Safety Features Ring The Changes

The idea of being trapped in a malfunctioning lift fills even the hardiest of us with dread, but imagine that you are a wheelchair user and your only means of summoning help is an alarm button that you hope will be heard.

Although the fitting of an emergency two-way communications system has been compulsory for many years in passenger lifts, it is only now that, with Document M, the regulations governing platform lifts have been extended to include the fitting of 'a suitable emergency communications system'. At Moveman, we believe that the users of platform lifts should be treated the same as their more able-bodied counterparts using a passenger lift and so we have been installing an emergency communications system as a standard feature of our platform lifts for some time.

All Moveman lifts include as standard an alarm button that can be operated from a wheelchair, as well as a telephone handset that connects to the outside world and assistance can be requested in the event of a problem. This way the platform lift user talks to a person, and can be re-assured that help is on its way. This is much better than leaving the user to hope that the alarm has been heard.

In addition, Moveman lifts have the option of a 'hands free autodialler' that makes life even easier. It works instantly the platform lift occupant presses the 'emergency' button by automatically dialling one or more pre-programmed telephone numbers. The built-in microphone and speaker enables the occupant to communicate with an engineer or carer without the need for a handset. The line is automatically disconnected once the receiver puts their telephone down.

This system has the advantage of being tamper resistant, and leaves the platform lift user with both hands free. It also removes the need for the user to lift a handset and hold it to their ear, which certain people may have a difficulty with.

The revised Document M includes the provision for an alarm system to be fitted to enclosed platform lifts. At Moveman we believe that the provision should be extended to include a system that enables two-way communication, in as much as the lift occupant can receive reassurance from another human being that their plight is being attended to.

Moveman considers the user of a platform lift should be treated in the same way as the user of a traditional passenger lift. Accordingly, our Companion Prestige enclosed platform lift has as standard a two-way alarm similar to those fitted to conventional passenger lifts. This means the less able, who are perhaps more likely to need re-assurance in an emergency situation, are able to communicate with the outside world and that their ordeal is consequently less traumatic.