Stair lifts transport a person up and down a stairway in either a seated or standing position and are operated by an electrical or battery powered rail system. Stair lifts can be modified to suit straight and curved stairways, in both inside and outside settings.
Stair lifts may be fitted in a residential or commercial setting to assist people with a physical disability to ascend and descend stairs. They may also be used to assist an individual with balance issues.
The different types of stair lifts include:
- Seated—the stair lift consists of a seat, on a single tube track which is mounted on the stair tread beside the wall with possible features including a padded seat, removable armrests, non-slip footrests, and/or swivel chair.
- Standing Platforms—a standing stair lift consists of a platform, situated on the track which must be non-slip, and have guard rails for safety.
- Wheelchair Platforms—designed to transport a person in a wheelchair up and down a flight of stairs. Wheelchair platforms must be slip resistant, have an approach ramp, and sufficient area to accommodate a wheelchair with safety features including guard rails and safety edges.
All stair lifts must comply with Australian Standard AS 1735.7.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The installation of a stair lift in the workplace may be necessary where a ramp is not a practical solution, such as on a lengthy flight of stairs. Building modifications may be required to enable installation of a stair lift. For more information regarding eligibility for funding for building modifications through the Employment Assistance Fund see the link below:
For more information regarding other mobility aids and access solutions please see the links below:
References
Access Ability Solutions (no date specified), Services – Stair lifts, Access Ability Solutions, Parramatta, viewed 4 August 2010, http://www.accessabilitysolutions.com.au/services.aspx.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Lifting, transferring and standing equipment: Stairlifts, Independent Living Centres Australia, Sydney, viewed 4 August 2010, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=44&MinC=47.
Standards Australia 1998, Australian Standard (AS 1735.7:1998): Lifts, Escalators, and Moving Walks – Stair lifts, Standards Australia, Sydney.