How Platform Lifts Differ From Passinger Lifts?

Those with experience of platform lifts will be aware that they operate in a completely different way to a passenger lift because they are designed to transport the less able. In this article we look at some of the differences and the legislation which governs their use.

Historically, conflicting regulations have caused confusion. Building regulations, British and European standards have all influenced platform lift installations. British Standard code of practice - BS 6440 and International standard ISO 9386 are commonly consulted documents. However, these are only guides to good practice and have no legal standing. The most important document is the European Machinery Directive, 98/37/EC. This is a legally binding document, to which platform lift design must conform. A CE mark, the users guarantee that the lift is safe and fit for the purpose, can only be applied to the lift if the requirements of the Machinery Directive are satisfied.

One of the main differences between a platform lift and a passenger lift is in the operator controls. BS 6440 states that "user controls should be simple and safe, should not require two hands and should be located between 800mm and 1100mm above landing or platform level." This ensures that the lift can be controlled from all operating positions. Like other relevant standards, it also stipulates that controls for "up" and "down" should be of the maintained command type. This means that the lift should only move if there is continuous pressure on the appropriate button. This is quite simply a safety device and ensures that the lift can not start until the passenger is ready. On our Companion Prestige platform lifts, these pushbuttons are tactile so that people with visual impairments can use the lift.

Approved Document M is a section of the UK building regulations which deals with access and facilities for disabled people. Like the Machinery Directive, compliance with Approved Document M is mandatory. Specific requirements, relating to lifts, stipulate that tactile indication on or adjacent to lift buttons is provided for lifts, in particular those which serve three or more floors. Sadly not all platform lift suppliers can claim compliance with this and several other requirements of Approved Document M.

All the relevant standards limit the travel speed to 0.15 metres per second. While this is not particularly fast, there is still potential for accidents when the lift comes to a sudden stop on reaching its destination. To avoid this we have incorporated a "soft start/stop" facility into our lifts so that the platform gradually decelerates over the last 100mm of travel, so avoiding a sudden stop.

The standards are very specific about the dimensions for clearances between the lifting platform and adjacent walls because unlike a passenger lift a platform lift has no lift car. In addition, the upper edge of the L shaped platform should be fitted with a sensitive edge. This should bring the lift to a complete stop if contacting an obstruction or if somebody inadvertently leans on the platform edge. Our policy is to extend the sensitive edge around the complete perimeter of the platform. Potential accidents, resulting from clothing or body parts being trapped are, therefore, totally eliminated.