DUC Switch Popular in Schools

In our continuing efforts to improve our platform lifts we have developed a Designated User Control (DUC) option for our enclosed Companion Prestige platform lift. Originally introduced by us some five years ago, this system was developed to prevent children from playing in platform lifts.

When we were installing our first Prestige platform lifts we came across a novel problem. Units installed in schools in particular were being played with and used as hiding places by children. This was obviously undesirable.

Initially our customers wanted us to prevent the operation of the lift by a child, so a simple key switch was added. This cutoff the power and prevented the lift from moving but didn't prevent the child from getting into the lift car and continuing to use it as a hiding place.

The problem was that whenever any platform lift is parked the door on that landing will be unlocked giving access. All other landing doors are of course automatically locked when the carriage moves away from that landing.

To restrict access to the lift car without putting additional locks on all the doors we modified our platform lift's electronics. We programmed the units controller to make the lift isolate itself. In operation DUC works automatically; once the lift had not been used for a preset time, say sixty seconds, it moves away from the landing it was parked at and stops between floors. This activates all the automatic door interlocks making the unit totally secure and prevents any of the doors being opened. To summon the lift you need a key as key locks are placed on all the external landing call stations. To call the lift activate the key lock and summon the lift in the normal way.

Keys can then be distributed to authorised users, teachers etc. and in this way you can control access to and use of your platform lift.

As an additional safety measure the lift controls within the cab remain live at all times, just in case a user should delay whilst within the lift car. This way they cannot get locked inside.

As we said this system was developed primarily for schools which are closed communities and have a limited and fixed number of users. However, since its introduction this optional feature has also proven popular with pub landlords, sports club operators and managers of facilities where children play. It seems that the slight inconvenience it causes the wheelchair user is offset by the increased assurance it gives parents or people responsible for young children playing in the area.