Stairlifts

A stairlift is a mechanical device for lifting people up and down stairs. For sufficiently wide stairs, a rail is mounted to the treads of the stairs. A chair or lifting platform is attached to the rail. A person on the chair is lifted as the chair moves along the rail. Stairlifts are used by people of all ages and child car seats can usually be fixed to a standard stairlift seat using the seat belt provided with the stairlift system.

Stairlifts are known variously as stair lifts, stair-lifts, chair lifts, stair glides and by other names.

Stairlifts are used on both a permanent and temporary basis. Stairlifts are relatively affordable and can be purchased and installed for persons that are injured or impaired for a limited time. An average installed cost of around $2,500 allows for this. Often times the lifts are left in place even after the injury or impairment has subsided and are used in special situations or for daily tasks like laundry baskets and groceries. The other option is to have the contractor who installed the lift try to sell it for you. It is important to use an authorized dealer so that they can then continue to service and warranty the product for another customer.

Modern stairlifts used on a permanent basis need little maintenance but the owner should be careful to again use only authorized dealers to perform this maintenance so that the unit remain safe and fully warranted.

There are two basic models of stair lifts and several options for each model.

Straight

A straight stairlift is exactly what the term implies. The travel of the unit is straight. This type is used for a single set of straight stairs with no landings. this is the most common and simple configuration.

Curved

Curved stairlifts are used when there are curved stairs or intermediate landings. These units are more costly but provide a cost effective and attractive method of traversing such a set of stairs. Sometimes two or more stair lifts are used together to provide access for stairs with landings or multiple floors. this is an effective and cost efficient method, but if transfers are difficult for the user it may not be feasible.

Options

All stairlifts are powered by electricity. In most cases all that is needed is an electrical receptacle with 6-8 feet of the top or bottom of the unit, although distances and location vary by manufacturer.

• High Voltage
  
  Early models were usually high voltage and used a traveling cable (like an extension cord) that followed the unit up and down the stairs. such units if properly installed and maintained are safe, however there exists far more chance of electrical hazards with these models if they are not maintained and installed by very competent professionals.
  
  Early models also had no means of emergency backup in case of a power outage. A very important thing especially if you are on the lift during the outage.
  
  Today the better newer models are also high voltage with a battery backup. Electrical units generally have a higher weight capacity. Although safety and design has improved one should always use professionals to install and maintain these units.
  
  
• Low Voltage
  Low voltage units are very safe, quiet and affordable. The thing to watch with these units is that all of the safety devices are installed and maintained correctly. It is possible to injure a limb a child or a pet if they are not working. That said, today's stairlifts are very safe and reliable. It should be noted that many models do not charge unless the unit is at a certain position in the track like the top or bottom. Some models have upgrades that allow charging while the unit is at any position including the middle. The big advantage of these units is safety and reliable operation even in power outages.
  
  
• Outdoor
  Outdoor stairlifts come with seats, perches, or platforms and are sold worldwide. They are similar to indoor stairlifts but with improved weatherproofing.

Controls

There are controls at each floor and on the unit itself. It is possible to call the unit from a remote floor to the floor you are on. It is interesting to note that most stairlifts descend the stairs slower than they ascend. This is because it is not desirable to trigger the falling or response humans have when descending too quickly.

Safety

Safety is the primary concern, good equipment properly installed will serve to preserve health and welfare, it should never be neglected so as to cause injury.

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.

Codes of practice and technical specifications apply to stairlift manufacture.

In North America these codes may be relevant:

• ASME A17.1 - 1990, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
• ASME A18.1 - 2005 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts

Produced by American Society of Mechanical Engineers

End Of life

Stairlifts are normally very reliable and some models have given long service for over 20 years.

Eventually, though, almost every stairlift system will reach the end of its useful life and there will be a requirement to dispose of it safely. Probably there will be a mixture of metals, plastics, and other materials within the whole system and some items or materials may be regarded as hazardous waste.

Batteries containing corrosive substances will need to be handled correctly and oil in gearboxes could pose a threat to the subsoil and groundwater if allowed to leak. Some metals such as aluminum may be economically recoverable and some plastic items may be recyclable.

Dismantling a stairlift system, especially the carriage, can be labor-intensive but forward planning and a methodical approach are better for protection of the environment.

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