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Stair Lift Safety Features
We are absolutely convinced that safety should be the number one consideration when it's time to purchase a stair lift. Although safety is of the utmost importance it almost never the focus of an internet direct purchase. When you are faced with a choice of having a professional from our team come to your home for free or taking your best guess at what might transpire following an internet direct purchase we think the choice is clear. All of the following precautions should be considered at a minimum, and there will be others that will depend on your unique personal, and space requirements:
Swivel seat.
A locking swivel seat is essential on a stairlift, and we don't sell any stairlift that doesn't have one. Without a swivel seat, users will have to enter and exit the chair from the top or bottom step of the staircase, placing them in a precarious position. They will be perched on the footstep and will then have to twist themselves back into the seat. With limited foot space, users are at increased risk of a fall. Swivel seat solves this problem by turning the chair to enter and exit a landing. This further provides more solid footing for safely getting in and out of the chair. Swivel seats come equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents the chair from turning while it is moving. This simple locking device improves safety the overall safety of the chair itself.
Seatbelt:
Automobiles are not the only place for seatbealts. While a stair lift will move along at a safe speed, the seatbelt adds peace of mind, and an extra level of safety and security. As we get older stability and balance can suffer so buckling up just makes better sense. A seat belt simply locks the user in place to enjoy a smooth and worry free, quiet ride.
Correct chair height.
We will be sure to check for the correct chair height when we install your stairway lift. Placing the seat too high or low if can make it more difficult to easily lower ones self into the seat and stand up from the seated position. Most models can be adjusted during installation so that it perfectly accommodates the height of the user. Just another reason to have us consult with you for free, and for a professional from our team install your stairlift.
Safety switch.
The seat safety switch locks the seat in position so it doesn’t move as it travels up and down the stairway. When the seat is not locked into place, the safety switch will not allow the seat to move.
Footrest safety sensor.
This is a major safety element of a stair lift. Unfortunately, we have encountered stairlift installations using well known brands after a battery replacement where the safety snaps were not placed back in to their proper position, thereby removing the footrest safety feature. We are not aware of a better reason for not installing one's own stairlift. Any obstacle on the stairway that could get between the footrest, and the step, would ordinarily be detected by the footrest safety sensor. As soon as the sensor comes in contact with an object, such as your foot, a pet or person, it will immediately cease operation so that the object can be removed.
Don't try to replace your own batteries. And please don't try to install your own stairlift or have a local handyman install it for you. Our certified professionals will do the job correctly, and leave you with a clean house, and peace of mind.
Limit switches.
Limit switches operate similar to the footrest safety sensor. They are located at both the top and bottom of the stairlift track. They will identify obstacles and will cut power off if anything is detected. These switches will prevent the stairlift from powering through an obstacle, causing damage or injury.
Locks.
The lock is usually located in the arm of the chair, requiring the user to insert a key in order to operate the lift. If you have children, curious neighbors, or pets, a key can be an essential part of your installation.
Call/send controls.
Call-send controls are extremely convenient, and most stairlifts offer them for both ends of a stairway or a remote that works at either end. You may not want your chair lift sitting in open view at the main level of your home. It is easy to simply send the chair lift up to the next level, out of sight. Maybe you have a load of laundry or gifts that you would otherwise have to take up the stairs. Strap the load in with your seatbelt, and send it up with your remote. And what about those times when the chair is at the wrong level? Just call it to you.
Constant pressure controls.
Instead of pushing a button just once to engage and operate the lift, constant pressure controls require the user to actively press the controls throughout the entire ride. This provides the user with complete control over the operation of the lift. Most stair lift models feature either a joystick or toggle switch that can be easily manipulated, allowing the user to maintain reasonable pressure along the entire length of the track.
Diagnostic Display.
This features is usually offered in higher priced models. They allow the owner to troubleshoot problems that might occur. A diagnostic display can primarily serve to inform you of a potential problem that you can then describe to one of our team of professionals. Our service is the best in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, and many times we can tell you what to do based on the diagnostic message or bring the right parts to facilitate a single service call.
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