Stairlift Safety Tips
Putting in a stair lift in your home is a clever investment if you or a loved one have problems walking up and down the stairs. Mobility issues can be the result of injury, deteriorating eyesight, arthritis, weakness, loss of balance, and other conditions. For people who cannot use stairs without assistance, a stairlift is a real lifesaver. However, as with all mechanical devices, it can cause significant injury if not handled properly.
If you have a stairlift at home or if you are planning to buy one, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the basic safety features of this equipment. Look at the following safety tips for using a stairlift and read your user manual for more information on your particular model.
Buckle up: Whilst travelling up and down the stairs is smooth, it’s very important that you (or your loved one) is wearing a seat belt while travelling to avoid any injury. Remember, however, s supervision may be needed for people who are disabled.
Not a toy: You must ensure that children do not play with appliances without adult supervision. Stairlifts come with child-proof immobilization features that prevent your child from using a stairlift without your supervision.
Folding chairs: Stairlifts designed with a foldable chair to make sure that they do not get in the way of others using the stairs. Therefore, it is important to fold the seat after use to avoid tripping over people or causing other accidents. For more information on Stairlifts Bristol, visit a site like Pearce Bros, a leading supplier of Stairlifts Bristol
Sensors: Modern stairlifts come with safety sensors that automatically prevent the lift from moving if it detects solid objects in its way, such as pets or toys. Also, some models are equipped with pressure-sensitive safety surfaces, which will stop the stairlift when obstruction is detected. However, ensure that all pets are out of danger before you operate the stairlift. Some people train their pets to keep clear of the stairs when the stairlift is in use.
Avoid loose items: Hazardous loose items include scarves, blankets, long skirts, and long jackets can become trapped beneath the mechanism, causing injury or damage to the stairlift. Ensure that loose items are kept clear of the stairlift before use.
No fluids: Do not take beverages (or let liquid) near the stairlift. If fluids must be transported, ensure they are sealed in a lidded container.
Room for one: Stairlifts are manufactured to transport just one person at a time. Never try to carry more than one person, including children. Also, make sure that you do not exceed the maximum weight limit specified in your user’s manual. Also do not use the stairlift for transporting heavy items such as furniture up the stairs.
Maintaining: Ensure the stairlift us routinely checked by an expert to make sure it is secure to operate. Refrain from using the stairlift if safety features stop working, began acting strangely, or if you see any signs of wear and tear.
When used properly, a stairlift will give you or your family many years of reliable mobility. However, for the future of the unit, it’s essential that you have all the security features. Before buying any stairlift, research companies that sell this equipment and compare the reliability and safety of those features before making a decision.
