Are Stairlifts Safe for Your Home?
Stairlifts are safe as long as they are certified to meet standard regulations. Stairlifts need to pass various tests to ensure that their users can access stairs safely. This allows mobility-impaired individuals to enjoy independent living on their own terms.
A mobility device should always be purchased from a reputable mobility equipment sales, rentals, and service company. These companies provide expert advice and will answer all of your questions about stairlift safety.
Mobility equipment supply companies often have showrooms where you can test-drive dozens of leading mobility devices. Finding a safe stairlift isn't hard to do if you know what to look for.
Here's a breakdown of key safety considerations when purchasing or renting a stairlift for yourself or a disabled or elderly individual who needs one.
Top Stairlift Safety Features
Buying a stairlift without being familiar with crucial safety features would be like buying a car, only to realize it doesn't have airbags or a safety belt. When shopping around for a stairlift that will get you from the first floor to the second and so on, look for the following key safety features:
A seatbelt: A seatbelt is the most basic safety feature and a top priority for any motorized device. It helps to prevent falls and injuries.
A swivel seat with a lock: Many stairlifts’ safety features include a swivel seat that will lock in place when the individual is loading on or off.
Weight limit: Always be aware of your stairlift’s weight limit. Even if it has a higher weight limit, don't exceed it, as this will put the user at risk.
Safety sensors: A safe stairlift will feature sensors that detect anything that will block the movement of the stairlift, such as books, debris, shoes, etc.
Centrifugal overspeed brake: A stairlift averages 0.34 miles per hour. An overspeed brake ensures that slow speeds are maintained.
A key lock: A key lock prevents unauthorized riders, such as kids or pets, from using the stairlift.
Battery life: A good battery ensures that the stairlift will still work even in a power outage.
The good news is that even more money is being invested in enhancing the safety of modern-day stairlifts. Business market insights show that enhanced safety features are one of the key areas of technological innovation that are driving the stairlift market forward. This means you can feel confident when choosing a stairlift chair, as you will be able to find many safe options.
Stairlift Safety Tips
Once you have found a stairlift with all the recommended safety features, follow these tips and best practices to protect the user.
1. Work With Professionals
Never try to install a stairlift yourself unless you are a professional, as it is dangerous and can lead to injury. Instead, work with a certified technician if you decide to rent or buy a stairlift for your home.
A professional will assess your home and needs to help you determine the most appropriate option. Mistakes are far less likely to occur with professional installation than if you attempt it yourself.
The great thing about mobility equipment experts is that they will tell you whether it's in your best interest to buy, rent a stairlift, or even invest in a used unit. Their services also include everything from simple tune-ups and battery replacements to full service brake and motor repairs and installations.
2. Read The Manual
Set aside time to read the user manual. A stairlift safety manual may not be the most riveting document. However, it will advise you on how to properly use and maintain the lift.
Cross-check any questions you have with the company from which you purchased or rented your stairlift. It is also helpful to familiarize yourself with your lift’s safety features, such as weight limits, keylock buttons, emergency stop, and contact buttons.
3. Make Sure All Safety Features Are Working
Make sure all safety features are working before you try to climb stairs with a stairlift. Before riding, check that all buttons are working. Seat belts, stair treads, and armrests should all be functioning correctly. If it gives you peace of mind, ride on the stairlift under the supervision of a professional the first time.
4. Practice Emergency Procedures
While taking your stairlift on its first drive (preferably under supervision), practice stopping the chair in case of an emergency. You may also want to practice how to manually lower a stairlift chair in case this is ever necessary.
"Practice drills” using the following hypothetical emergency situations will help you feel prepared.
Problem: A power outage occurs, and the rider/user is caught mid-flight.
Solution: A battery backup will activate and will continue the ride until the user is safely at a loading-off point.
Problem: The user feels unwell, dizzy, or sick mid-ride.
Solution: The user presses the emergency button to stall the lift immediately. He or she will need access to a wall-mounted or wearable emergency call system to reach out for help.
Problem: An unauthorized person activates the chair lift.
Solution: Use a key lock or control lockout feature on the stairlift to prevent unintended operation. Some airlifts come with a removable key or have technology that allows you to lock the chair when it's not in use.
5. Clear Any Wall Obstructions
Clear any wall obstructions, such as light fixtures or clutter, that could obstruct the chair or user from safely moving through the space. When checking wall obstructions, ensure that the rider's arms and feet will be safely contained within the chair's boundaries.
Operating a stairlift should be done with precaution and safety, just like you would with a car. Any obstructions on a staircase that may prevent you or your loved one from using the device in times of need should be addressed.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Schedule regular maintenance for your stairlift to ensure it is operating safely. It's easy to walk away from your chair lift once it's installed and not think about it for a while. However, like every motorized machine, stairlifts require care and attention.
Book in a stairlift service once every year and follow our recommended maintenance procedures for safe and smooth functioning over time.
7. Never Load More Than One Person
Never attempt to carry more than one person on your stairlift.The only safe number of people allowed on your stairlift is you or the person you bought the stairlift for. Children and pets should be discouraged from using the stairlift at any point.
It's also important to check your stairlift’s weight limits, as exceeding this amount is dangerous. While it may be tempting to load more than one person, this is a big safety issue, and could lead to damage to the chair, or, worse, physical injury.
Always Prioritize Stairlift Safety
Stairlift safety must always come first. While stairlifts are manufactured to be very safe, they are still machines and need to be handled with care. One of the ways to keep your stairlift operating safely is to be familiar with key safety features that make chair lift cruising secure and comfortable.
Here is a summary of key safety considerations to keep in mind:
Work with professionals, such as mobility equipment technicians, to help you choose and install a stairlift on your stairwell.
Read the manual, familiarizing yourself with all the emergency buttons and safety features before use.
Make sure all safety features are actually working before you ride the stairlift.
Take your stairlift for a test drive under the supervision of a trusted caregiver or technician.
Practice emergency drills in the case of a mechanical failure, to be prepared in a worst-case scenario.
Clear any wall obstructions that will get in the way of your chair lift's smooth movement.
Schedule regular maintenance to ensure your stairlift is operating as it is supposed to.
Never try to load more than one person on a stairlift at once, including pets and children.
Stairlifts are incredibly safe when operated responsibly and following the manufacturer's guidelines. A professionally installed and well-maintained stairlift may just be the one missing piece between you and your loved one getting back the independence they need.