PLATFORM LIFTS - THE CHOICES AND THE DIFFERENCES Lifts are key to the vertical circulation of people in any public building. Whether it’s a simple change in the level where it’s not possible to provide a ramp, or the building has two or more floors that people need to travel between. Lifts also are invaluable when it comes to ensuring easy access for those with impaired mobility across multiple storeys. Lifts that move people fall into two categories, passenger lifts or platform lifts. The options can be endless (and confusing!) when it comes to platform lifts but these types of lift can be grouped into five broad categories. Low-speed lifts/ Hybrid lifts Also called low pit lifts, these are wallmounted or structure-supported lifts that have the look and feel of a traditional passenger lift, with the same doors, cabin and operation, but travel at a reduced speed.
All these access lifts provide disabled access in low-rise buildings where a passenger lift is not available (or it is impractical to install one), and are based on the number of people you want to move to and the travel distance. Cabin lifts These lifts are built in a structure, with passengers travelling in a cabin with walls, a floor and a ceiling to give it a more enclosed feel with the lift operation being one-touch. Enclosed platform lifts These lifts are in a structure with a moving platform and control panel moving up inside the structure.. The lift operation used here is constant pressure. Open platform lifts Typically used over short lengths of travel these lifts vertically move the user(s) on a guarded platform from one level to another. Wheelchair platform stairlifts Also called inclined platform lifts, these lifts have a platform that follows the curve of the stairs and are only suitable for one user. All these access lifts provide disabled access in low-rise buildings where a passenger lift is not available (or it is impractical to install one), and are based on the number of people you want to move to and the travel distance. These lifts can also be used for passengers with buggies and luggage, subject to weight limits. Our Stannah technical blog that has heaps of helpful guidance when it comes to specifying a lift in your project, plus we can supply you with all types of lift for your next project, so feel free to look through our lift range www.stannahlifts.co.uk
10 Construction UK Magazine - November 2021