Wheelchair lifts are beneficial for people with disabilities and those having mobility issues. Similarly, mobility chair lifts also help people with disabilities and mobility issues access to buildings and other similar areas. The only concern with these mobility chair lifts is the safety of the users who are already physically challenged and unable to defend themselves in emergencies. This is why manufacturers of mobility lifts ensure that all essential safety features are present to ensure user safety. It is expected to use safety precautions mentioned in instruction manuals while using mobility chair lifts. Here are some helpful safety tips for those using mobility lifts in residential or commercial buildings.
READ USAGE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Before using mobility chair lifts, it is recommended that you read the instruction manual and, most importantly, the safety guidelines very carefully. This is the biggest chapter in most instruction manuals offered with mobility lifts, and reading it will help you understand how to operate the lift safely without any hurdles. The user must be familiar with the limits of the lift and its maximum weight capacity. This will prevent them from putting too much weight on the lift.
KEEP THE AREA NICELY CLEANED AROUND MOBILITY LIFTS
It is very easy to understand that keeping the area around the lift clean will make it more functional, beautiful and attractive. Moreover, the lift will also be free from obstacles and hindrances that debris can cause in its moment. You must remove objects such as chairs, boxes and other products from near the lift. It has to be ensured that the lift is set on a level surface, and if not, you must call the experts immediately.
SECURE THE WHEELCHAIR IN PLACE
The wheelchair platform lift must be properly locked and fitted to move the lift up or down. It comes with several safety belts and other safety features to keep the wheelchair stationary as the lift travels up or down.
THE LIFT PLATFORM MUST BE LEVELLED
An essential inspection for mobility lifts is ensuring that the lift platform is level and not exposed to unevenness. This is important because uneven surfaces can increase the risk of lift falling or tilting. As a result, a severe accident can occur involving a wheelchair user or a person with a disability. This is why it has to be ensured that mobility chair lifts and mobility lifts are leveled; and if not, there should be someone to stabilise the lift to prevent any.
AVOID OVERLOADING
Traction and hydraulic mobility lifts both have a predetermined weight capacity. Users are expected not to overload the lift beyond its weight capacity. In this regard, experts recommend checking the weight rating before using. This is important because overlooking weight-related tips can result in an accident or injury.
NEVER TAMPER WITH SAFETY DEVICES
So many different safety devices are present in and around mobility lifts to prevent injuries and accidents. These devices must never be removed, altered or disabled and tempering with them enhances the chances of accidents or mobility lift's malfunctioning. It is always a great idea to have someone by your side to stay relaxed and safe during the lift moment. This person can ensure that your wheelchair stays stable and assure you about their presence in any situation inside the lift. They will help you get on and off the lift quickly and safely.
Several safety features are available in this quick list to provide complete assurance about safety inside mobility lifts.
- Safety Brakes
- Door Restraints
- Emergency Alarm Switches
- Emergency Evacuation Feature
- Emergency Lighting
- Hoistway Door Interlocks
- Pit Buffers
- Emergency Stop Button
- Battery Backup
- Platform Lighting On Public Use Lifts
KEEP LIMBS INSIDE THE PLATFORM
While using mobility chair lifts and mobility lifts, you should keep your hands, feet and other limbs inside the platform to prevent accidents and injuries. Similarly, loose clothes should also be tucked in to ensure that they don't entangle in the lift mechanism and become a reason behind an accident or injury.
Experts also recommend thoroughly examining mobility lifts every morning for signs of damage and wear and tear. If shortcomings are present, you must get them checked and inform the lift maintenance company. Moreover, you should avoid using the lift if there are visible signs of wear and tear, damages, etc.
Regular maintenance should be provided on a timely basis to keep mobility lifts in perfect running condition. This regular maintenance will ensure that all parts are performing fine and there are no damages or wear and tear. You can use a microfiber cloth to remove excessive dirt and debris, and vacuum cleaning is also present if some excessive dirt is present. You should regularly check the track to ensure no debris obstructs or disturbs the smooth movement. You must check the track daily and ensure that pets and kids don't play around the lift area. Vacuum cleaning, as mentioned above, should be done in these areas to eliminate the dust present on the mechanical components. Weekly vacuuming is recommended to remove pet hair from the tracks of the stair lift.
Just like vacuuming, lubricating the track is also necessary, and a well-lubricated track will help in the smooth operation of the mobility chair lift. Experts recommend lubricating every three months using the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer. Apart from all these DIY cleaning and maintenance steps, you must get an annual inspection done to ensure that everything is in good working order. You should not skip this option if your mobility chair lift is used daily.
Cleaning mobility chair lifts regularly should be essential to their overall maintenance. This simple step will extend the lifespan and prevent issues from arising due to dirt build-up. It will also keep the lifts pleasant looking, and people will love to use them again and again. However, every maintenance-related step must be taken according to the manufacturer's instructions, and only the manufacturer-recommended products must be used for cleaning, maintenance, and so on.
