Stairlift Safety Features
When people begin their search for a suitable stairlift, price is often the main consideration over safety. However, the safety features implemented into most modern stairlifts are as important, if not more important, than any other aspect - saving money is not quite as attractive a prospect when you're risking injury of yourself or others in your household.
At Budget Stairlifts, you can have peace of mind that not only will you be getting the most competitively priced stairlifts on the market, but they will come with the most advanced safety features available as standard, whether the stairlift is being sold as new, reconditioned or provided as a rental.
What you should expect:
- Your stairlift should have built in sensors, to detect when any objects (or people!) are in the path of the stairlift. When detetected, the stairlift should stop its motion until the object is no longer in the way. Most new stairlifts will come with between 6-8 safety sensors.
- Your stairlift should be equipped with pressure-sensitive safety surfaces - these should work alongside the sensors to ensure that if something comes into contact with the stairlift while in motion, the stairlift will instantly stop moving.
- Your stairlift should have limit sensors - this ensures that the stairlift always stops in the correct position.
- Your stairlift should have a lockable on/off switch - this offers vital protection against people using the stairlift when they're not supposed to. A stairlift with this feature is highly recommended to anyone considering purchasing a stairlift in a house with small children.
- Your stairlift should have 24 Volt DC (battery) operation. This prevents the risk of electric shocks, and ensures the stairlift continues operation in the event on a powercut.
- Your stairlift should have both mechanical and electrical braking mechanisms to prevent uncontrolled movement in the event on a mechanical failure.
- Your stairlift should have a smooth stop-start motion. This is particularly advisable to people with back problems, to reduce the risk of pain when the stairlift comes to a stop.
- Your stairlift should be equipped with a swivel seat. This, once again, helps those with back problems by reducing the need to rotate your body in an unnatural motion when dismounting the stairlift. It also reduces the risk of falling back down the stairs when standing up.
- If unsure you should ask to see whether you stairlift has been tested to meet the British Safety Standard, BS5776. All Stair Lifts for sale through the stair lift suppliers network meet the highest levels of the British Safety Standards.