Installing A Vertical Platform Lift

It may seem so simple and easy to operate a vertical platform lift until surprising problems and conce
s arise. Worse comes to worst, you may experience trouble in the middle of the night or during a big storm when nobody can help you except yourself. To save yourself from future troubles and worries, you may want to consider the 10 tips below. They are very basic and yet usually disregarded by many of us.

Tip #1
Consider the designs and color of your lift if it matches the interior designs of your home. Do not forget that it will be consuming a considerable amount of space so might as well ensure that it retains the elegance and style of your house. n

Tip #2
You will never know when is the next time you are going to use it so putting a light around or within the lift is smart idea. This of course will provide you with convenience when natural light is not available.

Tip #3
Check the lifting capacity of your lift. Be sure that it can support you and the wheelchair over a long period of time. Putting some weight allowance for unexpected lifting requirements can also be a good idea.

Tip #4
Protect your lift from harsh environment or exte
al danger. This advice is highly recommended for lifts that are installed outside. Harsh elements like acid rain, snow, or falling fragments from the roof or trees may drop onto the lift and cause damage. Remember that you did invest a significant amount of money with it.

Tip #5
Ensure that your lift is in compliance with the law. You may visit the building department or elevator inspection branch in your locality. They may do inspection and if your lift violates any provision, contact your dealer or contractor.

Tip #6
Verify material specifications of your lift. If it is installed outside, it must be made out of either aluminum or stainless steel to withstand Mother Nature and other corrosion hazards.

Tip #7
Check if your lift is provided with any emergency or manual lowering mode. You do not want to be stuck at the middle of nowhere especially during winter or storm when the power fails or battery run out of charge.

Tip #8
Assess possible effects to your lift from exte
al environment – strong wind or rain and neighbors sprinklers. Be sure that the controls are waterproofed and attached to a ground fault interrupter.

Tip #9
Make sure that the superstructure you are lifting to be substantial. Safety code ASME A18.1-1999, Rule 2.5.2 states that it should not be lower than 7 or 8 times depending on the suspension means.

Tip #10
Last but certainly not the least and most ignored tip is periodically checking the condition of your lift for it may save you money in the long run and prevent any accident from happening. You may call your dealer to conduct regular maintenance check-up or do it yourself. n