The short answer: Yes, stair lifts are safe.
For users with limited mobility, navigating the stairs can be risky and potentially lead to serious injuries. Stair lifts offer a safe solution in helping transfer users from one floor to another. They provide independence for the user and make the space more accessible for individuals with a variety of mobility levels. Whether you’re at home or out in public, you want peace of mind that the lift user is safe while using these mobility aids.
DME Elevators & Lifts offers stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, and home elevators designed to help users with limited mobility navigate the stairs without getting hurt. Safety is our highest priority, and we’ll go over the basics of what makes a lift safe, basic safety features, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe while using this mobility aid.
What Makes Stair Lifts Safe?
From the initial installation to standard safety features, stair lift companies consider every detail with the user in mind. Manufacturers build these mobility devices with user safety as the top priority, and they ensure there are proper safety features in place to protect the rider. These features come standard with every lift, regardless of the brand.
A common misconception about stair lifts is that they are installed and secured to the drywall next to your stairs. This raises the concern of the device tipping over and causing the user to fall and hurt themselves. However, this isn’t true in the slightest. The rail that the chair rides on is secured to the stair treads, ensuring maximum stability and security when going for a ride. This keeps the lift grounded and secure, without the risk of tipping over.
Stair lifts also come with a high weight capacity. They can safely lift more than you think, and manufacturers run regular testing to ensure every device abides by safety regulations and can safely carry passengers to where they need to go.
Essential Safety Features of Modern Stair Lifts
The standard safety features that come with every stair lift include more than just a weight limit and grounded support. There are a variety of adjustable seatbelt options to best fit the rider and keep them secure as the lift moves. Using this seatbelt provides added stability and peace of mind.
These seatbelt styles include a single strap across the lap, an over-the-shoulder strap, and a harness-style seatbelt that goes over both shoulders. It’s always best to pick a chair that securely fits your rider and the staircase you’re using it for.
In addition to seatbelts, stair lifts come with a swiveling seat option that allows for a safe exit at the top or bottom of the stairs. Rather than the user needing to pivot in the seat to exit the lift, the seat will turn for them so they can step off on the landing without having to conquer that last step. This prevents falls and works great for users with limited mobility.
Lastly, a high-quality chair will come with sensors that can detect any obstacles in its path. Whether it be a box on the stairs or a pet running past, these sensors will notice the obstruction and bring the stair lift to a controlled stop. This helps to prevent any collisions or damage to personal items in the lift’s path.
Best Practices for Using a Stair Lift Safely
In addition to the standard safety measures, there are a few things you can do at home to keep yourself and other users safe as they use their stair lifts. Basic safety habits ensure the device continues to run smoothly without issues while keeping your loved ones safe. Some best practices include:
Stick to the 1-Person Weight Capacity
Stair chair lifts have a strict weight capacity for one passenger at a time. Don’t try to have more than one person riding at a time, as this can exceed safety limits and damage the equipment.
Keep Your Stairs Clear
Keep items such as toys and boxes off of your staircase and out of the lift’s path. Fix any loose carpeting or floorboards as well.
Supervise Children Around the Lift
Small children shouldn’t play with the chair lift or ride on it without proper supervision. Some chairs come with child-proofing features that prevent curious little hands from moving the lift.
Provide Secure Surfaces on Landings
While decorative rugs are fun at the top or bottom of your stairs, they can slip or move when a user steps off the lift. This increases the risk of falls and serious injuries. Keep landings solid and secure.
Improve Stair Visibility
Ensure your staircase has proper lighting to improve user visibility while using the mobility device.
Maintenance and Professional Installation
For your overall safety, be sure to keep up with routine stair chair lift maintenance services. At DME Elevators & Lifts, we can perform professional maintenance and repairs to ensure your equipment is functioning properly. These appointments catch minor issues before they become more serious and help ensure the stair lift is ready when you need it most.
If you’re considering a stair lift for your home, you may be tempted to try and install it yourself to save a few bucks. However, it’s important to consider that one small misstep can compromise the safety of the lift, putting the user at greater risk of injury or having a malfunctioning mobility aid. In the long run it is not worth attempting on your own.
This is why we always encourage users to leave the installation to the professionals. Our DME technicians are trained and certified to work with any style of stair lift, and we know how to properly install the device for maximum user comfort and safety. Plus, professional installations come with a manufacturer warranty, meaning your lift is protected in the event something happens. If you install the lift on your own, you void this potential warranty and will get no financial coverage for repairs.
Addressing Common Safety Concerns
It’s only natural to want to protect yourself and your loved ones by keeping them safe. While stair lifts provide more independence, this shouldn’t come with the anxiety of safety concerns. These mobility devices are designed with user safety as the #1 priority, and we’re here to ease your nerves.
A common concern stems from the worry of the user falling from the chair or getting stuck partially down the staircase. Luckily, stair lifts come with backup batteries in the event of a power outage, so your loved ones can still move around their home. In addition, mobility devices come with various emergency protocols that protect the rider in the event of an obstacle on the stairs or any other serious incident.
Stair lifts can provide peace of mind for families who want to see their loved ones thrive even with limited mobility. Users get the independence to navigate stairs without assistance, and you can rest easy knowing they’re safe.
Talk to Our Advisors About a Stair Lift Today!
Stair chair lifts not only provide users with more mobility and independence, but they keep them safe in the process. These mobility devices are fitted with numerous safety features such as seatbelts and sensors to keep the user protected at all times. With the right equipment and proper safety practices, these devices can be life changing for users who struggle with mobility.
If you’re interested in improving the mobility and safety of your residential or commercial space, consider a stair lift from DME Elevators & Lifts. Our team is proud to serve our local communities in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Get in touch with one of our advisors or visit one of our showroom locations to find the right lift for your needs.
