Wheelchair Lift
The wheelchair lift is a solution designed to overcome vertical barriers to access in both public and domestic situations for wheelchair users and alike. This type of lift is normally used when a conventional passenger lift is not physically possible or the vertical challenge is less than 3 meters making it financially not viable. The Wheelchair lift comes in various guises such as the vertical platform lift, which is aesthetically similar in looks to the conventional lift and is available in its own bespoke shaft or in a conventional builder’s concrete or brick built shaft. This solution is normally used in situations where the vertical rise is greater than 2 meters with the potential of achieving vertical travels of greater than 13 meters. The only real limitations to this type of lift are vertical travel, due to the lift speed which is governed to 0.15m/s and the requirement for constant pressure buttons to control the lift.
The more commonly used wheelchair lift has a travel of less than 1 meter and is free standing without requiring a full shaft and is generally supplied with an 1100mm half height gate at the upper level. This lift is quite often described as a Step lift and widely used in all types of applications from Hotels, Retail outlets, schools, colleges and the domestic dwelling where there is a change of level restricting access to the property.
Where there is not sufficient space to enable a vertical solution to overcome barrier to access an inclined platform lift or wheelchair stair lift can be quite simply mounted on the staircase or fixed directly to the wall resulting in a cost effective practical solution. These lifts fold away neatly when not in use and can be used for both straight and multi-flighted staircases facilitating multiple stops. The market leading Hiro 350 and 320 lifts have a unique patented friction drive system where the rails can also be used as a hand rail. This lift has a fully folding platform where the barrier arms fold inside the platform for a neat, vandal resistant solution. This lift is controlled by constant pressure buttons from on the lifting platform or by radio remote control hand held or wall mounted landing call stations.
All lifts that fall into any of these categories must be designed to meet the current safety requirements of European Machinery Directive 98/37/EC and will fall under the jurisdiction of the new forthcoming Machinery Directives 2006/40&41/EC. Locally in the UK we look to both BS8300 and Part M of the building regulations for guidance of where and when to use a particular solution or its practicability and fit for purpose usage. The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) whilst not law clearly outlines the responsibilities of the building owner or proprietor to provide barrier free access to all areas.
At All Axcess limited we strive to provide an unrivalled, professional and consultative service and have a wide portfolio of fully compliant products from world renowned suppliers such as Hiro Lift to meet all your specific requirements.
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