A platform lift is used to transport a single person, usually in a wheelchair, along a flight of stairs. It consists of a two-run or multi-run guide rail, which is mounted parallel to a wall or railing on the steps or on the wall, and a platform that is moved by an electric motor and a rack-and-pinion or traction drive. The platform can be accessed via a retractable ramp and has small safety walls and safety bars to prevent rolling. It is controlled via a control element on the platform or a remote control. Installation is also possible over several floors with several stops. There are also models with folding seats on the platform, which allow the transport of people with additional loads, such as shopping.
A platform lift takes up more space than a simple stairlift, but can usually be folded in at the stops, so that the area in front of the stairs is less restricted. A wide variety of models, materials and colours are offered. The lift can be mounted on almost all types of stairs and also on embankments, and equipment for outdoor use is also available. Platform lifts are used especially in public areas to ensure accessibility. DIN EN 81-40 contains the safety requirements for the construction, manufacture, installation, maintenance and dismantling of electrically operated inclined stair lifts intended for use by persons with disabilities. For stairlifts (except in residential buildings of building classes 1 and 2, as well as stairs within apartments), Appendix 7.1/1 of the Model List of Technical Building Regulations contains further building regulations.
Source: bauwion
