure and glides smoothly to a maximum height of 12 metre. Its controls are straightforward and safe.

Fore more information on lifts and stairlifts, visit the product pages.

In order for stairlifts to follow safety guidelines they need cut out switches connected to safety edges and other protective devices so the drive power is disconnected.

Safety is always paramount, so ‘safety edges’ are a common feature to the power and footplate. This means that, should there be an obstruction on the stairs, the stairlift will automatically stop and only travel away from the obstruction.

Technical and safety specifications in stairlifts are updated regularly so it is important to ensure you know the current safety guidelines.

In order that elderly and disabled people can move in a controlled and stable manner, stairlifts normally have a smooth so that the user is not jerked around as the carriage starts to move.

Speeds for domestic straight rail stairlift carriages range 0.16 miles per hour up to 0.34 miles per hour.

Curved rail stairlifts differ in speed and may vary on the journey because of changes in incline and turning corners.