When Only a Platform Lift Solution Will Do

Platform lifts are designed to provide access in public, commercial and residential buildings for those with impaired mobility, or where the building's design does not permit the installation of an escalator. They can provide access to areas where space is tight or the building's structure is fragile.

Mobility Problems

One of the most common uses of platform lifts is to enable access for people with mobility impairment. This may be in a private or a residential home where space is a major problem. A platform lift can be installed within a narrow alcove around a stair bend, which makes the best use of space in small private homes. The lift's installation should also minimise disruption to people's everyday life.

Leisure and sports facilities in general today need to provide access to people with mobility problems because of the growing popularity of sports among those with any kind of physical impairment. A platform lift can be adapted to allow access to entrances, changing rooms and even arenas and swimming pools.

Hospitality

Many hotels and restaurants are established in converted buildings, sometimes many centuries old. The connections between different parts of a building with extensions of different ages but on the same floor may vary between six inches and a few feet. This may not cause major problems to guests with full mobility but could be a serious problem for anyone with impaired movement. General maintenance, cleaning and decoration could also become problematical if heavy equipment has to be moved to higher levels in tight spaces. This is when platform lift solutions come into their own. They can be fitted precisely to a particular space and to move vertically within its limits.

Public and Listed Buildings

All public buildings have to comply with stringent access regulations that may change with new legislation. Historic buildings may be unfit for adaptation to certain access requirements. Access to such buildings has to be available without interfering with the architectural integrity of the structure. But the access still has to be there and must be robust and long-lasting.

An enclosed platform lift at the entrance to such a building may be a solution to such problems. This could be brought into use when needed and closed up later so as not to detract from the building's architectural impact. It also could be located at the side of a building to allow more comfortable access. Platform lifts within a historic building may allow visitors to view certain areas of aesthetic interest, such as inner towers, domes or recesses, without damaging any parts of a fragile structure.

Philip Loughran writes on a number of subjects from travel to law, automotive to education. He recommends The Platform Lift Company for platform lift solutions. Available for trade, mobility, public spaces and home.


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