January

20Jan

Types of wheelchair accessible commercial lifts

by Andrew @ Uppercut
Commercial Accessibility

Commercial lifts are a cost-effective way to make any public space wheelchair accessible. These wheelchair accessibility lifts are built to the highest standard for public safety and are required to meet the Lifts for Persons with Physical Disabilities Code (B-355). All commercial lifts in Alberta are inspected under this code. There are however restrictions on how these devices may operate so it is important to understand the B-355 code

commercial lifts

These wheelchair accessibility lifts can be planned for during the design phase or incorporated into an existing building as a renovation. There is a multitude of commercial lifts available, but the type of lift will depend on the specific application. The following is a description of each type of commercial accessibility lift

Inclined platform lifts

These commercial lifts are great when space is at a premium. They fit in the stairway and require a minimal amount of construction. They offer a variety of platform sizes to accommodate a wheelchair and fold up out of the way when not in use. Garaventa Lift is a leading manufacturer of inclined platform commercial lifts and produces two products. The Xpress II for straight stairways and the Artira for curving staircases.

Unenclosed vertical platform lifts

unnamed 1This code compliant device is sometimes referred to as a commercial porch lift and is ideal for access to stages storefronts or locations where the rise is under 2500mm of travel. As the name indicates these commercial lifts are unenclosed and do not have a hoistway or shaft constructed around them. An example of this type of lift would be the RAM TTL or TrusT Lift

Enclosed vertical platform lifts

You would use an enclosed vertical platform lift in a situation where you wanted to convey an experience closer to an elevator rather than a commercial lift. This product can accommodate rises of up to 7000mm and therefore requires a structure or hoistway constructed around it. The lift itself has full-height walls and a ceiling with lights. A product like the Garaventa Genesis enclosure model can be provided with its own enclosure but is limited to about 4900mm travel while devices such as the RAM CTL can travel the full 7000mm

2Jan

Choosing the correct Stairlift Manufacture and Supplier

by Andrew @ Uppercut
Home Elevators

There are a multitude of stairlifts available in the marketplace today, so how do you know you are getting the best “bang for your buck”? I believe when purchasing a stairlift you must consider two factors.

1. The stairway lift product itself
2. The elevator and lift company supplying and supporting the stair chair sale

Stairlift Manufacturers

Deciding on the product itself is probably the most difficult, simply due to the vast number of stairlift suppliers selling into the Calgary marketplace. I have personally installed and sold 5 different stairlifts over the years including:Stairlift

  1. Acorn Stairlifts
  2. Stannah stair chairs
  3. TK Access stairlifts
  4. Pinnacle stairlifts
  5. Bruno Stairlift

The one consistent over these years, however, is that I have always come back to Bruno Stairlifts. My professional belief is that Bruno produces the highest quality lift and backs it up with an industry-leading warranty. With Bruno stairlifts, we have, minimal warranty issues, a great looking product, and can offer this stairway lift at an exceptional price. I encourage clients to go online and read customer reviews and do their homework.

Stairlift installation and service companies

Once you have decided on the actual stairlift product the next big choice is who will install and service the device. This is where a free home assessment is valuable. Once you get face to face with your potential stair chair supplier ask them:

Stairlift1

1. What if I need after-hours service on my stairlift?
2. If I need service, do I have to call a 1-800 number?
3. Do you have experienced stairlift installers who live here?
4. What labour warranty is offered on my stair chair?
5. How many staff do you have devoted to lifts?
6. Do you deal exclusively with elevators + lifts, or are your recourses diverted elsewhere?

 

I believe the purchase of a stairlift is not a “one-off” transaction where you never hear from the seller again. Inevitably you will require preventative maintenance, or perhaps a service call, so you want to ensure that your stairlift provider is there for you. By doing your homework, reading reviews, and dealing with a local stairlift supplier you can ensure you will make the right choice when selecting a stairlift.