Platform Lift: Considerations for New Build Projects

by seanthorpe
on July 10, 2024

Have you thought about how platform lifts change access and meet rules in new builds? When we design buildings today, we must think about adding platform lifts. In the UK, we must follow certain rules like Building Regulations Part M and the Equality Act 2010.

Platform lifts make places open to everyone. They help people move easily. A lift that is 1480 x 1100 mm big is very good. Call buttons must be 900 mm to 1100 mm high, so people in wheelchairs can reach them. There should also be big spaces, 1500 x 1500 mm, at lift doors.

When you pick construction tools or want to put in tall work platforms, know the rules and design tips. These help with building tall buildings and keeping places safe from fire. Well-planned lifts make buildings open for everyone and follow the law.

Key Takeaways

A platform lift should have a size of at least 1480 x 1100 mm for optimal accessibility.
The Equality Act 2010 mandates the inclusion of accessible features in building designs.
Ensuring adequate space outside lift entrances and exits is crucial for accessibility.
Proper placement of landing call buttons enhances usability for wheelchair users.
Understanding and following Building Regulations Part M is essential for compliance.

Understanding UK Building Regulations for Platform Lifts

UK building rules make sure buildings are safe and open to everyone. Part M is all about helping people with disabilities. New buildings need lifts that follow these rules.

Compliance with Building Regulations Part M

Part M of the UK building regulations helps make buildings easy to use. It’s in the Approved Document M (2015 edition) for buildings that people don’t live in. Platform lifts help when you can’t use a regular lift. They move slowly, which is good for people who find moving hard.

Part M talks about how big platform lifts should be. It covers capacity, platform size, door width, and how far the lift can go. It also says how doors should work and where buttons should be. This makes the lift easy to use for everyone.

For people with hearing or sight issues, lifts must be easy to see and have good lighting. They also need a way to call for help if something goes wrong.

Ensuring Accessibility for Disabled Persons

Lifts must be the right size and easy to understand. They should have sounds and lights to help users. It’s important to check regularly that lifts follow the rules. Experts in lifts can help with this.

‘Part M lifts’ have their own design needs. They should be big enough and have space for turning or a straight path in front. Handrails and good lighting are important, too.

Lift buttons need to stand out, and the floor shouldn’t be too dark or slippery. Stannah shows how to do this right with many lifts installed. Following these rules makes sure buildings are welcoming for everyone.

Key Benefits of Installing a Platform Lift in New Builds

Adding a platform lift to new projects helps everyone. It lets people move easily and comfortably. This makes spaces welcoming and accessible for all.

Enhanced Mobility for All Users

Platform lifts boost mobility for those with disabilities. They let people go to higher areas on their own. Vertical lifts can carry up to 630kg which includes wheelchair users.

These lifts fit in many places like homes and schools. They’re cheaper and easier to keep than ramps or elevators.

Compliance with the Equality Act 2010

Following the Equality Act 2010 is essential for new buildings. This law requires buildings to be accessible to disabled people. Installing a lift makes a building accessible and inclusive.

This also makes the property more valuable. More people might want to buy it.

Ensures access to elevated areas without assistance.
Cost-effective with lower maintenance costs over time.
Increases property value and marketability.
Aids compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
Caters to various architectural requirements.
Durable designs to withstand the strain over time.

Level Lifts have almost 20 years of expertise. They offer many platform lift designs. You can choose from wood, steel, or glass to match a building’s look. These lifts are not just accessible but stylish too.

Types of Platform Lifts and Their Applications

Looking at job site access, it’s key to know about different lifts and what they do. You have scissor lifts, boom lifts, cherry pickers, and material hoists. Each type has its own perks for different jobs and places.

Scissor Lifts vs. Boom Lifts

Scissor lifts are perfect for stable lift jobs. They work well indoors for maintenance or installations. Boom lifts can reach further and move around, great for outside work or reaching over things. Think about height, reach, and the ground when picking one.

Cherry Pickers and Material Hoists

Cherry pickers help with jobs that go up high. They’re used in building, fixing things, and cutting trees. Material hoists move goods up high on work sites. They make it safe and fast to lift things.

Choosing the right lift, like scissor lifts or boom lifts, means your job site works better. It helps the project be productive and safe.

Choosing the Right Lift for Your Specific Needs

Picking the right lift needs you to look at space, what it will carry, and how you can change it. A good lift makes your building better and meets different people’s needs.

Evaluating Space and Load Requirements

First, check the lift’s size and how much it holds. This makes sure it’s safe and works well for everyone. Some lifts fit two floors and need little building changes. They are great for people sitting or in one wheelchair.

Fully enclosed lifts can hold more people. They follow certain rules mostly, except for the cabin part.

Lift Type	Enclosure	Floor Service	Capacity	Building Work	Standards Compliance
Partially Enclosed Cabin	No Liftway	Two Floors	Seated or Single Wheelchair Users	Minimal	BS 5900 (except cabin)
Fully Enclosed Cabin	No Liftway	Two Floors	Seated, Standing, or Wheelchair Users with Attendant	Moderate	BS EN 81-20

Customisation Options for Different Environments

Looking at how to change your lift means it fits well in your space. Checking things like controls and how much room it needs helps. For example, a home lift can go to 2-4 floors. It’s easy to fit in many places.

Think about temporary lifts for quick solutions. Features that make them easy to use are key. They should be easy to handle and fit many spaces.

See what space you have and what you need to carry.
Change the lift to fit different places.
Make sure the lift is safe and works well.
Look at temporary lifts for fast solutions.

Looking closely at what your building needs helps pick the right lift. Exploring changes makes sure it is comfortable, safe, and good for any space.

Latest Trends in Platform Lift Design

Today’s platform lift designs focus on being green and saving power. It’s important to know the newest trends. This helps make lifts that are good for the planet and meet today’s needs.

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Designs

New designs aim for lifts that are green. Companies like Gartec and Aritco are at the forefront. Their lifts use little power and are green. This does not stop the lifts from working well. Even with low power, lifts like the FlexStep and EasyLift can lift 400kg.

They also make installing lifts easier and greener. For example, they use stilts that stand on their own. This means no need for load-bearing walls. These ideas make fitting the lifts simpler and more eco-friendly.

Aesthetic Customisation Options

Looks matter too in lift design now. Designers must make lifts that fit well into homes and look good. More people want home lifts because they help with moving around easily.

Gartec and others offer custom looks and sizes. The Aritco HomeLift Compact is small but looks great. It fits in tight spots without losing style. This means lifts not only work well but also make spaces look better.

By choosing green lifts that look good, your project stays modern. It will meet the needs of users well.

Ensuring Safety and Reliability in Platform Lifts

Making platform lift safety and reliability top priority needs several steps. These include installing fire-fighting and evacuation tools. Plus, sticking to a strict regular lift maintenance plan. These actions keep platform lifts safe. They work well in homes and work places.

Fire-Fighting and Evacuation Features

Platform lift safety rules say lifts must have fire-fighting and evacuation tools. Rules like BS EN81-72 and BS EN81-73 set how lifts act in fires. They make sure lifts stay safe. Lifts should have:

Fire-proof materials and build.
Auto evacuation tools.
Easy-to-see signs and lights for emergencies.

These things keep everyone safe. They help people leave quickly if there’s an emergency.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Platform lift safety means regular checks and upkeep are key. They keep lifts working right. Following a regular lift maintenance plan stops sudden break-downs. It also makes lifts last longer.

CFS and Tower Lifts offer a full range of lift care services. They do things like:

Look over parts like bearings, gears, and cables.
Check electrical parts like motors and controllers.
Make sure everything follows LOLER and PUWAR rules.

How often lifts need service varies. It depends on the lift’s type, how much it’s used, and its age. But, lifts that carry people should be checked at least four times a year. This keeps them safe.

To wrap it up, choosing reliable aerial work platforms with good fire safety and keeping up with care is crucial. It makes sure people are safe and lifts keep working well. This is a wise choice for any building that wants to be more accessible.

The Role of Platform Lifts in Residential Buildings

Adding platform lifts to homes makes life better, especially in tall buildings. They help the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who find stairs hard. These lifts make getting around easier and boost the users’ confidence and freedom.

Improving Access in Multi-Storey Housing

Platform lifts make moving in tall homes easier. They fit well into buildings and don’t need much digging to install. A typical space needed is about 1500mm wide and 1600mm deep. Even smaller spaces can fit some models. They’re great for not-so-tall buildings because they’re cheap and easy to put in. Lifts like step lifts, inclined stair lifts, and vertical platform lifts fit different buildings. Knowing the benefits helps pick the best one. For more info, visit this link.

Meeting Secure by Design Guidelines

It’s important that platform lifts meet Secure by Design standards. These rules help keep buildings safe. They make sure lifts are only used by allowed people. The lifts move slowly, at 0.15m/s, for safety, following the Machinery Directive. Since anyone can use vertical lifts, they make accessing floors safe and easy for all. Learn more about lifts in this guide.

Platform Lift Installation: What to Expect

Understanding how platform lift installation works is key for a good experience. You’ll need to know about the steps from start to finish.

Preparation and Site Assessment

Before installing a platform lift, checking the site is needed. This checks if the area is right for the lift and safe. Things like the building’s structure, electrical setup, and how much weight it can hold are closely looked at. This ensures the lift fits well in your place.

Take Gartec’s Aritco 7000, for instance. It shows how lifts need little space but add lots of value. It’s designed to fit easily without big changes to your building.

Installation Timeline and Process

After checking the site, installing the platform lift starts. This part usually takes 2-3 days. Installers will tell you what to expect to keep hassle low. They’ll get the parts in place, connect everything, and check for safety.

Think about how quick some home lifts get installed. They even use less energy and are made from things that can be recycled. Also, they can be made just right for what each person needs. This custom touch is also seen in stair lifts made for different stairs.

Knowing all about platform lift installation helps make things smoother. It leads to better access and upgrades your space nicely.

Choosing the Right Platform Lift Supplier

Finding a good platform lift supplier is key for a smooth installation. It’s vital to look at several things. This helps make sure your pick is right for your project and follows UK laws.

Factors to Consider

Think about how long the supplier has been working. Companies like Level Lifts and Stannah have a lot of experience. This means they’re reliable and offer quality. It’s also smart to look at their product range. Some have lifts like the PLG7 for fancy entrances and the Lyndhurst for going up and down.

Support and maintenance are important, too. The right supplier will offer regular check-ups. They should have local engineers for quick service. For example, Level Lifts gives a 1-year warranty on wheelchair lifts. They make sure you get help when you need it. They also follow the Equality Act 2010. This law says places must be accessible to everyone.

Questions to Ask Potential Suppliers

It’s wise to ask suppliers some questions:

What kind of lifts can you provide for different needs and places?
Do your lifts meet UK rules, like Part M?
What does the warranty cover, and how long does it last?
How soon can your engineers fix issues?
Can you make lifts to fit specific needs or places?

Looking at their answers, compliance, and service helps you choose well. Reading stories of their successful jobs can give you more insights into what they can do.

The Cost of Installing a Platform Lift

The cost of platform lifts includes the up-front price and possible future savings. Prices for a commercial platform lift can be between $20,000 and $75,000. This depends on how much you customise it and its quality. The cost is affected by the enclosure type, how far it travels vertically, and how many stops it has.

Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings

Buying and installing a platform lift is an initial cost. These lifts can go 2 to 14 feet high. Taller systems are pricier because they are more complex. The type of lift, like unenclosed or hybrid, also changes the price. Unenclosed ones are cheaper, and hybrids feel more like fancy elevators but cost less.

Options like colour, finish, and how it’s automated will affect the price too. Larger platforms also cost more. But, you save money in the long run because these lifts work smoothly and meet rules for easy access.

Funding and Grants Available

In the UK, you can get money help for disabled access lifts. This can lower the cost of platform lifts. Financial aid makes it easier to follow rules and make places more accessible.

Type of Lift	Price Range
Commercial Vertical Platform Lifts	$20,000 to over $75,000
Disabled Access Lifts (Residential)
Platform Step Lifts	£9,000 to £15,000
Incline Platform Stairlifts	£9,000 to £25,000
Home Lifts	£14,000 to £26,000
Vertical Enclosed Platform Lifts	From £14,000

For more info on grants and the costs, check out the platform lift cost guide. With this help, your project can stay affordable and follow the rules. It will be good for everyone who uses your building.

Case Studies: Successful Platform Lift Installations

Studying platform lift case studies shows how they solve different challenges. For instance, the YOTEL hotel needed lifts inside and outside. It was an 8-floor building with a basement. The changes in level were from 600mm to 3000mm. Engineers made sure the lifts looked good in YOTEL’s design, using black and stainless steel.

The lifts make YOTEL welcoming for all by providing access to the Komyuniti restaurant and bar. This makes the guest experience better. You can learn more by reading this platform lift case study.

Stannah Lifts is another good example. They’ve worked on many buildings, from town halls to offices. They’ve even installed lifts at Castle Howard. Their case studies show how they help businesses grow, like the CLEAN Linen and Workwear in Yeovil.

In London, the Stannah Midilift SL at the View Tube is worth noting. It moves over 2900mm and can carry 400kg. Installed in just five days, it’s been useful since 2009. The View Tube uses modern tech to save cost and time. It shows how lifts can improve places for new uses. Read more about it here: platform lift case study.

These stories highlight how vital platform lifts are. They help in many places, like fancy hotels and busy offices. Elevated work platforms are key for better access and use. Remember this when planning lift projects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Platform Lift

Installing a platform lift can make buildings easier for everyone to get into. But, it’s important to skip common mistakes for it to work well and be safe. A big mistake is not planning enough. Good planning helps avoid problems later.

Thinking about what lift users need is also key. This makes sure the lift works well for everyone, including those with disabilities.

In the UK, lifts must have emergency call buttons. This is said by the laws EN81-1 and EN81-2. It’s vital to follow these rules for safety. Lifts also need regular checks and fixes to keep working right.

Not fixing lifts can cause lots of problems. Even small broken parts can make big issues. Doing regular checks helps find problems early. This keeps the lift working for a long time.

Teaching users how to use the lift right is very important. This helps to stop damage and mistakes. Training and clear instructions can help a lot. It makes the lift safer and stops common problems.

Mistakes by people using the lift are a common issue. Training lift operators well is critical. It keeps users safe and reduces repair costs. For more tips, look at a detailed guide on common lift errors.

Avoiding these mistakes makes lifts safer and more reliable. Working with trusted brands ensures your lift meets high standards. Fixing common lift errors fast also makes your lift last longer.

Conclusion

When you plan a new building, think about platform lift installation. It helps everyone get around. It’s vital to think about your building’s needs, whether it’s for work or living. Platform lifts are cheaper, starting at £14k. Passenger lifts can cost from £20k to more than £100k. Knowing this helps you budget better.

Choosing the right lift means following UK rules. Platform lifts fit in many sizes, from 50mm pits to 150mm for bigger lifts. They’re also quick to install, taking only 3 to 4 days. This means less hassle. Plus, some lifts, like the Motala 2000, use 75% less energy. This is good for the planet.

Think about how often people will use the lift. Platform lifts are great for not-so-busy places. They’re quiet and move at 0.15 m/s. You can also make them match your building’s look. This is handy for houses. They help people with disabilities, older adults, and kids move easily between floors.

Keep all these points in mind when planning your building. You must meet all rules and think about who will use the lift. Choosing the right one, platform or passenger, is key. It ensures your building is welcoming for everyone. This way, you’ll meet all needs and make sure everyone can get around.

FAQ

What should be considered when installing a platform lift in a new build project?

Start by looking at UK building rules, especially Part M. It’s important to make buildings easy for disabled people to use. Choose the right type of lift for your space.

What are the UK Building Regulations for platform lifts?

The rules say lifts need to be safe and easy to use for everyone. They must fit wheelchairs and have clear controls. There should also be sounds and signs to help users.

How do platform lifts comply with the Equality Act 2010?

Lifts need to make it easier for people with disabilities. This means making changes so everyone can get around without trouble.

What types of platform lifts are available for different applications?

You can choose from different lifts. There are scissor lifts, boom lifts for high places, cherry pickers, and hoists for moving goods.

How do I choose the right platform lift for my specific needs?

Think about how much space you have and what you’ll lift. Look for lifts that fit well and can carry the weight you need. The design is also important.

What are the latest trends in platform lift design?

New lifts are all about saving energy and looking good. You can find ones that match your building’s style.

How can I ensure the safety and reliability of platform lifts?

Make sure the lift has safety features for emergencies. It’s also key to keep it in good shape with regular checks.

What is the role of platform lifts in residential buildings?

Lifts help people move easily in tall homes. They make living there better and should also be secure.

What can I expect during the platform lift installation process?

Installing a lift takes careful planning and checking the site. The time it takes can vary. But good installers will let you know what to expect.

How do I choose the right platform lift supplier?

Look for suppliers with lots of experience and good lifts. Check they follow UK rules. Ask about help and guarantees too.

What are the costs associated with installing a platform lift?

Paying for the lift and putting it in can cost a bit upfront. But you’ll save money later by making your building better and following the law. You might also find help with the costs.

Are there case studies on successful platform lift installations?

Yes, looking at real examples can teach you a lot. They show how lifts can make places better and easier to use.

What common mistakes should be avoided during platform lift installation?

Don’t forget to plan well and think about what users need. Follow all the rules. And don’t skip on checking the lift often to keep it working right.