Platform lifts can be used for moving between floors or up half floors and are useful for giving wheelchair users access to mezzanine levels, raised or lowered floor areas and performance stages. Many lifts require lift pits at the bottom and motor rooms at the top. These can be difficult to accommodate in existing buildings. Alternative oildraulic and hydraulic lifts may be suitable. They can have a more limited height of travel but require smaller lift pits and pump rooms can be away from the lift shaft. These may be slower but can also be more accurate in leveling up to a floor, so can be particularly suitable for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, older people and many others. Lifts should be in accordance with Part M of the Building Regulations. There should be a clear space of at least 1500mm by 1500mm outside the door of a lift. There should be a mirror on the wall furthest away from the door, at a suitable height so that a wheelchair user can see what is behind them if they have to reverse out. The minimum floor size for an accessible lift, other than in residential buildings, is 1100mm wide by 1400mm deep. Lifts should have audible and visible notification of floors reached and doors opening.
|