The History and Science of Stairlifts
Part 5 - Stairlift Safety
Safety
To satisfy safety codes stairlifts usually have cut-out switches connected to “safety edges” and other protective devices so the drive power is disconnected if something goes wrong. Modern lifts have a high degree of comfort, but safety is always paramount. "Safety edges" are a common feature to the power pack and footplate. "Safety edges" ensure that if there is any obstruction on the stairs the stairlift will automatically stop and only travel away from the obstruction.
Stairlifts are used by people of all ages and child car seats can usually be fixed a standard stairlift seat using the seat belt provided with the stairlift system.
Codes of practice and technical specifications apply to stairlift manufacture. An important specification used by stairlift manufacturers in Europe was British Standard BS 5776: 1996 Specification for Powered Stairlifts, produced by The British Standards Institution.
Self-installation
Today, self-installation of stairlifts is being tried by people interested in DIY projects. Stairlifts are available for purchase that can be self-installed. Professionals within the home medical equipment industry do not recommend that people attempt to install these products themselves. They believe that, in terms of warranty, long term care, and service, it is much more economical to have a trained professional install these products. In addition, these professionals are also aware of all safety measures and concerns associated with the proper installation of stairlifts, as well as the applicable local elevator codes.
Travel speed
Stairlifts normally have "soft" starts so the user is not jerked as the carriage starts to move. Typical travel speed for domestic straight rail stairlift carriages range between 0.07 metres per second (13.78 feet per minute, 0.16 miles per hour) and 0.15 metres per second (30 feet per minute, 0.34 miles per hour). The speed of curved rail stairlift carriages may vary on the journey if the controls cause them to slow on inclines and bends.
Guide Sources
Disability Living Museum:
http://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/lib/catcard.html?id=1190
Elevator World:
Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia:
Wiktionary, the free Dictionary:
