Stairlifts – How they work and safety features
A stairlift (or stair lift) is a clever solution for ascending and descending stairs for those who find steps troublesome, or who are no longer able to walk up them without assistance. They make living in a two storey house a long term option for anyone who is mobility challenged or confined to a wheelchair. But most importantly of all they enable their owners to retain their in-home independence and dignity.
If you are considering buying a stairlift, then take a look at the pages accessed from the links below. They will tell you everything you need to know about these life enhancing appliances.
- Stairlift safety and main menu (this page) - Safety considerations, how they work etc.
- Stairlift considerations - Things to consider before deciding on the type and specification of your new stairlift.
- Stairlift installation - Installation requirements and limitations.
- Straight and curved stairlifts - Which type will work in your home and what are the options.
- Perch stairlift - A perch or stand-up stair lift is an option for anyone who finds it difficult to sit down or stand up.
- Stairlifts - who can benefit - Find out who has the most to gain from owning a stairlift.
- Commercial stairlifts - In many instances can be the best mobility option for a commercial building.
- Stair lift regulations - Information regarding UK and USA regulatory requirements and standards.
When it comes to the elderly, the single biggest single cause of accidents in the home is falling down stairs, so a stairlift can make any home a safer and more secure environment. It can also ensure that a multi-storey house remains a home that you can continue to enjoy, even if you are no longer able to climb flights of stairs.
How they work
A stairlift takes the form of a chair that is mounted on a rail (or rails). This rail is mechanically fixed to the stair-side wall
or the stair treads and it runs for the full height and length of the stair. The stair lift may incorporate bends, landings and half landings.
When not in use your stairlift seat will be at the top or bottom of the staircase and your stair will still be usable by able bodied pedestrians.
Many chairlift systems offer a choice of chairs where seating, backrest and armrest options are available. You will usually be able to choose from different colour alternatives too.
When operating the chair travels along its rail at a slow, smooth, controlled pace with its passenger comfortably seated on the stairlift's seat. The stair lift can be powered by an electric motor or by a hydraulic mechanism and it has a quiet motion. The passenger controls the operation of the lift by using a remote control which is normally integral to one of the chairs arms. This means that the chair can be stopped, or have its direction of travel changed at any time. Most stairlifts are available with adjustable speeds.
Stair lifts can turn around corners and they can be fitted on a steep staircase, a narrow staircase (although widths of less than 2 feet (600mm) wide can be problematic), or stairs with irregular treads. There are very few staircases that cannot accommodate a modern stairlift. (Those that cannot may be able to accept a perch lift or have a smaller seat.)
Safety features and operation
- All chairlifts have a number of safety features. These start with a safety belt that can be used (like those in a car) to secure the passenger to the seat during use. These belts can be quickly engaged and disengaged with a minimum of effort.
- Chair arms add extra security and comfort and the one on the open side of the chair (i.e. the side at which you get on and off) will usually fold up so that it is not an obstacle when mounting or dismounting the chair.
- Most stairlifts will have a swivel seat that turns (up to 90 degrees) to facilitate getting into and out of the chair. When this is the case the swivel motion of the seat is activated when the lift starts its ascent or descent, or completes its operation.
- More sophisticated safety features include sensors that detect an obstacle or obstruction in the path of the lift and stop it before impact. Sensors will also ensure that the chair always stops and starts at the same point at the top and bottom of the stairs.
- The security of the lift is ensured by an on-off switch that is lockable and which prevents accidental use. This means that it cannot be inadvertently used, or played with by children.
- Clever braking systems (usually dual) and a smooth stop-start operation keep the lift safe and maintain a smooth stop and start motion that does not jerk or judder.
- The majority of stairlifts use a DC power supply which is continually charging a battery. This means that the lift will still operate during a power cut. A DC rather than an AC power supply will use less electricity and provide quieter operation.
Please see the main menu links near the top of this page to find out more about stairlifts.
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