Lift Engineering and Construction Industry

Robert asked:

Many people who are elderly, suffer from arthritis, or muscular related diseases use mobility devices like mobility scooters and wheelchairs. These types of mobility aids can greatly increase mobility and the areas that are accessible. These types of devices can be used to travel many different types of terrains, but they are almost never outfitted to travel over the stairs. In these instances a vertical platform lift can be installed to help with this problem.

Vertical platform lifts are often called porch lifts because they are commonly installed on the front steps of houses. They, using a small platform, support the person and their personal mobility device and move them up and down the stairs. Most can support over 500 pounds, which is generally enough to transport 2 individuals and one mobility scooter at a time. There are several units available commercially and residentially that can support up to 750 pounds.

Porch lifts can be installed fairly easily. They typically only require a solid base of concrete or wood and are easily secured to this base. Depending on the lifting height and the model of porch lift, it may be necessary to also secure the unit to the wall of the stairs. Some porch lifts are portable and can be moved easily and in a matter of minutes. These portable vertical platform lifts are commonly used at schools and in churches. A portable unit typically has a lower lifting height and also may not be able to support as much weight as a non-portable unit.

Vertical platform lifts provide a very valuable service for those who use mobility scooters, electric power wheelchairs, or other personal mobility vehicles. It can open your home up with the rest of the world, or ensure that your business is accessible to those who are mobility challenged.

platform lifts

randy padrinas asked:


By investing in disabled access you are making your service available to a huge segment of the market that has long been over looked.

 In 2003, there were 3.35 million people aged 60 years and over (17% of the population), just over half had a reported disability (51%) and 19% had a profound or severe core-activity limitation – (ABS).The combined spending power of these two groups is in the region of $22 billion per year.

It is estimated that MENA region has approximately 30 million or more people with disability. Disabled people tend to experience widespread exclusion from social, economic, and political life of the community, whether due to ongoing stigmatization or to the neglect of their needs in the design of policies, programs and facilities.

The UAE Disability Act (Federal Law No.29/2006) protects the rights of disabled children and seeks to correct this imbalance by requiring equitable access and related facilities for disabled children into all new property developments that includes schools and rehabilitation schools.

 Building designers, construction companies, building owners and managers must ensure that access and related facilities are provided for disabled people including disabled children and ensure that the access and facilities are available at all times maintained at all times

 The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission will prosecute service providers and employers who have not made the necessary adjustments to make their premises accessible to disabled people.

The Platform Lift Company is one of Australia’s premier suppliers and fitters of platform lifts for disabled access. Our products comply with BCA and DDA guidelines and are suited to both commercial and residential environments. We offer a wide range of lift options to suit all your access needs. We are not bound by ‘standard’ platform sizes, and can customise a lift to suit most size specific situations. From external to curved staircase lifts, we can supply, fit and maintain the perfect solution for any site.

For more information please visit our website: http://www.platformliftco.com.au/ or call Heath Donnelly, Managing Director, at +971 50 460 1102; +971 43356118. Or email: heath@platformliftcompany.com

 



platform lifts

James Todman asked:


A scissor lift, sometimes known as a table lift, is a work platform used for carrying loads or people. It moves upwards when the criss-crossing supports beneath the platform draw together, pushing the lift upwards. It enables the operator to adapt its height to suit any task.

Scissor lifts can use hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical power to extend in height, and come in various types and sizes. Originally designed as an industrial lift it has now been modified to suit retail and wholesale environments.

There are many benefits of using scissor lifts, including:

1) Scissor lifts can help operators to reach areas that might otherwise be inaccessible.  Larger models can extend to a height of 18.8 metres (62 feet).

2) Scissor lifts are so simple to operate and move that they reduce fatigue in operators, increasing levels of production.

3) Scissor lifts eliminate repetitive strain injury (RSI) by avoiding the need to bend and stretch repeatedly.

4) The weight of the load being lifted is distributed evenly, because of the lift’s vertical scissor motion beneath a flat platform.

5) Different scissor lifts utilise different methods of power, so companies can opt for a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical model depending on their requirements.

6) Scissor lifts vary in base size, platform size, vertical travel and height. They can carry different capacities from standard to heavy loads, enabling companies to choose the appropriate model according to the working environment.

7) Scissor lifts can either be stationary or mobile, depending on the needs of the company

Turntables can be added to scissor lifts to allow the operator to rotate loads. This saves time and minimises the risk of injury from heavy loads.

9) Tilters can be used on scissor lifts to allow the operator to position a product by tilting the platform, sliding goods off.  Operators do not have to risk injury by lifting heavy loads.

10) When not in use and fully retracted, scissor lifts take up little space in a warehouse or office.

For many years industry has benefited tremendously from the use of scissor lifts, resulting in increased production and less strain and injury to employees. Continual innovations mean that there is now a wider choice of features making the scissor lift a very useful piece of equipment.

Today scissor lifts can be seen operating in most warehouses. Mobile models can travel over smooth surfaces or be adapted to tackle the uneven terrain of building sites. It is not unusual to see a scissor lift on a film set as they have proved popular for supporting the cameras. Whatever your requirements there will always be a scissor suitable for your needs.



platform lifts

Robert asked:


Vertical platform lifts are primarily used by individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. They are used to transport a mobility device and its rider up and down the stairs. They are often found in residential settings, but many businesses also use them. This includes places like churches and schools.

A vertical platform lift is designed to support the weight of a mobility device, such as a mobility scooter, and its rider. Most do not support less than 500 pounds and many can support as much as 750 pounds. In many cases a 2 people will ride the vertical platform lift at one time. This is common among husbands and wives, as well as caregivers. Some models are able to travel distances up to 12 feet.

Since most vertical platform lifts are intended for outside use they are water resistant and weather proof. Many also feature a battery backup to make sure that even if the power goes out that the device can still be used. If you intend to install the vertical platform lift in a public area or if you are worried about young children playing on it, it is a good idea to invest in a keyed lock. Most distributors can outfit the porch lifts with locks if they do not already come with one. They are controlled by use of either a set of call buttons or a remote control.

Vertical platform lifts are used by many millions of people. They are like having your own personal elevator and can also be used to transport goods up and down the stairs.



platform lifts

lifter asked:


Stair lift Specs.

Of the three common alternatives for providing access between floors (residential elevators, stair lifts or stair lifts, and platform lifts) the stair lift is by far the least expensive option.

Straight stair lifts range in price from 2.5k – 4k, and between 4k – 15k for retrofitted curved models. As the complexity of the stair design increases so will the installation costs. Curved rail lifts require a highly detailed on-site survey prior to order and can take up to 3 months to be built and delivered.

Stair Lift Specifics – Special Thanks to www.StairLiftExchange.com for an awesome website that features different types of stair lifts.

Drive Type – There are 4 types of Stair lift drives that are available for consumer purchase.

Cable – Most cable drive systems use a strong steel cable, the kind used in elevators, to advance the passenger. Some have said that cable drive stair lifts don’t have smooth starts and stops but it really depends on the model. Chain – Usually only used for heavy duty models. Can be loud at times. Screw – The lifting mechanism used is a ***** driven actuator, which is powered by a rechargeable battery. Rack & Pinion – Users ride is smooth and controlled. Speed can be set by installer. Rack and pinion (meaning gear and teeth). The systems must be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent damage to the components. Gear teeth can be hazardous, especially to children, but most models have hidden gears.

Many manufacturers have discontinued their cable, chain, and ***** drive systems, with the exception of their heavy duty models. Rack & pinion are the one’s mostly used today. However, Drum and Cable systems are amazing too!

Rail / Track – The track used with a stair lift is secured to the stairs. Steel and aluminum are the primary metals used in manufacturing the tracks. Steel is often used for custom engineered applications, where as Aluminum is typically found in straight applications because of its lighter weight and interchangeability.

Power – Most Stair lifts today are powered by batteries or a domestic mains supply. Either AC (mains supply) or DC powered (battery). AC powered units use a trailing mains cable that is said to be less reliable than the DC battery powered units. Furthermore, the trailing cable needs to be reeled out and reeled back in, each and every time the stair lift travels up and down the stairway. AC powered units can be recharged anywhere along the track, whereas DC powered units can only be recharged at the base stations at the top and bottom of the stairs. There are several states where they prohibit the installation of AC powered equipment unless you are a fully qualified electrician.

There are two types of Station Charging: 

Static Charging – consists of permanent charging stations positioned at each end of the rail. Flexible Charging – allows the charging stations to be moved anywhere on the rail.

Swivel Seat – To safely access the upper landing of the stairs, one must swivel the stair lift seat onto the landing. A lock release lever allows the seat to turn. Some seats have a single or dual release arms. 

There are two types of swivel seats: 

90° Swivel Seat – This type of swivel seat is mounted on the upstairs side of the chassis and fold in one direction. 180° Swivel Seat – This model folds in both directions.

Diagnostics – Many newer stair lifts offer a self diagnostic system that can help diagnose problems with your lift and decrease maintenance costs.

Accessories – There are a number of accessories available to complement your Stair Lift. These accessories are great for individuals with additional mobility difficulties and/or more complex stair configurations.

Sit and Stand Frame – Allows the passenger to choose between sitting and standing. Seatbelts – Great safety feature with offered in either belt or shoulder strap. Hinged Rail – Allows the railing to be moved from the bottom of the stairs. Bridging Platform – Used for curved staircases at the top of the landing. Power Folding Footrest – For individuals that have a hard time bending down. Power Swivel Seat – Automatically turns the seat for effortless entry and exit.

Installation – Many stair lifts are manufactured so they can be easily installed. Some individuals decide to install it themselves while others prefer to have them installed by the manufacturer. Most stair lift manufacturers will have measurement and installation guides readily available on their websites and are very helpful if you have any questions.

 

More information: For more information you can visit: www.StairLiftExchange.com and choose from all different types of stair lifts.



platform lifts

Camille Howe asked:


Electrohydraulic scissor lifts are some of the most powerful, heavy duty material handling tools used by major factories, power plants, government facilities, and service centers. These products are needed for loads that weigh anywhere from 15,000 LB up to 120,000 LB. Like all scissor lifts, electric hydraulic units are built to keep heavy materials at a stable, consistent elevation for safe access and efficient operations to be performed. They are routinely employed by telephone companies, lumber companies, and air craft engine companies to elevate materials for manipulation, moving, or service work.

Often as well, electric hydraulic scissor lifts will be buried in the ground in order to secure and stabilize tractor trailers during loading and unloading procedures. Two hydraulic scissor lifts will be buried apart from each other at the exact same distance as the front and rear wheels of a truck. The lift will be flush to the ground when it is the elevated position. When the truck needs to be loaded or unloaded, it will be “parked” with both sets of wheels centered on either electrohydraulic lift. The lift tables will then be lowered, locking the truck in place and making the trailer bed flush to the ground.

This allows work crews to drive forklifts directly into the trailer at ground level, and it prevents the truck from wobbling from side to side. It also allows workers to move barrels and containers filled with sensitive materials and flammable liquids safely into the trailer with minimal risk of spillage or injury. Nuclear power plants often use electro-hydraulic scissor lifts to secure trucks that are used to transport containers of nuclear waste.

Of course, heavy duty electric scissor lifts are not always buried like this. In many cases, they are used to elevate heavy engines in tractor companies to work platforms where technicians and welders can work from a standing position rather than having to work from a ladder, or actually climb on top of the engine and risk a fall. The larger the lift; the more weight it will safely elevate, and the higher it can be raised.

Because these machines are engineered for maximum heavy duty performance and reliable strength and stability, they have a design safety factor of 3 to 1. Each electrohydraulic lift is operated by an externally powered motor ranging from 5 to 15 hp, depending on the lift model and size. Motors are controlled from an up/down push button control on the end of a 20 ft cord. Every motor includes an adjustable upper travel limit switch that automatically shuts off the motor and pump at the desired pre-set height. Two secondary, mechanical upper travel back-up stops provide an additional safeguard against over extension.

When necessary, workers can also stand on hydraulic scissor lifts safety. The platforms are supported by rectangular structural tube scissor legs and torque tubes that stabilize horizontal and longitudinal centers of gravity and minimize deflection when the unit is supporting huge loads and workers are moving around on the platform. Toe guards along the edges of the platform add a standard, yet very important, safety buffer against accidental slips and falls.

Heavy duty scissor lifts are made with a number of additional safety and mechanical features that are intended to ensure stability, safe operation, and durability under extreme stress for long periods of time, and reliable performance of all unit components for the duration of the unit’s lifespan. Talk to a material handling specialist for more details.



platform lifts

nlwest21 asked:

A platform lift is a machine that is battery-powered to carry and raise wheelchairs and the individuals who are utilising them. It gives them the power to overcome obstacles that are in their way by lifting them up and over them. There are numerous different kinds of these lifts – which are used by businesses and individuals who do not have the power to walk well without help.

Wheelchair Platform Lifts

These are the most commonly utilized lifts that are found on the back of vans or trucks. With a wheelchair platform lift the owner is able to place their chair on the lift and secure it into place. Once they are safely in the vehicle the lift will rise from the ground through a special control pad and permitting the owner to take it with them wherever they travel.

This lift has the ability to hold both standard and powered wheel chairs and are very easy to use. There are other types of these lifts that are developed into the van itself. These permit the person to drive their chair onto the lift which will then pick both the chair and the owner off the ground and slip them safely inside the van. This is smoother for numerous people because it does not demand them to manuever round the van.

Platform Stair Lifts

These types of lifts are employed to aid people up and down their stairs with no troubles. They are made along the wall of the staircase in the home. The chair will sit on a unique rail that will carry the chair and its owner up and down when they need admittance.

These are functioned by special remote controls that are settled on the arm of the chair and are ordinarily battery powered. There are many contrasting kinds of stair lifts that are utilized for different houses and kinds of staircases. They also have the power to likewise be utilized on stairs outside of the house.

platform lifts