Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Commercial Wheelchair Lifts - Ensure Safe Access in Commercial Buildings

Commercial wheelchair lifts are an economical and convenient means of transporting wheelchair users up and down the various floors in commercial buildings. These mobility devices are best suited for use in educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities; auditoriums, churches and historic buildings. They give a great sense of independence to wheelchair bound individuals, providing them safe access to all parts of the building.

The commercial wheelchair lifts are categorized into two types--inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts. Inclined commercial lifts are used in those commercial settings where there is space constraint. These lifts can be used on all kinds of staircases including spiral, straight and curved. Certain models can be folded and stowed away when not in use.

Safety and Functional Features Contribute to a Remarkable User Experience


Commercial wheelchair lifts work using different mechanisms. Certain lifts can be operated electronically while others require hydraulics. Wheelchair lifts that require hydraulics can work even without any power. At present, most of the commercial wheelchair lift models available in the market come with a large platform which can accommodate any type of wheelchair including power wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs, child wheelchairs and adult wheelchairs.

Commercial wheelchair lifts are now available with a wide range of safety features and user-friendly controls, which ensure safe access in commercial buildings. Some of the common features of these lifts are-

•    Emergency stop and alarm
•    Automatic sensor stop in case of danger due to objects in path
•    Handrails for better protection
•    Safety brakes
•    Automatic dual access ramps
•    Anti-skid models enhance safety
•    Manual lowering device
•    Battery back-up in case of power shutdown
•    Remote controls
•    Door interlocks

Benefits of Commercial Wheelchair Lifts 

•    Smooth and quiet operation
•    Flexible designs, specifications and features
•    Affordable operating costs
•    Very sturdy and durable
•    Made for tough and regular use
•    Easy to install
•    Customizable to the specific requirements of the users
•    Installation can be done without making any structural modifications
•    Safe and reliable operation
•    Comes with advanced space saving features
•    Flexibility to use in different commercial settings

Purchase a Branded Model to Ensure Quality

Commercial wheelchair lifts are available in several models and specifications; you can buy lifts for both indoor and outdoor use. ThyssenKrupp Access, Savaria Concord, Bruno and Garaventa are some of the well-known manufacturers of commercial wheelchair lifts. The commercial wheelchair lifts supplied by the dealers are completely tested and their proper functioning is ensured through scheduled checkups.

While buying commercial wheelchair lifts, be sure to approach only well-known dealers. Such dealers will have experienced professionals for providing installation, repair and maintenance services. To benefit from the best service, settle for dealers with long term experience.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Where to Buy Commercial Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts are convenient accessibility options for the elderly and physically challenged individuals to safely access the stairways in multistoried residential and commercial buildings. The right wheelchair lifts would make your facility a friendly and welcome place to wheelchair users. When it comes to buying commercial wheelchair lifts for your business establishment, go for the services of established distributors as they can offer perfectly designed wheelchair lifts from well-known manufacturers along with dedicated after-sales assistance.

Premium Models of Wheelchair Lifts from Leading Manufacturers

Wheelchair platform lift systems are a boon to wheelchair users, helping them access stairways without injuring themselves in any way. Understanding the mobility requirements of mobility restricted individuals in commercial facilities, many experienced distributors in the United States offer innovative models of commercial wheelchair lifts. In their extensive product inventory you can find compact and stylish models of wheelchair lifts including inclined platform lifts, portable wheelchair lifts and vertical platform lifts.  These lift systems are suitable for use in busy commercial places including shopping malls, office establishments, public spaces, educational institutions, churches and so on. Searching their product index enables you to select premium models of wheelchair platform lift systems from industry-best manufacturers including ThyssenKrupp Access, Adaptive Engineering and Savaria.

Most wheelchair platform lift models are designed in such a way that they can be operated easily, and ensures comfortable and safe ride to the different floors. Popular models of wheelchair lifts that can be used in commercial facilities are:

•    Inclined platform lifts
•    Carrier lift
•    ES-125
•    Vertical platform lift systems
•    Porch-Lift PL-S (Standard)
•    Porch-Lift PL-ENC (Enclosed Lift)
•    Porch-Lift PL-TG (Toe Guard)
•    Porch-Lift PL-P (Portable Lift)
•    Porch-Lift PL-EZE (Economy Enclosed Lift)
•    Multilift
•    V1504
•    Portable Wheelchair lifts
•    Roby powered stair climber
•    Mobilift CX

Buy Wheelchair Lifts with High-end Safety Options

Commercial wheelchair lifts from well-known distributors are incorporated with user-friendly controls and advanced safety options such as:

•    Underpan obstruction sensors: stops the lift automatically whenever an
     object blocks its movement path
•    Non-skid platform
•    Emergency stop button on car
•    Emergency brake
•    Audio visual alarm
•    Safety belt
•    Remote controls for easy operation
•    Key lock to prevent unauthorized access
•    Slack cable switch
•    Keyed continuous pressure controls
•    Emergency lowering hand crank

Apart from providing the finest models of commercial wheelchair lifts, established distributors also ensure the following:

•    Simple installation procedures
•    Category 1 and 5 testing for all models of wheelchair lifts
•    Excellent after-sales support
•    Well-timed inspection, maintenance and repair services to ensure steady
     performance of the equipment for a long-term
 
Further, these distributors provide assistance to select wheelchair lifts featuring the right technology. After an evaluation of your site and specific accessibility requirements, their experienced technicians would suggest the model that ideally suits your facility. 

Contact a Reputable Dealer

To buy reliable models of commercial wheelchair lifts, as well as for trouble-free installation services, it is essential to choose a reputable supplier of accessibility devices. As a wide range of resources are available on the web, you can find one quite easily. Searching online directories and yellow pages with your zip code or city name would provide comprehensive information about the established suppliers in your region. Posting queries on forums, as well as reading newsletters, articles, reviews, blogs, and client testimonials also would help in identifying an experienced dealer.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Wheelchair Stair Lifts - Comfortable Floor to Floor Access

Wheelchair stair lifts ensure comfortable floor-to-floor access for people with mobility problems. They can be installed in both commercial and residential buildings. Wheelchair lifts come in a range of models suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Whether you have curved, straight or spiral stairways, there are vertical, inclined and portable models available to serve the purpose. Portable wheelchair lifts offer access to stages, porches, and elevated platforms.

Safety Considerations for Comfortable Floor-to-Floor Access

To ensure comfortable floor-to-floor access, wheelchair lifts are configured with advanced features such as:

Non-skid platform – The large, non-skid platform of the lifts allow you to accommodate different types of wheelchairs including child wheelchairs, traditional adult wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs and power wheelchairs. The non-skid surfaces of the platforms prevent wheelchair users from slipping off the lifts.

Seat belt – The seat belts of the lifts help you to comfortably travel up and down floors and keep the user from falling.

Obstruction sensor – The obstruction sensors in wheelchair lifts sense when the path of the lift is blocked.

Battery backup system – Battery backup systems ensure that the lift functions even during power breakdowns.

Door interlocks – The door interlocks keep the door from being opened when the lift is in use.

Durable construction – Wheelchair lifts built of corrosion-resistant material like aluminum are durable. They come with shatterproof acrylic panels, the ability to hold up to 750 lbs.

Professional Help to Install Quality Equipment

The installation of wheelchair lifts must follow ADA specifications. Therefore, it is advisable to get professional help for this. Reliable dealers in accessibility equipment help you choose the right wheelchair stair lift model from their wide inventory of leading brands, and also offer help to install it in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Most suppliers offer excellent technical support, and timely inspection, testing and maintenance service.

Friday, March 9, 2012

How to Buy the Right Wheelchair Stair Lift

Wheelchair stair lifts provide better mobility and independence to physically handicapped and aged people. These lifts comprise vertical lifts, wheelchair lifts, commercial wheelchair lifts, residential wheelchair lifts and vertical platform lifts. Compared to elevators, wheelchair stair lifts are more cost-effective and offer speedier movement from one floor to another.

Wheelchair stair lifts are widely used in schools, hospitals, shops and offices. They are used for both indoor and outdoor purposes. They come in different styles, designs and colors and you can choose one that would go well with your requirements. Special care should be taken while buying the right wheelchair stair lift.

Benefits of Using Wheelchair Stair Lifts

•    Easy to use
•    Reliable and very convenient
•    Safe and comfortable
•    Easy to install

Wheelchair Stair Lifts - Features

•    Optional remote controls with key lock to prevent unauthorized access
•    3 Drive systems:  A/C powered belt driven ball screw, battery powered belt driven ball screw, battery powered hydraulic
•    90° and 180° entry/exit configurations
•    Emergency stop button
•    Safety under panel sensor
•    Final limit switches
•    Automatic dual access ramps
•    Continuous pressure control buttons
•    Audio visual alarm
•    Grab rails
•    Emergency alarm
•    Anti-skid flooring
•    Manual lowering device
•    Electro-mechanical braking system with motor
•    Folding seats with armrests
•    Safety belts

Points to Consider when Buying a Wheelchair Stair Lift

There are some points to be considered while buying a wheelchair stair lift. The most important thing is to select a model that caters to the specific requirements of the users. Make sure that you can use the lift comfortably without much effort.

As there are different models of residential wheelchair lifts and commercial wheelchair lifts, you can choose a model fitting your budget. Make sure that you buy ADA compliant wheelchair lifts. These lifts are safe and can be used without fearing mishaps or accidents. Listed here are certain points to consider while buying a wheelchair stair lift.

•    Safety features – Safety is an important factor to consider when you buy the device. Ensure that your stair lift is equipped with all necessary safety features such as seat belts, arm rests, safety brakes, remote controls and more. 

•    Height of the seat: It is also important to consider the height of the seat. If the seat is too low, it would be difficult for the user to stand up when the lift has reached its destination. 

•    Check whether the wheelchair lift has weather-resistant properties, for the lift to be installed outdoors.

•    Capacity – You should check out the loading capacity of the mobility device you choose.

•    Model – Try to choose a model that best fits your stairways.

•    Price - Do a survey on pricing to buy a stair lift that fits your budget.