Stair lifts help the elderly and disabled reach different levels of the house; however, certain safety issues must be addressed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2005 more than 15,000 people over the age of 65 died from injuries related to unintentional falls. Stair lifts are a convenient way to help the elderly and disabled travel up and down different levels of a house. However, there are specific safety issues that must be addressed to help reduce the chances of receiving injuries and falls.
Safety Features
When purchasing a stair lift it is important to look for certain safety features that come equipped on the machine. Specific safety features can include sensors that prevent the machine from becoming obstructed by objects in its path. Other safety features include a seat lock that will not allow the stair lift to move until it has been locked into place by the user.
Stair Lift Safety Standards
A safe stair lift is one that has been approved by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The ASME approval indicates that the manufacturer has followed specific safety standards and guidelines when building the stair lift. Purchasing a stair lift with this approval increases safety, reliability, productivity and efficiency.
Swivel Chairs
A swivel chair on the stair lift will ensure greater safety for the user. These chairs swivel in all directions and make it easier for the user to board and disembark the machine. Swivel chairs are safer for the user as when disembarking the machine the chair faces away from the lift, therefore decreasing the chance of falling down any stairs. The stair lift will not operate until the user has safely locked the swivel chair into place.
Children and Stair Lift Safety
Children should never use a stair lift unattended and should not play within the immediate area of the staircase. Some stair lifts come equipped with a safety device on the power generator that prohibits the stair lift to move until a key has unlocked it. Supervise children at all times and ensure that they do not stand up or perform any acrobatic stunts from the machine.
Power Generators
Most stair lifts are powered using the electricity from your home; however, it is a good idea to buy a backup power generator in case of electrical failure. Since stair lifts are essential in aiding a person up and down the stairs, the machine should always be in good working order. A backup power generator will ensure that a person will not get stuck on one level of the home when the electricity fails.
