Passenger lifts can take many different shapes and sizes, and their ubiquity in cityscapes centred around high-rise buildings means that a lot of architects and designers have the space and opportunity to create exceptionally unusual and unique variations.

One of the most unusual lifts ever made, as well as one of the most difficult to refurbish was the AquaDom Berlin, Germany, a hotel lift at a Radisson Blu hotel that also happens to be surrounded by the largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium in the world.

From 2003 until 2023, AquaDom was a lift that called 100 different species of fish home and required three full-time divers to constantly care for the tank.

Whilst an astonishing achievement that cost an estimated €13m to build, the reasons why an aquarium lift was made are relatively simple.

AquaDom was located in the DomAquarée complex owned by Union Investment, a building that also housed Berlin’s Sea Life Centre, so the huge project was a cross-promotional exercise for the main aquarium.

At the same time, architect Sergei Tchoban wanted to add a unique feature that no other hotel would attempt, requiring a process known as radical polymerisation to put the 41 segments of the aquarium together, with 26 forming the outer layer and 15 the inner cylinder around the lift shaft itself.

The AquaDom was a very complex achievement that in some respects outshined the Sea Life aquarium instead. It would end up becoming a very unorthodox wedding venue, with the minister, couple and 15 guests having a full wedding ceremony amidst the aquatic life.

Unfortunately, the AquaDom was closed for refurbishments in 2020 that would take nearly two years to complete, and on 16th December 2022, the tank itself burst due to a failure in the outer part of the tank unrelated to the lift mechanics.

Whilst Berlin Sea-Life has remained open, the AquaDom was closed and with an investigation into the failure ending inconclusively, it is unlikely to ever open again.

It can sometimes be difficult to see which technologies are the building blocks of the future and which are development dead ends, as both are often met with a mix of excitement and scepticism.

The passenger lift was no different, and whilst it is now known as an interesting platform for both reliable transportation and unique innovations when the lift was first developed this was not entirely the case.

Some people were wary of the concept at first, because of a concern about the safety of technology that was rapidly evolving. With lifts at the time, there was a concern about what would happen if the hoisting cable snapped, but the answer lay in the developments of an inventor named Elisha Otis.

In 1852, Mr Otis was working for a bedstead factory company in Yonkers, New York, which relied heavily on a heavy-duty platform lift.

To make the system safer for everyone, Mr Otis devised a safety brake system that would automatically stop the lift from falling, but to sell it to other businesses he needed to develop a dramatic demonstration of its abilities.

The showcase in question happened at New York’s Crystal Palace during the New York Exposition in 1854, at an exhibit hosted by Mr Otis' newly-established eponymous Elevator Company.

First of all, he demonstrated the platform moving up and down a test shaft, open-sided so the many onlookers could see the inner workings.

When he reached halfway up the shaft, he picked up an axe and cut the cable holding the lift up, to the gasps of shocked onlookers who believed he had put himself in the gravest of danger.

Much to their surprise, however, the brakes quickly kicked in and he barely moved from his position. The gasps turned to applause and the lift went from a concerning piece of future technology to the building block of the city as we know it today.

Supermarkets provide a vital service for most of us, selling the essentials we need to live our daily lives, plus useful extras such as pharmacy facilities, homeware and cafes. 

Everyone should be able to access these services easily without obstruction, and most able-bodied people probably have few difficulties with navigating them beyond the usual clutter of trolleys in the aisles and frustrating checkout queues. 

However, disabled people can face a range of barriers that are invisible to others. This is especially true for wheelchair users who visit larger supermarkets over multiple levels, or those that are integrated into larger shopping complexes. 

It is likely that escalators and steps will provide the main links between floors, but these are impossible to navigate in a wheelchair, and also for customers with loaded trolleys or prams and pushchairs. Designers and owners of all buildings with public access in the UK have an obligation to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ under the Equality Act 2010. 

In the case of a large multi-storey retail outlet such as a supermarket, commercial wheelchair lifts should be planned for from the very first stages of the design process rather than added as an afterthought. 

They should be user-friendly and spacious enough to accommodate all types and sizes of chair without the user needing to move position. The lift should have easy to understand controls that can be operated from a seated position. Other features to consider include braille indicators and audible announcements for vision and hearing impaired customers. 

The lifts should be strategically positioned throughout the supermarket so that they are in the most convenient and accessible place for disabled customers. Factors that may influence the location of the lifts include the proximity to entrance and exit points and parking areas, and the overall layout and direction of customer traffic. 

The entrance point of the lift should be free of obstructions and there should be enough space for the wheelchair user to enter and exit the lift while remaining seated in the chair, with no awkward angles or tight turning spaces. These lifts not only benefit wheelchair users, but also customers with mobility scooters, pushchairs, and loaded shopping trolleys. 

The lift should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it is safe and reliable. Out of order lifts send out the message that the supermarket does not care about inclusivity, and it may deter customers from returning. The lifts should be routinely checked for the proper functioning of doors, internal mechanisms, buttons, and emergency communications. 

Cleanliness and hygiene are also important, and can be enhanced with touchless technology. This is particularly important in a supermarket environment where it is imperative to mitigate against the spread of bacteria and viruses. 

By making accessibility a priority, supermarkets can widen their customer base, improve the flow of traffic around the store, and ensure that they are compliant with regulations.

Stations in the UK are in need of more wheelchair platform lifts to make them more inclusive, as they have been found to be the least accessible in Europe. 

The unflattering label was given to British stations by German travel booking company Omio, which compared the accessibility of 16 countries, reported New Civil Engineer.

While 99 per cent of stations in The Netherlands have facilities for disabled people, only 60 per cent of UK ones have accessibility tools. 

“British railway operators and decision-makers still have much work to do to achieve complete accessibility in the railway system,” the company stated. 

This is despite the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Access For All programme, which provides funding to improve accessibility in UK rail stations. 

It was launched in 2006 with a budget of £390 million, with £163 million extra being given to the fund in 2014. Since its launch, over 150 stations have been updated with accessibility features and an additional 68 projects are yet to be completed. 

Mid-scale improvements, including tactile paving and handrails, also began in 2020 across 124 stations, while smaller projects improved 1,500 stations across the UK. These changes included fitting customer information screens and automatic doors. 

A spokesperson from DfT told the publication that there is a further £350 million available to improve accessibility in UK stations now, as a result of the northern legs of the HS2 line being scrapped. 

Britain still has a long way to go to compete with the likes of The Netherlands in terms of accessibility and inclusivity, however, as nearly all of its stations have facilities such as pathways for the visually impaired and digital information screens that are frequently updated for those who cannot hear the announcements.

Supermarkets provide a vital service for most of us, selling the essentials we need to live our daily lives, plus useful extras such as pharmacy facilities, homeware and cafes. 

Everyone should be able to access these services easily without obstruction, and most able-bodied people probably have few difficulties with navigating them beyond the usual clutter of trolleys in the aisles and frustrating checkout queues. 

However, disabled people can face a range of barriers that are invisible to others. This is especially true for wheelchair users who visit larger supermarkets over multiple levels, or those that are integrated into larger shopping complexes. 

It is likely that escalators and steps will provide the main links between floors, but these are impossible to navigate in a wheelchair, and also for customers with loaded trolleys or prams and pushchairs. Designers and owners of all buildings with public access in the UK have an obligation to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ under the Equality Act 2010. 

In the case of a large multi-storey retail outlet such as a supermarket, commercial wheelchair lifts should be planned for from the very first stages of the design process rather than added as an afterthought. 

They should be user-friendly and spacious enough to accommodate all types and sizes of chair without the user needing to move position. The lift should have easy to understand controls that can be operated from a seated position. Other features to consider include braille indicators and audible announcements for vision and hearing impaired customers. 

The lifts should be strategically positioned throughout the supermarket so that they are in the most convenient and accessible place for disabled customers. Factors that may influence the location of the lifts include the proximity to entrance and exit points and parking areas, and the overall layout and direction of customer traffic. 

The entrance point of the lift should be free of obstructions and there should be enough space for the wheelchair user to enter and exit the lift while remaining seated in the chair, with no awkward angles or tight turning spaces. These lifts not only benefit wheelchair users, but also customers with mobility scooters, pushchairs, and loaded shopping trolleys. 

The lift should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it is safe and reliable. Out of order lifts send out the message that the supermarket does not care about inclusivity, and it may deter customers from returning. The lifts should be routinely checked for the proper functioning of doors, internal mechanisms, buttons, and emergency communications. 

Cleanliness and hygiene are also important, and can be enhanced with touchless technology. This is particularly important in a supermarket environment where it is imperative to mitigate against the spread of bacteria and viruses. 

By making accessibility a priority, supermarkets can widen their customer base, improve the flow of traffic around the store, and ensure that they are compliant with regulations.

There is now more emphasis than ever on creating inclusive and accessible spaces, as we live in a society with an ageing population and there is greater public awareness of disability rights. 

This is especially important in commercial spaces, both for legal reasons and to open up a wider customer base. Here are four benefits a wheelchair platform lift can bring to your business. 

Customer loyalty and reputation

By demonstrating that you are committed to providing equal access for all customers, your business will inspire loyalty and repeat business. People with restricted mobility face multiple barriers in society, and many businesses still make very inadequate efforts to accommodate their needs.

Therefore by making your premises as accessible as possible, you can stand out and enhance your reputation for being inclusive and welcoming. Customers who have had a positive experience are likely to share their views with family, friends and acquaintances, both in person and online, providing further good publicity.

Compliance with regulations

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is mandatory for businesses and service providers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for wheelchair users. This includes providing step-free access to all wheelchair users, whether through ramps, lifts, or lifting platforms. 

The type of equipment is not specified in the legislation, but when travel between one or more storeys is required, then a mechanical lift of some type will be necessary. Existing lifts must be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair user. 

It may be necessary to upgrade current equipment to a purpose-made wheelchair lift to ensure that your business is compliant with the Equality Act and also Health & Safety regulations. 

Security and efficiency

By installing a platform lift that is purposely designed to accommodate wheelchair users, you will have peace of mind that they are being transported in the safest and most efficient manner possible. 

The platform will be designed to be easy to operate with clearly labelled controls and safety devices at a convenient height, and the user will not need to get out of their chair to travel. This minimises the risk of injuries and possible accidents or incorrect use of the lift, ensuring a good customer experience and minimising the risk of legal claims.

Extra revenue

It is estimated that there are around 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK, and many more people with restricted mobility who struggle to use stairs. Platform lifts are also used by parents with prams and pushchairs, and customers with heavy loads to carry. 

By opening up your customer base with greater accessibility, you are not only enhancing your reputation, but are likely to boost the number of in-store visitors as you are providing a service not readily available elsewhere. This in turn leads to a higher volume of sales and increases profits, offsetting the cost of installing and maintaining the lift. 

It is estimated that about 16 million people in the UK are living with a disability, amounting to 24% of the population. This is an upward trend and Britain has an ageing population, so this figure is likely to increase in the future. Disabled people face a range of inequalities that affect their quality of life. 

One of the biggest issues faced by disabled people in society are physical barriers that prevent or make it difficult for them to access a range of services or travel freely. Often, able-bodied people do not even notice or consider these barriers and disabled people are not given a voice in the planning and design process.

There are laws in place under the Equality Act 2010 that require public bodies and organisations to take ‘reasonable steps’ to remove physical barriers that may impede access for disabled people. However, these laws are not always strictly adhered to or enforced. 

Examples of physical barriers include steps and stairways at building entrances or between different levels and floors in a building; exterior kerbs, steps, or unlevel surfaces; narrow doorways and corridors that cannot accommodate a wheelchair; rooms with cluttered layouts; toilets that are not wheelchair accessible, and unsuitable floor coverings.

Public organisations or service providers are required by the Equality Act to remove or change the physical barrier, or provide a means of avoiding it wherever it is reasonably possible to do so. When it is not possible to do so, the service provider should consider putting an alternative means of making the service accessible in place.

Examples of ‘reasonable provision’ include installing a wheelchair platform lift to allow disabled users to avoid steps and stairs; widening doorways, removing furniture that is impeding access; providing ramps for wheelchairs to provide step-free access at building entrances; and installing accessible toilets.

Unfortunately, some service providers do not make adequate provisions for disabled users and they are not challenged about the efforts that they have made. Often, a provider will argue that the building is leased and they do not have a right to make alterations or adaptations, for example.

However, it is often the case that the organisation has made little or no attempt to contact the landlord, which they should have done in writing to ask for consent. If a user cannot access a building or some of its facilities, they have a right to make a complaint or take legal action.

It is often the best course of action to make a complaint in the first instance and wait for a response. The company may make an apology and explain why the access was found to be inadequate, and they may promise to make improvements in the future.

If no satisfactory response is received and it is clear that the law has not been followed, the user has the right to take legal action. This may be more costly but there may be assistance available from disability rights organisations. In return, the user may receive monetary compensation and the provider may receive an injunction to make the required changes.

Dumbwaiters are small lifts that are used to carry items between floors of a building. Most models are now operated electronically, although some examples of older dumbwaiters that are operated with pulleys or handles may still be found. Despite being a very simple concept, it’s a subject that tends to generate a lot of questions.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dumbwaiters.

When were dumbwaiters first used?

The concept has been around for centuries, although it was commercialised during the Victorian era when there was a major expansion in the hotel and hospitality industry. They were used to conveniently transport meals to the upper floors for guests who were dining in their rooms, and to return the dirty dishes to the kitchen.

The concept soon became adopted by larger houses that had servants, because the kitchen was often in the basement. The term ‘dumbwaiter’ reflects the fact the operation was not seen or heard by the occupants of the house. 

Where can dumbwaiters be installed?

Dumbwaiters can be installed in a variety of settings. They are commonly used in hotels and larger restaurants, and also in hospitals and nursing homes. They may also be installed in offices or educational or retail buildings. In fact, they are useful in any multi-storey building that requires the frequent transportation of items between levels.

They can also be used in residential settings, which may be required in a larger home with multiple staff, or with elderly or disabled occupants who do not want to carry loads up and down stairs.

What weight can dumbwaiters carry?

The weight capacity will depend on the design, size, and intended use of the dumbwaiter. Residential models may be able to handle up to 200lb, and commercial models may be able to accommodate heavier loads of up to 500 lb.

However, it’s important to remember that they are only designed to transport inanimate objects and should never be used to transport children, animals, or adults. The design and capacity should always be aligned to your intended use.

Can dumbwaiters be customised?

Yes, dumbwaiters can usually be made to order should you have specific requirements. Typically a commercial dumbwaiter will be larger and have more robust safety features. The exterior fittings and finishes can be customised so that it fits in sleeking with the surroundings.

How much space is needed to install a dumbwaiter?

This depends on the function of the device. Floor-level dumbwaiters that are designed to load items from the floor, such as carts, will usually require a pit. Counter-height devices usually do not and so take less space.

Typically a dumbwaiter can move goods up to four storeys high, but if you have any questions about size and capacity, please contact the https://www.keplifts.co.uk/goods-lifts and they will be able to advise you about the exact specifications.

Smaller dumbwaiters for residential buildings do not take up very much space and so it is worth making a consultation even if you think there might not be enough room.

The Social Model for Disability offers an alternative way of viewing disability, that shifts the focus from the individual to the barriers in society that prevent disabled people from living full and independent lives. The concept was developed by disabled people to help others recognise the various inequalities and prejudices they face in everyday life.

The term ‘social model for disability’ was first coined by the disabled academic Mike Oliver in 1983, as an alternative to the ‘medical model of disability’ that suggests the problems disabled people face lie with their impairment or condition. 

The social model suggests that the barriers disabled people face lie in the way that society is organised rather than within themselves. In the UK, this concept has influenced social and government policies, helping to make society a more inclusive and accessible place for disabled people. Here are some examples of the progress made so far.

Greater rights for disabled people

The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) has played a significant role in advancing the rights of disabled people in society. It was further enhanced by the Equality Act (2010), which extends further legal protections to disabled people. 

For example, businesses and organisations such as shops, employers, educational buildings, and other public spaces must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people can access the facilities or services. This shifts the problem from the disabled person to the fabric of society.

If there are physical features of a building that are providing barriers to access, these must be altered if it is practicable to do so. This includes measures such as installing wheelchair platform lifts where there are steps or stairways, widening doorways and corridors to accommodate wheelchairs, and providing disabled toilets. 

Greater participation in planning and policymaking

In the past, decisions that shaped disabled people’s lives were usually made for them rather than by them, with very little consultation or even knowledge about the challenges that disabled people face when navigating and participating in society. The social model of inclusion has led to a far more inclusive approach to planning and policymaking.

This means that disabled individuals, disability campaign groups, and relevant social and healthcare experts are now routinely included in the consultation process when disabled people will be directly affected by the outcome of policy or new development. 

Greater integration into society

In the past, it was assumed that the majority of disabled people would not be able to work or live independently, or have families of their own. Now, there is a much stronger support and legal framework to help disabled individuals fulfil their potential in education, in the workplace, and in their social and personal lives.

For example, employers are not allowed to discriminate against disabled people by screening out job applications, and they must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that the employee is not disadvantaged at work. 

This could include providing specially adapted equipment, offering flexible working hours, or providing adaptations such as lifts, ramps, and disabled toilets.

The Royal Opera House has long expressed its ambition to ensure equal access to opera, ballet, music and the arts for one and all, committing itself to the Social Model of Disability, which puts forth the notion that people are only disabled by their barriers in society, rather than their impairments or differences.

To further that end and to ensure that visiting the Opera House doesn’t represent a challenge, the organisation got in touch with the team here at KEP Lifts to improve accessibility by installing a new wheelchair lift in one of the rehearsal rooms.

A bespoke solution to the problem was required because they were keen for the lift to be sympathetic to the beautiful surroundings of the building, ensuring that as much of the rail and posts was hidden as possible while providing the stable support necessary for wheelchairs to operate safely.

Because the rehearsal room was undergoing a full renovation, it was the perfect opportunity to install the posts into the wall itself, covering them entirely. The rail, meanwhile, was installed seamlessly onto the posts through the wall.

The end result was an inclined platform lift installed incredibly discreetly, while meeting the important accessibility levels required and making negligible aesthetic changes to the room itself, as well as minimising the space taken on the existing steps.

The Opera House also has a free Access Scheme that could be worth signing up to if you do have access needs, an initiative that provides personalised assistance the whole way through the booking process, as well as free companion tickets if support is required for attending performances.

We were truly honoured to be able to work on such an illustrious site, ensuring that all people everywhere are able to enjoy the arts, regardless of their personal circumstances.

If you’d like to discuss similar projects for your site, get in touch with the team today to discuss your requirements.

In the UK, there are standards and legal requirements around the access to lifts in retail and other commercial spaces. This ensures that customers who use wheelchairs or have other mobility challenges have equal access to goods and services. Besides compliance with best practice, this enhances the customer experience.

Here are the main benefits of investing in a bespoke platform lift for commercial spaces.

Compliance with the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 states that all public buildings should have ‘reasonable adjustments’ to compensate for any accessibility disadvantages faced by wheelchair users. This includes the provision of step-free access to all public areas wherever possible. In many cases, a platform lift will provide the best solution. 

Enhanced customer experience

Improving accessibility should not just be a box-ticking exercise in order to comply with building regulations and legal requirements. It is also about putting the customer first and ensuring that everyone has an equal quality of shopping experience. 

This demonstrates that the company values and cares about their customers and helps to build a positive brand image. Ultimately, the business will generate goodwill and benefit from repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations, which all help to increase customer volumes and drive higher sales. 

Platform lifts do not just benefit wheelchair users, but also parents with prams or pushchairs, older people who find using stairs more challenging, and staff and customers who need to transfer heavy or bulky items safely between floors or different levels of the building. They also speed up the flow and movement of people around the building.

Added value to the building

Bespoke features such as lifts help to add value to a building should it need to be sold or rented in the future. 

The importance of disability access in modern buildings is something everyone should be aware of. Where possible, they should be fitted to existing buildings - such as a wheelchair platform lift at a railway station, although there are cases where modification is not possible. But when a new building is constructed from scratch, there is no excuse.

A reminder of how important disability access is can be understood from the details of a high-profile enforcement order made by Greenwich Borough Council.

The local authority made headlines by imposing their largest-scale enforcement order ever against Comer Homes, the developer behind the Mast Quay Phase II development, a scheme that involved 204 apartments spread over three towers.

So bad was the development and so at variance with the plans Comer was given planning permission for in 2012 that the council ordered the buildings to be pulled down, citing at least 26 shortcomings that breached the planning agreement.

While these ranged from failing to provide a play area for children or rooftop gardens to smaller windows and balconies and an unauthorised reduction of ground floor commercial space, several of the flaws related directly to failings to provide access for those with wheelchairs.

These included a lack of wheelchair access to balconies (which had steps) or to the residents’ gym, plus a shortage of disabled parking bays - the latter a part of a general shortage of underground parking.

While the extent of the failings was so great that it cannot be said wheelchair users were specifically targeted, the fact they were not well served by the design or construction certainly adds to the list of problems. However, it may also serve as a useful warning to developers: get this wrong and your whole development may have to come crashing down.

This does not just apply to residential or commercial buildings. The same is true for new transport facilities. This is a point taken on board with the design of the Crossrail Elizabeth Line, with all 41 stations having step-free access.

At present, step-free access is also available on 92 London Underground and 60 London Overground stations, with ten other Tube stations set to gain step-free access by the end of 2024.

Because of the age of the system, many of the older stations are still blighted by a lack of step-free access, although modification work can do something about this in many cases. This has been demonstrated in Glasgow, where the entire Subway is Victorian, having never been expanded from its original 1896 route. All 15 stations now have step-free access.

In the same way, older buildings can also be modified in all sorts of ways. The Equalities Act 2010 and Disability Discrimination Act 2005 provide the legal powers to ensure disabled access to public buildings.

Where a building is listed, it is still legally permissible to make alterations to accommodate accessibility needs, with English Heritage having produced guidance on how to balance potential conflicts between the need for access and the conservation of buildings in their historic condition.

If so much can be done to ensure wheelchair users and others with disabilities can access old buildings, it is small wonder local authorities will not put up with failure to provide this access in new developments.

Battersea Park Station in south London could be set for a major multi-million pound upgrade. London News Online reports that the works will include plans to provide step-free access to the platforms, and the steep narrow stairwells could be replaced with lifts. This will enable disabled and people with restricted mobility to use the station.

The station is expected to see a substantial increase in passenger numbers in the future, as it is likely that more overground trains will call at the station. Currently, overground trains only call in the early morning and evening, but with new developments taking place in Wandsworth, demand is expected to increase.

A Wandsworth council spokesperson said: “The council has been working with Network Rail on the development of a significant improvement scheme for Battersea Park Station, which would deliver a new, reconfigured station with step-free access.”

“The station currently has steep and unsuitable stairwell access to the platforms and needs improvement works if it is to provide acceptable access to rail transport services for an increased number of residents and visitors.”

An upgrade plan would see step-free access provided to four of the station’s five platforms. There is still some debate about the final scope of the scheme due to budget constraints. The original plans were projected to cost about £35.6 million, with funding jointly provided by Wandsworth Council and the Department for Transport Access for All Programme.

However, sufficient funds could not be allocated, and now Network Rail are working on revised plans with an estimated cost of £20 million, which are due to be put to Wandsworth Council’s Transport Committee shortly.

If you are looking for Battersea Park Station, please contact us today.

In modern architectural design, there is quite rightly an increasing demand for more accessible and inclusive buildings. Therefore including bespoke platform lifts as an integral part of the design process is an ideal solution to ensure easy access between different levels and floors. Here are some of the advantages of contemporary platform lifts.

Discreet designs for historic buildings

It is often assumed that historic and listed buildings are exempt from the accessibility regulations, but this is incorrect. Under the Equality Act 2010, all buildings are required to have ‘reasonable adjustment’ to accommodate wheelchair users, regardless of age or listed status. In some cases, this might be provided by shallow ramps. 

However, this is not always an ideal solution for historic buildings, where preserving the original character of the building is a priority. Therefore, a platform lift that can be blended sympathetically into the surroundings can be the perfect answer. 

For rises of less than 1000mm (the distance from the lower landing to the upper landing), an open platform lift can be installed. These are lightweight, take up little space, do not require a pit, and are quiet and simple to use. 

For rises of over 1000mm, an enclosed platform lift is required. These can be tailored to fit seamlessly into their surroundings and are suitable for both commercial and residential properties.

Future proofing the building design

If your building is used by the general public, then there are strict regulations regarding the accessibility for wheelchair users. This applies to entrances, access between levels, and facilities. All new buildings should consider accessibility from the very first stages of the planning and design process.

Existing buildings need to be retrofitted to ensure that they provide an inclusive environment for everyone. In some cases, the provisions made for wheelchair access are inadequate token gestures, such as the provision of temporary ramps that are kept stored out of sight, or even no attempt at ‘reasonable adjustment’ at all.  

However, it is estimated that one in five Britons now lives with a disability, which equates to about 14 million people. Furthermore, the UK has an ageing population, with about 11 million people over the age of 65. This is expected to increase to 13 million people by the end of the decade. 

We may be living longer, but unfortunately we are still prone to health problems and it is likely that the number of wheelchair users will rise significantly over the next ten years. Therefore, it makes good economic sense to future proof your building with modern and effective accessibility solutions that are convenient and easy to use.

This sends the message to your visitors that you are a progressive and forward thinking organisation, and will make sure that your building is compliant with the current and any future changes to accessibility legislation.

In modern architectural design, there is quite rightly an increasing demand for more accessible and inclusive buildings. Therefore including bespoke platform lifts as an integral part of the design process is an ideal solution to ensure easy access between different levels and floors. Here are some of the advantages of contemporary platform lifts.

Discreet designs for historic buildings

It is often assumed that historic and listed buildings are exempt from the accessibility regulations, but this is incorrect. Under the Equality Act 2010, all buildings are required to have ‘reasonable adjustment’ to accommodate wheelchair users, regardless of age or listed status. In some cases, this might be provided by shallow ramps.  

However, this is not always an ideal solution for historic buildings, where preserving the original character of the building is a priority. Therefore, a platform lift that can be blended sympathetically into the surroundings can be the perfect answer.  

For rises of less than 1000mm (the distance from the lower landing to the upper landing), an open platform lift can be installed. These are lightweight, take up little space, do not require a pit, and are quiet and simple to use.  

For rises of over 1000mm, an enclosed platform lift is required. These can be tailored to fit seamlessly into their surroundings and are suitable for both commercial and residential properties.

Future proofing the building design

If your building is used by the general public, then there are strict regulations regarding the accessibility for wheelchair users. This applies to entrances, access between levels, and facilities. All new buildings should consider accessibility from the very first stages of the planning and design process. 

Existing buildings need to be retrofitted to ensure that they provide an inclusive environment for everyone. In some cases, the provisions made for wheelchair access are inadequate token gestures, such as the provision of temporary ramps that are kept stored out of sight, or even no attempt at ‘reasonable adjustment’ at all.   

However, it is estimated that one in five Britons now lives with a disability, which equates to about 14 million people. Furthermore, the UK has an ageing population, with about 11 million people over the age of 65. This is expected to increase to 13 million people by the end of the decade.  

We may be living longer, but unfortunately we are still prone to health problems and it is likely that the number of wheelchair users will rise significantly over the next ten years. Therefore, it makes good economic sense to future proof your building with modern and effective accessibility solutions that are convenient and easy to use. 

This sends the message to your visitors that you are a progressive and forward thinking organisation, and will make sure that your building is compliant with the current and any future changes to accessibility legislation.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) is legislation that was introduced by the Health & Safety Executive in 1974 and revised and updated in 1998. It is designed to cover all lifting operations conducted for work purposes, including equipment such as platform lifts.

Part of LOLER states that lifting equipment should undergo thorough examinations and routine inspections. This is imperative as the failure of lifting equipment can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Routine inspections

Some of these checks may need to be made by the user before each operation, to check that the essential components are sound. Depending on the nature of the equipment and how often it is used, routine inspections and checks may be carried out on a weekly, quarterly, or monthly basis.

These should be carried out by trained personnel who are familiar with how the equipment is used, and can verify safe usage of equipment can continue.

Thorough examinations

The HSE defines a thorough examination thus: “This is a systematic and detailed examination of the equipment and safety-critical parts, carried out at specified intervals by a competent person who must then complete a written report.”

The report must contain the examination date, the date when the next examination is due, and any dangerous or potentially dangerous defects.

These examinations must be carried out before first use (unless certain specified conditions are met). The examiner must be a ‘competent person’, which means that they should have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge to identify any defects.

Thereafter, the examinations must be carried out after assembly and before use at each location, and regularly while in service. This could mean every six to 12 months, depending on how the equipment is used. Any devices used to lift people must be thoroughly examined every six months.

If you are looking for a wheelchair platform lift, please get in touch with us today.

Ten London Underground stations have been flagged up as a priority consideration for step-free access, including the installation of lifts to the platforms. The Evening Standard reports that Transport for London (TfL) have earmarked the stations for improved access to make travelling quicker and easier.  

The stations for review include Alperton, Arnos Grove, Burnt Oak, Eastcote, Finchley Road, Northolt, North Acton, Rayners Lane, West Hampstead and White City. TfL further said that access to the southern section of the Northern Line between Elephant and Castle and Modern will be reviewed.  

TfL added that their decisions about which stations to upgrade were guided by customer feedback and discussions with accessibility campaigners. Currently, about a third of the 272 Tube stations have lifts, while the others can only be accessed via a flight of stairs, making it difficult for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs or heavy wheeled luggage.  

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am committed to ensuring London’s world-class public transport network is accessible for all Londoners.” 

He added: “I’m delighted to announce the next 10 Tube stations TfL will review for potential step-free access, and I am determined to keep working to deliver a public transport network that is accessible to all as we build a better, fairer London for everyone.” 

TfL commissioner Andy Lord said: “More than a third of the Tube network is now step-free, and we have also delivered the step-free Elizabeth line, as well as improvements on the London Overground, but we know that we must do more to make London’s transport network truly accessible and inclusive.” 

However, TfL have admitted that any upgrading work to improve accessibility will be dependent on securing joint funding from developers or councils.

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All employers in the UK have a duty to protect workers from the risks of manually handling loads. Incorrect handling techniques can lead to a range of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which may affect the joints, legs, arms, or lower back. It is estimated that 40% of all work-related illnesses are related to MSDs.

While not all of these illnesses are directly caused by manual handling at work, they may be made worse by poor practice in the workplace, leading to higher rates of sickness absence and lost productivity. Employers and managers have a responsibility to prevent and minimise the risk factors.

They must comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002. Here are some of the main points to bear in mind.

Avoid the need for manual handling

The guidelines state that the need for hazardous manual handling should be avoided ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’. For example, automation or mechanisation may be introduced for the lifting and moving of loads. This could be through the introduction of powered conveyors, forklift trucks, lifting tables, or service and goods lifts.

Carry out a risk assessment

If it is not possible to avoid manually lifting or handling loads, a full risk assessment should be carried out. The Health and Safety Executive provides full guidelines and tools on how to produce a ‘suitable and sufficient’ assessment that complies with the regulations. Steps should be taken to minimise any risks that are identified.

Train staff and listen to feedback

Staff should be fully aware of the manual handling risks in the workplace and should be trained in identifying, managing, and controlling risk. Employees should be encouraged to give feedback, consulted and listened to as they are best placed to know the day to day nature of the work and the particular challenges of the working environment.

Information should be collected on the size, weight and shape of loads and how often they are handled, and any issues such as awkward spaces, difficult access to  shelving, or uneven flooring.

Teach good handling techniques

It is important to train staff in the correct techniques for manual handling loads. However, this should not be seen as a substitute for putting other measures in place such as providing lifting aids, reducing the need for repetitive actions, and ensuring that the workplace is as safe as it reasonably can be for carrying out manual handling tasks.

Basic precautions should be taken when lifting loads. These include using both hands, lifting the load in front of and close to the body, and avoiding twisting. Stand with the feet apart and one leg forwards to increase stability, and look ahead rather than down at the load.

Before the lift takes place, check that the surface where it will be placed is free from obstructions. If the load is being lifted from the floor to shoulder height, it may be necessary to provide a mid-point resting place such as a bench. If the load is unreasonably heavy, assistance should be sought. 

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The users of Dorchester South railway station in Dorset have called for better access to the platforms, the BBC reports. There is currently no step-free access between each platform, meaning that travellers who are unable to climb stairs have to walk 1km to make use of the ramps and bridge that front the road.

South Western Railway have confirmed that they have submitted a bid to install lifts at the station. There are also calls for improved disabled parking facilities.

John Darling, chairman of the Dorchester Disabled Club, said: "If you are coming from Manor Park area, it's very difficult because you've got to cross the bridge. You can be dropped at the front - there are sunken kerbs and a ramp for wheelchair access and a ramp, which is great.”

"What is seriously lacking is the parking around the station for disabled people. There are two spaces in the station car park which are invariably full."

A South Western Railway spokesperson said the firm was "investigating a further trial on the more regular use of platform one". They added: "Alongside Network Rail, we have submitted a bid to the Department for Transport for a lift scheme at the station and the successful schemes will be announced later this year."

West Dorset MP Chris Loder said: "I think the station is an embarrassment to the county town. It's been poorly looked after. The thing that would really make an impact would be a new footbridge and lifts to go with it. A bid has gone to the government so I'm hopeful we will see some considerable improvements."

Network Rail currently has an Access for All Programme that provides funding to make Britain's rail network more accessible and inclusive.

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Lifts are utilised in almost every building with multiple floors these days, from commercial properties to residential buildings. Ensuring lift safety is vital in making sure that anyone who uses the lift, whether as a passenger or as a worker, remains safe and secure. 

One of the key considerations when dealing with lift safety is to ensure that regular inspections and maintenance are done. This helps to make sure that the lift remains in full working order and removes the risk of any issues going unnoticed. 

Maintenance is essential in ensuring any issues, should they arise, are dealt with as promptly as possible and the lift can be taken out of use while the issue is resolved, rather than allowing it to worsen and possibly put people in harm's way. 

This is also a legal requirement as lifts are required to comply with safety regulations in order to remain in service. Local councils may conduct inspections of lifts to ensure they meet all safety requirements and fines may be issued should anything be amiss. 

These regulations are in place to keep the users of the lift safe and out of harm's way and to ensure that everything possible has been done to prevent any accidents or emergencies involving the lift. 

If you own a building which has a lift in it, you should also work to create an emergency procedure checklist should anything happen while people are in the lift. 

This includes having safety features such as a call button, emergency exit and access hatch in the lift which are well-maintained and in full working order. 

You should also ensure signage is available and easy to read and understand for those using the lift to inform them of what to do in an emergency situation. 

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