Elevators or lifts are mechanical devices that can be installed in new or existing homes or commercial buildings to enable people or equipment to move between the floors of the building without using stairs. Elevators or lifts come in a range of models with varying features depending on individual needs (not an exhaustive list):
- commercial or residential purpose
- space availability within the premises for the lift
- lifting capacity requirements
- space requirements within the lift such as height and width for use by one or multiple occupants
- whether a swing or sliding door arrangement is required
- capacity of the building to support a lift either internally or mounted external to the building
- whether the lift components can be delivered individually and assembled or whether the roof needs to be removed for installation
- how many floors the lift will need to travel through
- whether any excavation is required below the building
- power consumption requirements
- emergency operation options in case of power failure
- emergency stop buttons, alarms and telephones
- whether lift needs to be lockable.
Any installation of an elevator or lift needs to be approved by local council and comply with Australian Standards relating to lifts, escalators and moving walks (AS 1735) and the Building Code of Australia.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For individuals unable to utilise stairs due to mobility impairment, the use of elevators or lifts eliminates the access barrier to buildings for a visitor, consumer or employee. Elevators can be installed in existing buildings to overcome access barriers. Advice can be sought from an access consultant or building engineer to provide additional information regarding the potential suitability of access and building modifications (Easy Living Home Elevators 2007; Homelift Elevators 2007; Australian Standards 2006; Building Code of Australia 2007; Association of Consultants in Access Australia Inc. 2007).
Relevant Links
Please note that the following links will open an external web site in a new page:
References:
Association of Consultants in Access Australia Inc. 2007, Policies, Acts & Regulations, Association of Consultants in Access Australia Inc, city?, viewed 19 November 2007.
Easy Living Home Elevators 2007, Home Elevators & Residential Lifts, Easy Home Living Elevators Pty Limited, Melbourne, viewed 21 December 2007.
Homelift Elevators 2007, Homelift Elevators, Homelift Elevators Pty Limited, Sydney, viewed 21 December 2007.
Standards Australia 2006, AS 1735.1-2003/Ammdt 1 - 2006, Lifts, escalators and moving walks – General requirements, Standards Australia, Sydney, viewed 21 December 2007.
Australian Building Codes Board 2007, Access for People with a Disability, Australian Building Codes Board, Canberra, viewed 19 November 2007.
If not, send us your comments using our Online Feedback Form or select the
Workplace Adjustment Tool link to search again.