Chair Lift Safety 101: What You Need To Know

Lifts are designed to transport you from point A to point B safely. A chair lift is specifically intended to be safer than trying to walk. Although there are strict safety regulations that govern lift design and function, there are a few basic guidelines that chair lift users should follow to stay safe:

• Make sure the lift is clear

Before you get on or help a passenger onto a chair lift, the first thing you should do is to make sure that there is nothing in the way of the lift. If there is an obstacle in the way, then the lift could become damaged, malfunction, or ride unstably. To avoid any of these unsafe situations, be completely sure that the lift is clear and free throughout its whole range of motion.

• Board the lift safely

When getting on the chair lift, be sure that you take the right safety precautions. These include locking the wheelchair in place so it doesn’t roll when you need to attend to the lift itself and operate its buttons. Make sure that the lift has completely reached the ground, and then, with the door secured in the open position, help the passenger onto the lift if you are not the passenger yourself. Make sure the door is secured, lock the wheelchair again to prevent any rolling, and fasten the safety belt.

• Perform a safety check

Before riding to the top, let the lift rise just a few inches and then stop. Make sure that the safety barrier is locked, and everything looks normal. If everything is in its proper place, then continue to the top of the lift and exit safely, being sure to make use of locks and safety mechanisms.

Wheelchair lifts are great for providing safe and easy access to buildings and homes for the disabled. If you are interested in chair lifts, stairway lifts, or other kinds of wheelchair lifts, contact Williams Lift Company. We also offer handicap ramps and other important structures that should be standard in any home of someone with a disability. To learn more, call us at (908) 322-7070 or visit us on the web.