Frequently Asked Questions Regarding a Vertical Platform Lift (Porch Lift)
This guide has been provided by Alan Bodnaruk at Western Elevator Ltd. It is part of their Guide to Vertical Lifts & Stair Chair Lifts For Occupational Therapists (click on the link for a PDF copy of the full guide).
We hope that you will find it as useful and informative as we have! Mobility Corner is also hosting the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding a Stairlift on the site as well.
1. What is a vertical platform lift?
A vertical platform lift is a platform that moves someone in a vertical direction. It is not used on a stairway.
2. What is a “ porch lift “?
This is another term used for a vertical platform lift.
3. What is the maximum vertical travel?
The product used determines the maximum travel available. Manufacturers offer units that travel different heights. The amount of travel required is based on where the client wants to go in his or her home e.g. from the basement to the main floor, the travel ranges from 24” to 20’.
4. What is the minimum vertical travel for a vertical platform lift?
Manufacturers offer units from 36 inches of vertical travel and up, but, a unit can be installed and set up to travel a shorter distance e.g. 24”.
5. When would you use a vertical platform lift?
A vertical platform lift is recommended when access is required to more than one floor in the home; a ramp would not be feasible. If the client is using a wheelchair for mobility, a stairlift is not appropriate.
6. When do you specify a vertical platform lift instead of a ramp?
The industry usually accepts that if access is any more than 24 inches off grade, a vertical platform lift should be used. If a ramp is considered, the client’s ability to wheel his wheelchair up a ramp is a factor. To have an acceptable grade for a ramp, it is recommended that the minimal grade be 1:12, with some municipalities, requiring 1:18. 1:12 means for every 1 inch of vertical travel, 12 inches of ramp is required. A 36-inch vertical lift would require by code, 36 feet of ramp.
Because the Building Code requires ramps to meet the Code specifications, many ramps become longer and therefore, more fatiguing for a client.
7. Can you put a vertical platform lift outside?
Yes, using a vertical platform lift for wheelchair access into a house is a common practice. Some companies require an exterior package to be added to the standard unit if it is going to be used outside.
8. Are call/sends required when you purchase a vertical platform lift?
If the unit is to be used outside for access into the home, I always recommend two call/sends. This means the unit can also be used by a second person that is not on the lift. At night I recommend that the unit be sent down to an inch or so off grade level and then called back up each morning. This will allow any snow to collect on the platform rather than under the platform. Keep in mind snow under the platform acts as a barrier that will cause the unit to stop. For units installed in the home and in a hoistway, call/sends are required at each landing.
9. Is an under pan sensor or safety touch plate necessary under the platform?
Yes. A vertical platform lift used as a porch lift should never be installed without one. This plate is a safety feature and will cause a unit to stop in the down motion if it encounters any barrier e.g. snow, animals, toys, small children. It is a must for safety! Keep in mind that the client who is using a wheelchair cannot see what is under him or her when operating the unit. When a unit is installed in a hoistway, a safety touch plate is not necessary because the interlock on each door controls each stop. An under pan safety sensor is mandatory by code for an unenclosed application.
10. Can all vertical platform lifts be installed unsupported?
No. It is generally accepted that any unit over 6 feet of travel must have the tower braced to a stationary wall in some way or be installed in a hoistway done by others.
11. At what travel height are platform gates required?
If a unit is being used as a porch lift outside and the travel is over 4 feet, it is strongly recommended that gates on the platform be used on all openings. Gates are used for the safety of the client. If travel is over 6 feet and the unit is installed in a hoistway, doors with interlocks should be installed rather than platform gates.
12. Why are interlocks used on doors?
When a vertical platform lift is installed in a hoistway, doors with interlocks are used. The interlock is installed to prevent the door from being opened unless the platform has been called and is at the landing.
13. Is a pit needed when installing a vertical platform lift in a hoistway?
A pit may or may not be used for this installation. If a pit is not used, the unit will be above the floor on the lower level landing. It will be therefore necessary to make the landing flush so a person in a wheelchair can access the stop. This is accomplished by using a stationary ramp outside the hoistway. Esthetically, this does not look good but is a less expensive solution to having a pit. Manufacturers specify the pit depth for each product they build.
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