Lift Engineering and Construction Industry

Shaun Parker asked:


Platform lifts are now being used regulary as a means of access for the less able. The new modern type of platform lift is a cost effective means of providing a lift with minimal building work.

There still should be some thought regarding choosing a conventional lift as opposed to a platform lift, cost should not be the only consideration, what is the main use of the lift, how many people need to use the lift and what kind of building, should all be considered.

There are now platform lifts with full lift cars as conventional elevators which make use of lift technology in there drive systems and electronics, but still complying with the machinery directive 98/37/EC, this type of lift is perfect for buildings where it is difficult to create a deep pit and headroom is limited.

When travelling vertically over 2mts the lift must have a full height enclosure with a full height door at the upper level. There are recommended sizes of usable car area in Part M of the building regulations.

The most popular size has a 1100mm wide x 1400mm long platform, and this should be the size of lift car you aim for, however space can be limited and there are other sizes that are accepted, 900mm wide x 1400mm long, if any other lift size is used in a public building you must get building control approval.

Under the machinery directive it is only necessary to supply the the with an external alarm, but it is strongly recommended that some form of voice communication from the lift to a third party is installed, this way if for any reason the lift should stop mid travel help can be called quickly and the passengers released by the safety lowering features that should be built into your platform lift.

As you could imagine safety is paramount on any lift and a platform lift is no exception, there are numerous devices that quietly take care of there passengers.

When you have chosen your platform lift and decided where it will fit within your building, the fun can start. There are as many options with a platform lift as there are with a conventional elevator, you can chose to have a glass lift shaft with special coloured walls to blend in with its environment to special doors that can open automatically on arrival at a designated landing.



platform lifts

Robert asked:


Vertical lifts or wheelchair lifts are a great investment if you or someone you love is in a wheelchair or has trouble walking. They work like mini elevators and are used to overcome differences in height found in homes. Here are some things to consider when purchasing and installing your new vertical platform lift.

- It is probably a good idea to invest in a good set of lights to keep the vertical platform lift well lit. Some people get motion sensor lights that automatically cut on when they detect movement. This is great because you do not have to remember to leave the light on when you leave during the day, but return at night.

- If you are installing the vertical platform lift outside, then ensure that it is weather proof and also that its colors will fit your homes style. Many wheelchair lifts look very clean and elegant.

- Account for any added weight when you consider the weight requirements. You should consider expected weight gain, wheelchair weight, anyone that may be using the lift with you or by themselves, and keep in mind that you will probably use your wheelchair lift to take your shopping up with you.

- Check to see if your lift has a manual lowering mode. This is important to know so that if you loose power you are prepared. Many units have a battery backup available which may be a good idea if you are in an area that frequently looses power.

- If you are installing your wheelchair lift outside take measure to protect it from environmental damage. Things like branches that could potentially fall on your unit should be removed.

- Follow the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This usually takes only a few short minutes and will save you money and ensure that you have many years of quality service from your wheelchair lift.



platform lifts

Robert Harris asked:


Residential lifts and elevators have become very popular accessibility equipment as they do away with the hassle of climbing stairs in multi-storied residences. These devices offer easy access to all levels of the residence. They offer quiet, smooth and reliable operation and make moving up and down with furniture, groceries and laundry less of a problem. People with limited mobility can enjoy greater independence through the use of such systems.

Getting the Right System for Your Home

Factors to consider when selecting a residential lift or elevator include:

• Lifting capacity and power consumption needs

• Space available in the residence for the equipment

• Whether it is to be used by just one person or more

• Whether you need a lockable equipment

• Presence of safety features such as emergency stop buttons, cable safety devices, door interlocks, and alarms

• The number of floors the system would have to move through

It is important to purchase the residential lifts and elevators from trustworthy manufacturers to ensure that they are safe and efficient.

So Many Kinds to Choose From

Residential lifts and elevators are space savers and come in several loading configurations and sizes to suit various construction requirements. They are available in an extensive range of designs, colors, speed ranges and finishes.

Residential elevators of different types are available to suit different budgetary requirements. These include roped hydraulic drive, winding drum drive, vacuum drive and pitless models. Passenger lifts for residential purposes come in models such as curved and spiral stairlifts, straight stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, seat lifts, portable lifts, and dumbwaiters.

Great Benefits

Adding a quality elevator to the home guarantees several benefits:

• Better accessibility between various floors of the residence

• Elevates the resale value of the home by lending a touch of luxury to it

• Provides a comfortable, safe ride

It won’t be hard to find residential lifts and elevators that are easy to install, operate and maintain. It is preferable to get an accessibility device installed when the residence is under construction rather than several years after it is built, to avoid inconvenience and get them at economical rates.



platform lifts