Commercial Stairlift Mountain West
Commercial Stairlift Mountain West: Stairlifts and Elevators for Full Accessibility.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, all commercial buildings should offer safe and comfortable entrances to people with mobility issues. Providing disabled people access is not just about creating a few parking spaces or putting a ramp at the front of your building, you should ensure you provide full access to as much of your property as possible. If you want to ensure full accessibility of your commercial building, school, shopping mall, place of worship, or any public building, then installing a commercial stairlift Mountain West is a perfect solution that you should consider.
When it comes to the installation of a commercial stairlift for public use, the most suitable product takes into consideration your site-specific requirements such as how far the lift needs to travel, whether the lift will be positioned indoors or out, and if you need to meet ADA requirements.
Most businesses with two or more floors can benefit from installing a stairlift in their building for better accessibility. This is true, especially for malls, recreational centers, medical centers, hotels, and restaurants.
Your local dealer will consult with you to ensure that your commercial stairlift meets all local code requirements. A site assessment will allow the dealer to provide you with an accurate quotation for the proper stairlift installation.
Modern stairlifts are designed to be flexible, practical, and economical to provide better accessibility for people who are elderly, in a wheelchair, are injured, or have conditions that limit mobility. Technological advancements have allowed for greater innovation and versatile designs in stairlifts. Remember, stairlifts are a vital piece of equipment that can help minimize the risk of falls and injuries in your commercial building.
To get ideas about what solutions might be right for you, you can get started if you already have some information about your site. Read on to find out what is involved in selecting the right lift for your commercial building.
Choosing Capacity
If you’re looking for a product that has a high capacity and can accommodate multiple passengers, LU/LA (limited use limited application) elevator is an excellent choice as it is rated for up to 1400 lb.
Most commercial and public buildings use a vertical platform lift (VPL) for accessibility. A VPL is generally rated for 750 lb capacity which is appropriate to carry one user with a manual or powered wheelchair and an attendant. But some models can accommodate up to 1400 lb.
An inclined platform lift (IPL) travels over the stairs and has a slightly lower capacity than a vertical platform lift (550 to 660 lb). The lift can carry one person in a manual or powered wheelchair.
Motorized devices such as power wheelchairs and scooters can be heavy without the user and must be factored into the capacity needs of platform lifts.
A stairlift, which requires a person to travel without a wheelchair, can accommodate up to 350 lb. A stairlift must be used by someone who can safely sit and get on and off the chair.
ADA and Accessibility Considerations
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards provide guidelines for public spaces so that your commercial stairlift Mountain West or elevator can be used by someone with a physical limitation.
ADA guidelines generally only apply to US federal buildings; for most other projects in the US, the International Building Code (IBC) accessibility guide A117.1 applies and provides more flexibility in terms of product choice, particularly for the use of LU/LA elevators in new construction.
All Stannah wheelchair lifts and LU/LA elevators are available in configurations to meet accessibility requirements. These include minimum platform or cab sizes, which vary depending on product type and entry/exit configurations.
Other requirements include entry/exit clearances (usually 5′), the location of call stations, a hands-free phone on vertical platform lifts and accessibility (LU/LA) elevators, minimum landing door width and automatic door requirements for vertical platform lifts, as well as ramp angle ratios for all platform lifts.
Your local Stannah dealer will be able to advise you which accessibility guidelines apply to your lift, and the product configuration needed to comply.
Stops & Travel Distance
A LU/LA elevator can service up to 6 stops, and is limited by code to 25′ of travel.
Often, wheelchair lifts are built to serve 2 stops – so taking you from point A to point B only. Some models are available to serve up to 6 stops over a maximum travel distance of about 23 feet, depending on the local code.
The travel distance is measured from the lowest landing to the bottom of the top landing. The maximum travel distance is specified by the applicable code. For example, a vertical platform lift cannot travel more than 14′ when in a shaftway or enclosure. An unenclosed lift cannot travel more than 5′ (ASME 18.1 code).
Enclosure, Open or In a Hoistway?
Vertical platform lifts (VPLs) are available in several designs. The best option for a commercial/public space depends on a few factors, such as whether the commercial stairlift Mountain West is indoors or out, travel distance, and if protection from the elements is desired.
An unenclosed model is an economical option for low-rise travel up to 60″. This style works well for interior commercial spaces adjacent to short flights of stairs as it requires less space than a ramp. It is also suitable for outdoor use to access the deck or porch on the exterior of a building. Unenclosed lifts can also be used to access a stage.
A VPL with an enclosure built by the lift manufacturer is ideal for outdoor applications, especially when equipped with a domed roof. The enclosure can be built 3-sided to attach to and penetrate a building’s exterior wall. Enclosed VPLs can be used for interior applications, and are often seen attached to a mezzanine; however, they can’t penetrate a floor since the enclosure is not fire-rated.
Some VPL models can be placed within a hoistway or shaft made by a general contractor. Small unenclosed cabs are popular for this application, or some lifts can be designed with an enclosed cab to emulate the feel of an elevator.
Shaftway model VPLs are ideal for use when penetrating a floor that has a fire barrier, and are a cost-effective alternative to a limited use/limited application (LU/LA) elevator.
Types of Drive Systems
- Hydraulic – Typically faster, smoother, quieter performance than screw drive; robust and durable with easy emergency manual lowering capabilities.
- Screw drive – Simple technology that may be less costly; often used in low-rise accessibility lifts.
- Rack and pinion – Simple, sturdy and economical drive used mainly for straight inclined lifts and stairlifts; typically, all drive components will be housed on the carriage eliminating the need for a cabinet or controller box.
- Geared traction – Ultra-quiet operation with an eco-conscious design that is energy efficient and requires no hydraulic oil; suitable for more frequent trips than hydraulic drive.
- Rope sprocket – Flexible design used mainly for curved inclined lifts.
Constant Pressure vs Fully Automatic Operation
Vertical and inclined platform lifts operate using constant pressure controls. This means that a person in the lift must press and hold the controls for the lift to move up or down. A fully automatic solution allows a passenger with limited mobility in hands or arms to operate the lift independently.
Fire Rating
Fire rating requirements are dictated by local building codes. Typically, when penetrating a floor in a commercial setting, a fire-rated shaft and product will be required. Stannah lifts are available with fire-rated doors and materials; your dealer will be able to advise you which products and options are needed to comply with local code.
Construction
Lift installations generally require work by other trades to prepare the site. We provide planning guides and architectural drawings that detail work by others including support wall construction parameters, clearances required, pit floor load requirements and specific electrical needs and disconnects. Local building code may also dictate how a lift can be installed.
It’s a good idea to involve your local dealer early in the project to ensure the infrastructure for the lift is built correctly.
Schedule A Free Consultation/Assessment Today!
Stannah Mountain West Stairlifts is proud to offer a selection of commercial stairlifts that are specially designed to provide maximum durability and stand up to repetitive use in all commercial spaces. These affordable mobility devices will ensure that your customers and staff members can safely and easily access all levels of any commercial building.
Our commercial-grade stairlifts are built using high-quality, U.S. manufactured components that meet and exceed national safety standards and are covered by the most comprehensive warranty available. Our commercial stairlifts will assist in making public spaces accessible, built to CSA B355-15 compliance.
Commercial Stairlift Mountain West
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your needs and learn more about our mobility solutions for commercial and public spaces. We want to help you find a commercial stairlift Mountain West that suits your needs.
Feel free to call us now at (888) 542-3834 or contact us online to schedule a free assessment of your commercial building so that we can provide you with an accurate FREE quotation.
