One of the three main deciding factors for refurbishing or modernising an existing lift unit is for the sake of compliance, the other two factors being reliability and aesthetics. Laws surrounding lifts and accessibility are ever-changing as technology advances and we work to become a more inclusive society. If you are looking to upgrade your unit because it isn’t compliant (or if you’re not sure) then below is a brief overview of the ways in which it may or may not satisfy the requirements according to the current laws and standards in the UK.
In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995, now largely encompassed by the Equality Act 2010, sets out guidelines to ensure that facilities and buildings are accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for public buildings and services, which includes provisions for disabled lifts. Meeting these standards not only supports accessibility but also helps organizations avoid potential legal challenges related to non-compliance.
Key Requirements for DDA-Compliant Disabled Lifts
To achieve DDA compliance, a lift should be designed and operated in a way that supports accessibility for individuals with various disabilities. Below are the core components that contribute to a lift’s DDA compliance:
1. Accessible Controls
- Positioning: Controls should be accessible for individuals in wheelchairs, generally positioned between 900mm and 1200mm from the floor. This range allows people with limited mobility or those who are seated to reach the controls easily.
- Braille and Tactile Buttons: All buttons should have Braille and raised tactile markers, enabling visually impaired users to identify floor numbers and controls by touch.
- Audible Announcements: The lift should provide auditory announcements, informing users of the lift’s current floor and direction, which assists individuals with visual impairments.
2. Door Width and Dwell Time
- Width: Lift doors should have a minimum clear opening width of 800mm to accommodate wheelchairs comfortably.
- Dwell Time: The doors should have a delayed closing mechanism or a hold-open function to allow individuals with slower mobility ample time to enter and exit safely.
3. Clear Signage and Visual Indicators
- Signage should be clear, contrasting, and positioned at eye level for both standing and seated users. This includes indicators for floor levels and direction of travel.
- Visual indicators, such as a light or digital display, should be available to show the lift’s location and intended direction, aiding users with hearing impairments.
4. Emergency Features
- Two-Way Communication: The lift must have an emergency communication system, such as a phone or intercom, that is usable by all individuals, including those with speech or hearing impairments.
- Alarm System: Audible and visual alarms should be present for emergencies. Alarms should be easy to activate and clearly identifiable.
5. Internal Space and Handrails
- Spacious Interior: Lifts should be spacious enough to allow easy turning for wheelchairs. Typically, this means a minimum of 1100mm by 1400mm for single wheelchair use.
- Handrails: Sturdy, easy-to-grip handrails should be installed on at least one wall of the lift, usually at a height of around 900mm, offering support for those with limited mobility.
6. Flooring and Thresholds
- Flooring should be slip-resistant to prevent accidents, especially for those with stability issues.
- Smooth Transitions: The threshold between the lift and the floor should be smooth and level, avoiding trip hazards or obstacles for wheelchairs.
Potential Causes of DDA Non-Compliance in Disabled Lifts
Non-compliance with DDA standards can occur for various reasons, often due to outdated designs or insufficient adjustments. Here are some common issues that might render a lift non-compliant:
1. Inadequate Control Accessibility
- Incorrect Height: Controls installed outside the recommended height range can make them inaccessible to wheelchair users.
- Absence of Braille or Tactile Markers: Without tactile features, the lift becomes unusable for visually impaired individuals.
2. Narrow Doors and Insufficient Dwell Time
- Narrow Entry: Doors narrower than 800mm do not accommodate most wheelchair users.
- Quick-Closing Doors: Insufficient dwell time may prevent individuals with limited mobility from entering or exiting safely, creating a safety hazard.
3. Lack of Emergency Communication Features
- An absence of a two-way communication system or alarms that rely solely on sound can leave users stranded without a way to call for help, particularly if they have hearing or speech impairments.
4. Poorly Positioned or Insufficient Handrails
- If handrails are missing or incorrectly positioned, individuals with mobility issues may struggle to balance or safely move within the lift.
5. Limited Internal Space
- Smaller lifts that don’t meet the size requirements for wheelchairs will be non-compliant and inaccessible to users with mobility aids.
6. Visual and Auditory Indicator Issues
- Inadequate lighting or absence of visual indicators, such as floor numbers or directional indicators, makes it challenging for those with visual or hearing impairments to navigate.
How Base Lift Services can help you
Achieving DDA compliance for disabled lifts is essential for accessibility and inclusivity. Organizations should regularly review and upgrade their lifts to meet these standards, as non-compliance can result in legal ramifications and limit access for individuals with disabilities. By adhering to DDA guidelines, we can help facilities ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can safely and confidently use their lifts.
If you are considering having your lift unit/s modernised or refurbished, please feel free to contact our team. We will organise for an engineer to attend to carry out an initial survey on the lift/s to indicate a budgetary cost and then, once details have been finalised, parts will be arranged and the works can commence. Please see our Passenger Lift Refurbishments webpage for more info.
Contact details for refurbishment/modernisation enquiries
Email: Projects@baselifts.co.uk
Phone: 020 3435 6838
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