Safety Features to Look for When Buying a Stair Lift

For older adults or people with disabilities living in a home with stairs, a stair lift is a valuable investment. In fact, these lifts which are designed to run along the sides of the stairs make homes safe and accessible for all staircase users. When it comes to purchasing this accessibility device, it is crucial to choose a model that best suits users’ needs and ensures their safety. Modern stair chair lifts come equipped with several safety features to help users operate the device safely and independently.

Let’s look at some of the important safety features that a quality stair lift would have –

• Seat belt – The seat belt or harness is a standard feature of these lifts. Generally, this is in the form of a lap belt which is adjustable to ensure a secure fit, preventing the user from slipping out of the seat. This feature is particularly important on perch or standing stair lift models which are used by people who are unable to bend their hips or knees. The seat belt keeps the user safe as the lift moves up or down the stairs.
• Locking swivel seat – One of the main concerns of using a stair chair lift is exiting at the top of the stairs, as this poses the greatest fall risk. The locking swivel function of the seat allows the user to safely dismount from the lift by turning towards the landing and exiting forwards, rather than stepping sideways or stretching at an angle to reach the landing, which could result in awkward footing or loss of balance. With a locking swivel seat, people with mobility challenges can easily get on and off the lift and the chair acts as a barrier and prevents falls. Top models of stair chair lifts are equipped with manual and powered swivel seat options. With manual powered seats, users need to turn the seat themselves by twisting their body. A powered swivel chair, users maintain pressure on the lever or switch which operates the stair lift and the chair is turned automatically by electric motors.
• Obstruction sensors – Safety sensors automatically detect an obstruction on the stairs such as pets or objects that have been dropped, stopping the chair immediately.
• Lockable on/off or key switch – A small key operated switch is usually located in the stair lift’s armrest and when the key is removed the lift becomes completely immobilized. This safety feature is designed to prevent unauthorized use of the lift, for example, by children.
• Emergency stop – All stair lifts have an emergency stop button or emergency brake system which stops the lift’s movement quickly in the event of an emergency, without any sudden jerking movements.
• Speed governor – This feature ensures that the lift’s carriage does not speed up on its way down the stairs, thereby avoiding dangerous speeds.
• Limit sensors – Fitted on the rail at the top and bottom, the limit sensors ensure that the stair lift always stops in the correct position on the staircase.
• Dual mechanical and electrical braking system – This feature prevents the uncontrolled decent of the stair lift in case of any motor failure.
• Battery back-up power – The battery back-up facility ensures that the lift will continue to operate even if there is a power outage.

Never compromise on safety when buying a stairlift. Reading the manufacturer’s safety instructions carefully and following them will help reduce the risk of falls or injuries.