Commercial Stair Lifts

Stair lifts are an essential addition to the home of anybody who may have reduced mobility, be it through old age or an illness as they enable people to remain in the home and community that they are comfortable with.  Stair lifts are also often installed in public buildings, in line with equality and diversity laws – allowing people to access any public services in buildings that do not have elevators or lifts.

What Are Commercial Stair Lifts?

Commercial stair lifts are used in commercial buildings and properties, where members of the public need to be able to access every floor, such as in a Town Hall, a theatre or a post office.  Many of these buildings do not have elevators or lifts, but some are particularly dedicated to equality and diversity and offer both commercial stair lifts and elevators, to cater for those who are unwilling to use an elevator.

What Type of Commercial Stair Lifts Exist?

Commercial stair lifts come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.  The three main types are:

• Straight stair lifts which are used on stairs that do not bend
• Curved stair lifts that are used on stairs that go around corners
• Outside stair lifts which are specifically adapted to be able to withstand adverse weather conditions

Within these three types of stair lifts, there are further sub categories describing the seating arrangements of the stair lifts.  These are:

• Seated stair lifts – these are ideal for people who are able to walk and bend their legs.  Generally, space is available on a seated stair lift for a walking stick, but not for a supportive walking frame.
• Standing stair lifts - these are more relevant for those who are unable to bend their legs.  However, using a standing stair lift does mean that the user must have a reasonable sense of balance.
• Perched stair lifts – these are stair lifts in which the user faces away from the wall.  Some support is available to enable the user to perch, meaning they are between a standing and sitting position.
• Wheel chair stair lifts - these are very large in size and generally have a platform on which a wheel chair can be placed.

Commercial stair lifts generally work in the same way as domestic stair lifts, in as such that they have a battery operated system, enabling them to be used even during a power cut.  This is particularly important in public buildings, where the owner or leaser of a building has a responsibility to the health and safety of the people who visit the building.  They are also generally larger than the domestic versions.

As you can see, there are many different types of commercial stair lifts available, as well as different seating arrangements on each of these stair lifts.  Having commercial stair lifts installed in your public building demonstrates that you care about your customers or service users and go the extra mile in enabling them to access your building regardless of their mobility level.

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