Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

An Introduction to Sabbath Lifts

2022-08-12T15:52:25Z

Stannahlifts: Created page with "Whilst the request for a Shabbat lift tends to be a few, and far between, this post provides an overview of them. == What is a Shabbat lift? == Religiously observant Orthodox J..."

Whilst the request for a Shabbat lift tends to be a few, and far between, this post provides an overview of them.

== What is a Shabbat lift? ==

Religiously observant Orthodox Jews may not use electrical devices on the Sabbath, and included in this, is the use of a lift. However, they may use a 'Sabbath lift' (or 'Shabbos lift'), a passenger lift that has been configured to stop on every floor automatically, and as such, the buttons need not be pressed, enabling them to use the lift without operating any electrical equipment.

Whilst not common in the UK, Shabbat lifts can be found in synagogues or areas with a large Jewish population, most often in buildings with multiple floors.

Some basic identifiers of a Shabbat lift are:

* Signage - A lift may be marked with a sign configured for Shabbat observance.
* Travel patterns - there are several ways the operation can work (going up and down); stopping at every floor, stopping at alternate floors, or rising to the top floor and stopping while going down or at specific preset floors.
* Delayed open/close doors - typically configured with an extended door opening time to enable plenty of time for safe exit and entry without the risk of the doors automatically closing. Additionally, some may sound a warning buzzer before the doors close.
* Buttons - if the lift is only intended for use on the Sabbath, then there may not be floor buttons, or the floor button exists but does not function.
* Timer - a timer to schedule automatic operation of Shabbos mode.
* Levelling - taking care of the weighing mechanisms and enabling proper operation of re-levelling.
* Landing signals - turning off unnecessary signal lights and taking care of floor indicator lights.

== What types of lifts can be configured in shabbos mode? ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts Passenger] lifts can be adapted for Shabbat (automatic mode). Traditional platform lifts are unsuitable due to the constant pressure operation and door configurations.

The type of configuration required will always vary by building and operation required, so it is important to work with the customer to establish the exact requirements for their Shabbat-compliant lift.

[[File:Passenger-lift-cta.png|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts]]

== Can an existing lift be configured to a Sabbath mode? ==

There are no additional servicing requirements for a lift configured in Sabbath mode, and an existing lift could be changed to Shabbat control, though this would involve electrical control panel modifications and would therefore involve some cost.

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:Projects_and_case_studies]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:People]]

File:Passenger-lift-cta.png

2022-08-12T15:48:54Z

Stannahlifts:

A quick guide to LRV specification and lifts

2022-05-20T11:14:44Z

Stannahlifts: Protected "A quick guide to LRV specification and lifts" ([edit=author] (indefinite) [move=author] (indefinite))

Lift design is ever-evolving and without a doubt, specifying the right surface or object reflectance for [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products lift cabin finishes] is key to designing a building that everyone can use – especially the visually impaired.

== What is LRV? ==

It is important not to confuse light reflectance value (LRV) with colour intensity. LRV measures how much light a colour reflects and absorbs. It runs from 0% to 100%.

[[File:Stannah-LRV-1.jpg|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts]]

Zero is assumed to be an absolute black and 100% an assumed perfectly reflective white. Approximately speaking, the average blackest black has an LRV of 5% and the whitest white at 85%. Some yellows can measure up into the ’80s or 90s as well.

== Why is LRV important? ==

For the majority of people, colour differences can provide adequate visual contrast. However, this is not the case for all building users. People with vision impairments often distinguish surfaces by the amount of light they reflect. The greater the difference between LRV and adjacent materials, the more likely the difference in surfaces will be identified, for example enabling the visually impaired to identify controls or distinguish lift car doors from adjacent walls.

== Examples of where visual contrast and LRV difference between finishes can be required in lifts: ==

* The call panel should be easily distinguishable from its background.
* The floor area outside the lift and lift car doors should be visually distinguishable from the adjoining walls.
* Lighting and surfaces within the lift car should minimise glare, reflection, confusing shadows and pools of light and dark.
* Lights adjacent to control panels are not recommended because they could make it difficult for people to read controls.

== What do the building regulations and design guidance say? ==

As far as [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/building-regulations-do-i-need-a-lift building regulations] are concerned, and where compliance with Technical Guidance Document [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/selection-for-part-m-lifts Part M 2010] is required, it is important to ensure that elements of a building do not pose a risk to people with vision impairments.

References for LRV tend to be in Building standards and design guidelines rather than specific lift standards. Below are some of the references to contrast and LRV that you should consider.

== [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/selection-for-part-m-lifts Part M] - General guidance ==

Contrast visually, when used to indicate the visual perception of one element of the building, or fitting within the building against another means that the difference in light reflective value between the two surfaces is greater than 30 points. Where illuminance on surface is greater than 200 lux, a difference in light reflective value should be a minimum of 20 points. Where door opening furniture projects beyond the face of the door or otherwise creates enhance differentiation and shade a minimum difference in LRV of 15 points is considered adequate [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/light-reflectance-value-lrv#footnotes (1)]

General requirements for lifting devices – Design Considerations

3.28d - All call and control buttons contrast visually with the surrounding face place, and the face plate similarly contrasts with the surface on which it is mounted.

3.28e – The floor of the lifting device should not be of a dark colour and should have frictionless qualities similar to or higher than, the floor of the landing;

== Technical Handbook (Scotland) ==

States that lift doors, handrails and controls should contrast visually with surrounding surfaces (no reference to actual values).

== [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary BS 8300-2:2016] ==

Advises doors and floors to contrast visually with their surroundings – no reference to values.

== Lifts Standards ==

The only lift standard citing LRV are passenger lift standards (> 0.15m/s) within [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary BS EN 81-70:2018] - Accessibility to lifts for persons, including persons with disability. Here the onus is on the customer to comply with lift identification to the background, and faceplates to its surrounding.

== Conclusion ==

Increasingly there are more requests for colour considerations as awareness grows over visual impairments and increasing awareness of [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design how dementia affects visual perception].

1) For further information, reference should be made to Colour, contrast and perception – Design guidance for internal build environments – Reading University.

* The exact guidance extracted is shown under the "Part M - General Guidance Heading"

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 11:47, 20 May 2022 (BST)

[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

A quick guide to LRV specification and lifts

2022-05-20T11:14:34Z

Stannahlifts:

A quick guide to LRV specification and lifts

2022-05-20T10:56:10Z

Stannahlifts:

Lift design is ever-evolving and without a doubt, specifying the right surface or object reflectance for [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products lift cabin finishes] is key to designing a building that everyone can use – especially the visually impaired.

== What is LRV? ==

It is important not to confuse light reflectance value (LRV) with colour intensity. LRV measures how much light a colour reflects and absorbs. It runs from 0% to 100%.

[[File:Stannah-LRV-1.jpg|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts]]

Zero is assumed to be an absolute black and 100% an assumed perfectly reflective white. Approximately speaking, the average blackest black has an LRV of 5% and the whitest white at 85%. Some yellows can measure up into the ’80s or 90s as well.

== Why is LRV important? ==

For the majority of people, colour differences can provide adequate visual contrast. However, this is not the case for all building users. People with vision impairments often distinguish surfaces by the amount of light they reflect. The greater the difference between LRV and adjacent materials, the more likely the difference in surfaces will be identified, for example enabling the visually impaired to identify controls or distinguish lift car doors from adjacent walls.

== Examples of where visual contrast and LRV difference between finishes can be required in lifts: ==

* The call panel should be easily distinguishable from its background.
* The floor area outside the lift and lift car doors should be visually distinguishable from the adjoining walls.
* Lighting and surfaces within the lift car should minimise glare, reflection, confusing shadows and pools of light and dark.
* Lights adjacent to control panels are not recommended because they could make it difficult for people to read controls.

== What do the building regulations and design guidance say? ==

As far as [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/building-regulations-do-i-need-a-lift building regulations] are concerned, and where compliance with Technical Guidance Document [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/selection-for-part-m-lifts Part M 2010] is required, it is important to ensure that elements of a building do not pose a risk to people with vision impairments.

References for LRV tend to be in Building standards and design guidelines rather than specific lift standards. Below are some of the references to contrast and LRV that you should consider.

== [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/selection-for-part-m-lifts Part M] - General guidance ==

Contrast visually, when used to indicate the visual perception of one element of the building, or fitting within the building against another means that the difference in light reflective value between the two surfaces is greater than 30 points. Where illuminance on surface is greater than 200 lux, a difference in light reflective value should be a minimum of 20 points. Where door opening furniture projects beyond the face of the door or otherwise creates enhance differentiation and shade a minimum difference in LRV of 15 points is considered adequate [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/light-reflectance-value-lrv#footnotes (1)]

General requirements for lifting devices – Design Considerations

3.28d - All call and control buttons contrast visually with the surrounding face place, and the face plate similarly contrasts with the surface on which it is mounted.

3.28e – The floor of the lifting device should not be of a dark colour and should have frictionless qualities similar to or higher than, the floor of the landing;

== Technical Handbook (Scotland) ==

States that lift doors, handrails and controls should contrast visually with surrounding surfaces (no reference to actual values).

== [[w/index.php?title=BS_8300-2:2016&action=edit&redlink=1|BS 8300-2:2016]] ==

Advises doors and floors to contrast visually with their surroundings – no reference to values.

== Lifts Standards ==

The only lift standard citing LRV are passenger lift standards (> 0.15m/s) within [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary BS EN 81-70:2018] - Accessibility to lifts for persons, including persons with disability. Here the onus is on the customer to comply with lift identification to the background, and faceplates to its surrounding.

== Conclusion ==

Increasingly there are more requests for colour considerations as awareness grows over visual impairments and increasing awareness of [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design how dementia affects visual perception].

1) For further information, reference should be made to Colour, contrast and perception – Design guidance for internal build environments – Reading University.

* The exact guidance extracted is shown under the "Part M - General Guidance Heading"

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 11:47, 20 May 2022 (BST)

[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

A quick guide to LRV specification and lifts

2022-05-20T10:55:34Z

Stannahlifts:

Lift design is ever-evolving and without a doubt, specifying the right surface or object reflectance for [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products lift cabin finishes] is key to designing a building that everyone can use – especially the visually impaired.

== What is LRV? ==

It is important not to confuse light reflectance value (LRV) with colour intensity. LRV measures how much light a colour reflects and absorbs. It runs from 0% to 100%.

[[File:Stannah-LRV-1.jpg|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts]]

Zero is assumed to be an absolute black and 100% an assumed perfectly reflective white. Approximately speaking, the average blackest black has an LRV of 5% and the whitest white at 85%. Some yellows can measure up into the ’80s or 90s as well.

== Why is LRV important? ==

For the majority of people, colour differences can provide adequate visual contrast. However, this is not the case for all building users. People with vision impairments often distinguish surfaces by the amount of light they reflect. The greater the difference between LRV and adjacent materials, the more likely the difference in surfaces will be identified, for example enabling the visually impaired to identify controls or distinguish lift car doors from adjacent walls.

== Examples of where visual contrast and LRV difference between finishes can be required in lifts: ==

* The call panel should be easily distinguishable from its background.
* The floor area outside the lift and lift car doors should be visually distinguishable from the adjoining walls.
* Lighting and surfaces within the lift car should minimise glare, reflection, confusing shadows and pools of light and dark.
* Lights adjacent to control panels are not recommended because they could make it difficult for people to read controls.

== What do the building regulations and design guidance say? ==

As far as [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/building-regulations-do-i-need-a-lift building regulations] are concerned, and where compliance with Technical Guidance Document [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/selection-for-part-m-lifts Part M 2010] is required, it is important to ensure that elements of a building do not pose a risk to people with vision impairments.

References for LRV tend to be in Building standards and design guidelines rather than specific lift standards. Below are some of the references to contrast and LRV that you should consider.

== [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/selection-for-part-m-lifts Part M] - General guidance ==

Contrast visually, when used to indicate the visual perception of one element of the building, or fitting within the building against another means that the difference in light reflective value between the two surfaces is greater than 30 points. Where illuminance on surface is greater than 200 lux, a difference in light reflective value should be a minimum of 20 points. Where door opening furniture projects beyond the face of the door or otherwise creates enhance differentiation and shade a minimum difference in LRV of 15 points is considered adequate [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/light-reflectance-value-lrv#footnotes (1)]

General requirements for lifting devices – Design Considerations

3.28d - All call and control buttons contrast visually with the surrounding face place, and the face plate similarly contrasts with the surface on which it is mounted.

3.28e – The floor of the lifting device should not be of a dark colour and should have frictionless qualities similar to or higher than, the floor of the landing;

== Technical Handbook (Scotland) ==

States that lift doors, handrails and controls should contrast visually with surrounding surfaces (no reference to actual values).

== [[BS_8300-2:2016|BS 8300-2:2016]] ==

Advises doors and floors to contrast visually with their surroundings – no reference to values.

== Lifts Standards ==

The only lift standard citing LRV are passenger lift standards (> 0.15m/s) within [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary BS EN 81-70:2018] - Accessibility to lifts for persons, including persons with disability. Here the onus is on the customer to comply with lift identification to the background, and faceplates to its surrounding.

== Conclusion ==

Increasingly there are more requests for colour considerations as awareness grows over visual impairments and increasing awareness of [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design how dementia affects visual perception].

1) For further information, reference should be made to Colour, contrast and perception – Design guidance for internal build environments – Reading University.

* The exact guidance extracted is shown under the "Part M - General Guidance Heading"

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 11:47, 20 May 2022 (BST)

How the PSTN switch over will affect your lift

2022-05-20T10:48:57Z

Stannahlifts:

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a system of analogue circuit-switched telephone lines that still criss-cross the globe. First developed in the late 1800s, this network of copper wires connected to telephone exchanges enabled people to communicate in real time over vast distances. PSTN is known by a variety of other names, such as landlines, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), or fixed-line telephones. Even though PSTN is still widely used as a basic form of communication, it has fallen into decline in favour of newer technologies.

== What is the PSTN switch off? ==

The corporation that maintains the telephone infrastructure keeping the national broadband and telephone network connected in the United Kingdom, Openreach, announced in November 2017 that traditional copper-based telephony lines, which includes PSTN lines, would be phased out and eventually deactivated by the end of December 2025.

In addition to PSTN lines, other affected telephony services include Integrated Services Digital Network (IDSN) lines and Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) lines. New analogue telephone lines have not been installed in the UK for some years, but due to a rolling programme for telephone exchanges, a total national “stop sell” is planned for September 2023. By the end of 2025, analogue lines will cease to be supported entirely.

The PSTN switch over will help Openreach prioritise the development of optical fibre networks for high-speed broadband in the United Kingdom and meet the government target for at least 85% of UK premises to have access to gigabit-speed broadband by 2025.

== What services will be affected? ==

PSTN, WLR and ISDN based products such as home landlines and office phone systems are commonly mentioned by providers when discussing the PSTN switch over. Voice-based telephony services will be largely replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and SIP trunking for PBX telephone systems. However, a whole host of other essential technological devices will be impacted aside from voice services.

This includes anything that relies on a traditional analogue phone line to operate, including emergency alarms in lifts, panic alarms, burglar alarms, information displays, traffic lights, some door and gate entry systems, CCTV systems and point-of-sale payment terminals. If they are not upgraded to digital connectivity within the next few years, they will stop working when PSTN lines go out of service.

12 months before your analogue phone lines are scheduled to be switched off, you will receive a notification from your telecommunications service provider notifying you of this change. However, it is advisable to start looking for an appropriate solution sooner rather than later to avoid a rushed decision-making process.

== How it will affect your lift ==

As part of the Remote Alarm on [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary Passenger and Goods Passenger Lifts Standards EN 81-28 (2003)], all passenger lifts installed since 1999 in the UK are required to contain an emergency alarm. Once the emergency button is pushed, an auto-dialler provides two-way communication between the passengers and a rescue service, which is usually run by the lift service provider. The auto-dialler hardware is connected to a phone line with an Openreach socket.

Many auto-diallers use both an analogue dial tone and dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to operate. Without a PSTN line, auto-diallers that have been converted to VOIP may fail to dial the emergency service due to the lack of dial tone. Additionally, the auto-diallers that draw power from the telephone line will simply not work.

Most telephone communications providers now offer analogue converter sockets in their internet routers to provide digital VOIP services. However, this will not be a one-size-fits-all solution for a huge swathe of non-telephony devices, especially those which require failsafe operation even in the event of a power outage, such as emergency alarms in lifts. In order for the VOIP conversion to work seamlessly, the router carrying the signal through the line will require an uninterrupted power supply.

The transition of your lift’s emergency alarm from analogue phone lines to other digital alternatives must be considered and managed carefully ahead of time to keep your lift compliant and your passengers safe.

If an emergency alarm is found to be non-functional during a 3-day line test under EN 81-28 regulations it will be declared non-compliant and switched off. All lift owners and facility managers will therefore need to act soon before PSTN line services are withdrawn.

== Preventing lift switch off with a managed SIM solution ==

Thankfully, VOIP is not the only solution to keep the emergency line in your lift operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GSM (otherwise known as mobile or cellular) telephony provides a reliable and cost-effective digital solution for most existing lifts.

Without the need for physical phone lines and installations, a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM module] can be easily installed and battery-backed to provide a failsafe in the event of a power outage. You can also keep your signal strength strong with a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services roaming SIM] that connects freely to the best available network.

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM solutions] for emergency alarms in lifts can be monitored remotely and set to send alert notifications when anything is not working as it should, such as SIM data, signal or battery backup status. For example, the backup battery should provide power for a minimum of one hour and send an alert if the charge drops below a certain level.

It is vital to consider the benefits of a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services professional and trusted managed SIM service,] to ensure hassle-free and cost-effective virtual communication for your lift. Prepaid SIMs can run out of credit, expire or just get turned off mistakenly, and these situations can exist undiscovered until a real emergency happens, potentially leaving your passengers stranded or in danger.

There may be an upgrade required to enable the move from [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services PSTN to GSM,] which may include the purchase of GSM hardware, and possibly a compatible auto-dialler. However, the system is incredibly cost-effective. Even with a managed SIM service, the cost of maintaining a GSM solution is substantially lower than the long-term costs associated with managing and maintaining a commercial phone line for your lift. Over time these savings will accumulate and pay back any initial investment in new hardware and installation

[[File:SIM-CTA.png|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services]]

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 11:39, 20 May 2022 (BST)

[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

File:SIM-CTA.png

2022-05-20T10:48:21Z

Stannahlifts:

A quick guide to LRV specification and lifts

2022-05-20T10:47:46Z

Stannahlifts: Created page with "Lift design is ever-evolving and without a doubt, specifying the right surface or object reflectance for your lift cabin finishes is key to designing a building that everyone can..."

Lift design is ever-evolving and without a doubt, specifying the right surface or object reflectance for your lift cabin finishes is key to designing a building that everyone can use – especially the visually impaired.

== What is LRV? ==

It is important not to confuse light reflectance value (LRV) with colour intensity. LRV measures how much light a colour reflects and absorbs. It runs from 0% to 100%.

[[File:Stannah-LRV-1.jpg|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts]]

Zero is assumed to be an absolute black and 100% an assumed perfectly reflective white. Approximately speaking, the average blackest black has an LRV of 5% and the whitest white at 85%. Some yellows can measure up into the ’80s or 90s as well.

== Why is LRV important? ==

For the majority of people, colour differences can provide adequate visual contrast. However, this is not the case for all building users. People with vision impairments often distinguish surfaces by the amount of light they reflect. The greater the difference between LRV and adjacent materials, the more likely the difference in surfaces will be identified, for example enabling the visually impaired to identify controls or distinguish lift car doors from adjacent walls.

== Examples of where visual contrast and LRV difference between finishes can be required in lifts: ==

* The call panel should be easily distinguishable from its background.
* The floor area outside the lift and lift car doors should be visually distinguishable from the adjoining walls.
* Lighting and surfaces within the lift car should minimise glare, reflection, confusing shadows and pools of light and dark.
* Lights adjacent to control panels are not recommended because they could make it difficult for people to read controls.

== What do the building regulations and design guidance say? ==

As far as building regulations are concerned, and where compliance with Technical Guidance Document Part M 2010 is required, it is important to ensure that elements of a building do not pose a risk to people with vision impairments.

References for LRV tend to be in Building standards and design guidelines rather than specific lift standards. Below are some of the references to contrast and LRV that you should consider.

== Part M - General guidance ==

Contrast visually, when used to indicate the visual perception of one element of the building, or fitting within the building against another means that the difference in light reflective value between the two surfaces is greater than 30 points. Where illuminance on surface is greater than 200 lux, a difference in light reflective value should be a minimum of 20 points. Where door opening furniture projects beyond the face of the door or otherwise creates enhance differentiation and shade a minimum difference in LRV of 15 points is considered adequate [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/light-reflectance-value-lrv#footnotes (1)]

General requirements for lifting devices – Design Considerations

3.28d - All call and control buttons contrast visually with the surrounding face place, and the face plate similarly contrasts with the surface on which it is mounted.

3.28e – The floor of the lifting device should not be of a dark colour and should have frictionless qualities similar to or higher than, the floor of the landing;

== Technical Handbook (Scotland) ==

States that lift doors, handrails and controls should contrast visually with surrounding surfaces (no reference to actual values).

== BS 8300-2:2016 ==

Advises doors and floors to contrast visually with their surroundings – no reference to values.

== Lifts Standards ==

The only lift standard citing LRV are passenger lift standards (> 0.15m/s) within BS EN 81-70:2018 - Accessibility to lifts for persons, including persons with disability. Here the onus is on the customer to comply with lift identification to the background, and faceplates to its surrounding.

== Conclusion ==

Increasingly there are more requests for colour considerations as awareness grows over visual impairments and increasing awareness of [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design how dementia affects visual perception].

1) For further information, reference should be made to Colour, contrast and perception – Design guidance for internal build environments – Reading University.

* Exact guidance extracted is shown italics under the "Part M - General Guidance Heading"

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 11:47, 20 May 2022 (BST)

How the PSTN switch over will affect your lift

2022-05-20T10:39:19Z

Stannahlifts:

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a system of analogue circuit-switched telephone lines that still criss-cross the globe. First developed in the late 1800s, this network of copper wires connected to telephone exchanges enabled people to communicate in real time over vast distances. PSTN is known by a variety of other names, such as landlines, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), or fixed-line telephones. Even though PSTN is still widely used as a basic form of communication, it has fallen into decline in favour of newer technologies.

== What is the PSTN switch off? ==

The corporation that maintains the telephone infrastructure keeping the national broadband and telephone network connected in the United Kingdom, Openreach, announced in November 2017 that traditional copper-based telephony lines, which includes PSTN lines, would be phased out and eventually deactivated by the end of December 2025.

In addition to PSTN lines, other affected telephony services include Integrated Services Digital Network (IDSN) lines and Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) lines. New analogue telephone lines have not been installed in the UK for some years, but due to a rolling programme for telephone exchanges, a total national “stop sell” is planned for September 2023. By the end of 2025, analogue lines will cease to be supported entirely.

The PSTN switch over will help Openreach prioritise the development of optical fibre networks for high-speed broadband in the United Kingdom and meet the government target for at least 85% of UK premises to have access to gigabit-speed broadband by 2025.

== What services will be affected? ==

PSTN, WLR and ISDN based products such as home landlines and office phone systems are commonly mentioned by providers when discussing the PSTN switch over. Voice-based telephony services will be largely replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and SIP trunking for PBX telephone systems. However, a whole host of other essential technological devices will be impacted aside from voice services.

This includes anything that relies on a traditional analogue phone line to operate, including emergency alarms in lifts, panic alarms, burglar alarms, information displays, traffic lights, some door and gate entry systems, CCTV systems and point-of-sale payment terminals. If they are not upgraded to digital connectivity within the next few years, they will stop working when PSTN lines go out of service.

12 months before your analogue phone lines are scheduled to be switched off, you will receive a notification from your telecommunications service provider notifying you of this change. However, it is advisable to start looking for an appropriate solution sooner rather than later to avoid a rushed decision-making process.

== How it will affect your lift ==

As part of the Remote Alarm on [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary Passenger and Goods Passenger Lifts Standards EN 81-28 (2003)], all passenger lifts installed since 1999 in the UK are required to contain an emergency alarm. Once the emergency button is pushed, an auto-dialler provides two-way communication between the passengers and a rescue service, which is usually run by the lift service provider. The auto-dialler hardware is connected to a phone line with an Openreach socket.

Many auto-diallers use both an analogue dial tone and dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to operate. Without a PSTN line, auto-diallers that have been converted to VOIP may fail to dial the emergency service due to the lack of dial tone. Additionally, the auto-diallers that draw power from the telephone line will simply not work.

Most telephone communications providers now offer analogue converter sockets in their internet routers to provide digital VOIP services. However, this will not be a one-size-fits-all solution for a huge swathe of non-telephony devices, especially those which require failsafe operation even in the event of a power outage, such as emergency alarms in lifts. In order for the VOIP conversion to work seamlessly, the router carrying the signal through the line will require an uninterrupted power supply.

The transition of your lift’s emergency alarm from analogue phone lines to other digital alternatives must be considered and managed carefully ahead of time to keep your lift compliant and your passengers safe.

If an emergency alarm is found to be non-functional during a 3-day line test under EN 81-28 regulations it will be declared non-compliant and switched off. All lift owners and facility managers will therefore need to act soon before PSTN line services are withdrawn.

== Preventing lift switch off with a managed SIM solution ==

Thankfully, VOIP is not the only solution to keep the emergency line in your lift operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GSM (otherwise known as mobile or cellular) telephony provides a reliable and cost-effective digital solution for most existing lifts.

Without the need for physical phone lines and installations, a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM module] can be easily installed and battery-backed to provide a failsafe in the event of a power outage. You can also keep your signal strength strong with a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services roaming SIM] that connects freely to the best available network.

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM solutions] for emergency alarms in lifts can be monitored remotely and set to send alert notifications when anything is not working as it should, such as SIM data, signal or battery backup status. For example, the backup battery should provide power for a minimum of one hour and send an alert if the charge drops below a certain level.

It is vital to consider the benefits of a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services professional and trusted managed SIM service,] to ensure hassle-free and cost-effective virtual communication for your lift. Prepaid SIMs can run out of credit, expire or just get turned off mistakenly, and these situations can exist undiscovered until a real emergency happens, potentially leaving your passengers stranded or in danger.

There may be an upgrade required to enable the move from [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services PSTN to GSM,] which may include the purchase of GSM hardware, and possibly a compatible auto-dialler. However, the system is incredibly cost-effective. Even with a managed SIM service, the cost of maintaining a GSM solution is substantially lower than the long-term costs associated with managing and maintaining a commercial phone line for your lift. Over time these savings will accumulate and pay back any initial investment in new hardware and installation

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 11:39, 20 May 2022 (BST)

[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

File:Stannah-LRV-1.jpg

2022-05-20T10:33:50Z

Stannahlifts:

How the PSTN switch over will affect your lift

2022-05-20T10:32:43Z

Stannahlifts:

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a system of analogue circuit-switched telephone lines that still criss-cross the globe. First developed in the late 1800s, this network of copper wires connected to telephone exchanges enabled people to communicate in real time over vast distances. PSTN is known by a variety of other names, such as landlines, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), or fixed-line telephones. Even though PSTN is still widely used as a basic form of communication, it has fallen into decline in favour of newer technologies.

== What is the PSTN switch off? ==

The corporation that maintains the telephone infrastructure keeping the national broadband and telephone network connected in the United Kingdom, Openreach, announced in November 2017 that traditional copper-based telephony lines, which includes PSTN lines, would be phased out and eventually deactivated by the end of December 2025.

In addition to PSTN lines, other affected telephony services include Integrated Services Digital Network (IDSN) lines and Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) lines. New analogue telephone lines have not been installed in the UK for some years, but due to a rolling programme for telephone exchanges, a total national “stop sell” is planned for September 2023. By the end of 2025, analogue lines will cease to be supported entirely.

The PSTN switch over will help Openreach prioritise the development of optical fibre networks for high-speed broadband in the United Kingdom and meet the government target for at least 85% of UK premises to have access to gigabit-speed broadband by 2025.

== What services will be affected? ==

PSTN, WLR and ISDN based products such as home landlines and office phone systems are commonly mentioned by providers when discussing the PSTN switch over. Voice-based telephony services will be largely replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and SIP trunking for PBX telephone systems. However, a whole host of other essential technological devices will be impacted aside from voice services.

This includes anything that relies on a traditional analogue phone line to operate, including emergency alarms in lifts, panic alarms, burglar alarms, information displays, traffic lights, some door and gate entry systems, CCTV systems and point-of-sale payment terminals. If they are not upgraded to digital connectivity within the next few years, they will stop working when PSTN lines go out of service.

12 months before your analogue phone lines are scheduled to be switched off, you will receive a notification from your telecommunications service provider notifying you of this change. However, it is advisable to start looking for an appropriate solution sooner rather than later to avoid a rushed decision-making process.

== How it will affect your lift ==

As part of the Remote Alarm on [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary Passenger and Goods Passenger Lifts Standards EN 81-28 (2003)], all passenger lifts installed since 1999 in the UK are required to contain an emergency alarm. Once the emergency button is pushed, an auto-dialler provides two-way communication between the passengers and a rescue service, which is usually run by the lift service provider. The auto-dialler hardware is connected to a phone line with an Openreach socket.

Many auto-diallers use both an analogue dial tone and dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to operate. Without a PSTN line, auto-diallers that have been converted to VOIP may fail to dial the emergency service due to the lack of dial tone. Additionally, the auto-diallers that draw power from the telephone line will simply not work.

Most telephone communications providers now offer analogue converter sockets in their internet routers to provide digital VOIP services. However, this will not be a one-size-fits-all solution for a huge swathe of non-telephony devices, especially those which require failsafe operation even in the event of a power outage, such as emergency alarms in lifts. In order for the VOIP conversion to work seamlessly, the router carrying the signal through the line will require an uninterrupted power supply.

The transition of your lift’s emergency alarm from analogue phone lines to other digital alternatives must be considered and managed carefully ahead of time to keep your lift compliant and your passengers safe.

If an emergency alarm is found to be non-functional during a 3-day line test under EN 81-28 regulations it will be declared non-compliant and switched off. All lift owners and facility managers will therefore need to act soon before PSTN line services are withdrawn.

== Preventing lift switch off with a managed SIM solution ==

Thankfully, VOIP is not the only solution to keep the emergency line in your lift operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GSM (otherwise known as mobile or cellular) telephony provides a reliable and cost-effective digital solution for most existing lifts.

Without the need for physical phone lines and installations, a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM module] can be easily installed and battery-backed to provide a failsafe in the event of a power outage. You can also keep your signal strength strong with a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services roaming SIM] that connects freely to the best available network.

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM solutions] for emergency alarms in lifts can be monitored remotely and set to send alert notifications when anything is not working as it should, such as SIM data, signal or battery backup status. For example, the backup battery should provide power for a minimum of one hour and send an alert if the charge drops below a certain level.

It is vital to consider the benefits of a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services professional and trusted managed SIM service,] to ensure hassle-free and cost-effective virtual communication for your lift. Prepaid SIMs can run out of credit, expire or just get turned off mistakenly, and these situations can exist undiscovered until a real emergency happens, potentially leaving your passengers stranded or in danger.

There may be an upgrade required to enable the move from [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services PSTN to GSM,] which may include the purchase of GSM hardware, and possibly a compatible auto-dialler. However, the system is incredibly cost-effective. Even with a managed SIM service, the cost of maintaining a GSM solution is substantially lower than the long-term costs associated with managing and maintaining a commercial phone line for your lift. Over time these savings will accumulate and pay back any initial investment in new hardware and installation.

[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

How the PSTN switch over will affect your lift

2022-05-20T10:32:01Z

Stannahlifts:

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a system of analogue circuit-switched telephone lines that still criss-cross the globe. First developed in the late 1800s, this network of copper wires connected to telephone exchanges enabled people to communicate in real time over vast distances. PSTN is known by a variety of other names, such as landlines, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), or fixed-line telephones. Even though PSTN is still widely used as a basic form of communication, it has fallen into decline in favour of newer technologies.

== What is the PSTN switch off? ==

The corporation that maintains the telephone infrastructure keeping the national broadband and telephone network connected in the United Kingdom, Openreach, announced in November 2017 that traditional copper-based telephony lines, which includes PSTN lines, would be phased out and eventually deactivated by the end of December 2025.

In addition to PSTN lines, other affected telephony services include Integrated Services Digital Network (IDSN) lines and Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) lines. New analogue telephone lines have not been installed in the UK for some years, but due to a rolling programme for telephone exchanges, a total national “stop sell” is planned for September 2023. By the end of 2025, analogue lines will cease to be supported entirely.

The PSTN switch over will help Openreach prioritise the development of optical fibre networks for high-speed broadband in the United Kingdom and meet the government target for at least 85% of UK premises to have access to gigabit-speed broadband by 2025.

== What services will be affected? ==

PSTN, WLR and ISDN based products such as home landlines and office phone systems are commonly mentioned by providers when discussing the PSTN switch over. Voice-based telephony services will be largely replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and SIP trunking for PBX telephone systems. However, a whole host of other essential technological devices will be impacted aside from voice services.

This includes anything that relies on a traditional analogue phone line to operate, including emergency alarms in lifts, panic alarms, burglar alarms, information displays, traffic lights, some door and gate entry systems, CCTV systems and point-of-sale payment terminals. If they are not upgraded to digital connectivity within the next few years, they will stop working when PSTN lines go out of service.

12 months before your analogue phone lines are scheduled to be switched off, you will receive a notification from your telecommunications service provider notifying you of this change. However, it is advisable to start looking for an appropriate solution sooner rather than later to avoid a rushed decision-making process.

== How it will affect your lift ==

As part of the Remote Alarm on [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/lift-standards-a-definitive-glossary Passenger and Goods Passenger Lifts Standards EN 81-28 (2003)], all passenger lifts installed since 1999 in the UK are required to contain an emergency alarm. Once the emergency button is pushed, an auto-dialler provides two-way communication between the passengers and a rescue service, which is usually run by the lift service provider. The auto-dialler hardware is connected to a phone line with an Openreach socket.

Many auto-diallers use both an analogue dial tone and dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to operate. Without a PSTN line, auto-diallers that have been converted to VOIP may fail to dial the emergency service due to the lack of dial tone. Additionally, the auto-diallers that draw power from the telephone line will simply not work.

Most telephone communications providers now offer analogue converter sockets in their internet routers to provide digital VOIP services. However, this will not be a one-size-fits-all solution for a huge swathe of non-telephony devices, especially those which require failsafe operation even in the event of a power outage, such as emergency alarms in lifts. In order for the VOIP conversion to work seamlessly, the router carrying the signal through the line will require an uninterrupted power supply.

The transition of your lift’s emergency alarm from analogue phone lines to other digital alternatives must be considered and managed carefully ahead of time to keep your lift compliant and your passengers safe.

If an emergency alarm is found to be non-functional during a 3-day line test under EN 81-28 regulations it will be declared non-compliant and switched off. All lift owners and facility managers will therefore need to act soon before PSTN line services are withdrawn.

== Preventing lift switch off with a managed SIM solution ==

Thankfully, VOIP is not the only solution to keep the emergency line in your lift operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GSM (otherwise known as mobile or cellular) telephony provides a reliable and cost-effective digital solution for most existing lifts.

Without the need for physical phone lines and installations, a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM module] can be easily installed and battery-backed to provide a failsafe in the event of a power outage. You can also keep your signal strength strong with a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services roaming SIM] that connects freely to the best available network.

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM solutions] for emergency alarms in lifts can be monitored remotely and set to send alert notifications when anything is not working as it should, such as SIM data, signal or battery backup status. For example, the backup battery should provide power for a minimum of one hour and send an alert if the charge drops below a certain level.

It is vital to consider the benefits of a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services professional and trusted managed SIM servic]e, to ensure hassle-free and cost-effective virtual communication for your lift. Prepaid SIMs can run out of credit, expire or just get turned off mistakenly, and these situations can exist undiscovered until a real emergency happens, potentially leaving your passengers stranded or in danger.

There may be an upgrade required to enable the move from [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services PSTN to GSM,] which may include the purchase of GSM hardware, and possibly a compatible auto-dialler. However, the system is incredibly cost-effective. Even with a managed SIM service, the cost of maintaining a GSM solution is substantially lower than the long-term costs associated with managing and maintaining a commercial phone line for your lift. Over time these savings will accumulate and pay back any initial investment in new hardware and installation.

[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

How the PSTN switch over will affect your lift

2022-05-20T10:28:22Z

Stannahlifts: Protected "How the PSTN switch over will affect your lift" ([edit=author] (indefinite) [move=author] (indefinite))

[[File:woman-using-lift-controls-1000x500.jpg?width=1000&name=woman-using-lift-controls-1000x500.jpg|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services]]

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a system of analogue circuit-switched telephone lines that still criss-cross the globe. First developed in the late 1800s, this network of copper wires connected to telephone exchanges enabled people to communicate in real time over vast distances. PSTN is known by a variety of other names, such as landlines, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), or fixed-line telephones. Even though PSTN is still widely used as a basic form of communication, it has fallen into decline in favour of newer technologies.

== What is the PSTN switch off? ==

The corporation that maintains the telephone infrastructure keeping the national broadband and telephone network connected in the United Kingdom, Openreach, announced in November 2017 that traditional copper-based telephony lines, which includes PSTN lines, would be phased out and eventually deactivated by the end of December 2025.

In addition to PSTN lines, other affected telephony services include Integrated Services Digital Network (IDSN) lines and Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) lines. New analogue telephone lines have not been installed in the UK for some years, but due to a rolling programme for telephone exchanges, a total national “stop sell” is planned for September 2023. By the end of 2025, analogue lines will cease to be supported entirely.

The PSTN switch over will help Openreach prioritise the development of optical fibre networks for high-speed broadband in the United Kingdom and meet the government target for at least 85% of UK premises to have access to gigabit-speed broadband by 2025.

== What services will be affected? ==

PSTN, WLR and ISDN based products such as home landlines and office phone systems are commonly mentioned by providers when discussing the PSTN switch over. Voice-based telephony services will be largely replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and SIP trunking for PBX telephone systems. However, a whole host of other essential technological devices will be impacted aside from voice services.

This includes anything that relies on a traditional analogue phone line to operate, including emergency alarms in lifts, panic alarms, burglar alarms, information displays, traffic lights, some door and gate entry systems, CCTV systems and point-of-sale payment terminals. If they are not upgraded to digital connectivity within the next few years, they will stop working when PSTN lines go out of service.

[[File:undefined|1000px|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services]]

12 months before your analogue phone lines are scheduled to be switched off, you will receive a notification from your telecommunications service provider notifying you of this change. However, it is advisable to start looking for an appropriate solution sooner rather than later to avoid a rushed decision-making process.

== How it will affect your lift ==

As part of the Remote Alarm on Passenger and Goods Passenger Lifts Standards EN 81-28 (2003), all passenger lifts installed since 1999 in the UK are required to contain an emergency alarm. Once the emergency button is pushed, an auto-dialler provides two-way communication between the passengers and a rescue service, which is usually run by the lift service provider. The auto-dialler hardware is connected to a phone line with an Openreach socket.

Many auto-diallers use both an analogue dial tone and dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to operate. Without a PSTN line, auto-diallers that have been converted to VOIP may fail to dial the emergency service due to the lack of dial tone. Additionally, the auto-diallers that draw power from the telephone line will simply not work.

Most telephone communications providers now offer analogue converter sockets in their internet routers to provide digital VOIP services. However, this will not be a one-size-fits-all solution for a huge swathe of non-telephony devices, especially those which require failsafe operation even in the event of a power outage, such as emergency alarms in lifts. In order for the VOIP conversion to work seamlessly, the router carrying the signal through the line will require an uninterrupted power supply.

The transition of your lift’s emergency alarm from analogue phone lines to other digital alternatives must be considered and managed carefully ahead of time to keep your lift compliant and your passengers safe.

[[File:undefined|1000px|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services]]

If an emergency alarm is found to be non-functional during a 3-day line test under EN 81-28 regulations it will be declared non-compliant and switched off. All lift owners and facility managers will therefore need to act soon before PSTN line services are withdrawn.

== Preventing lift switch off with a managed SIM solution ==

Thankfully, VOIP is not the only solution to keep the emergency line in your lift operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM] (otherwise known as mobile or cellular) telephony provides a reliable and cost-effective digital solution for most existing lifts.

Without the need for physical phone lines and installations, a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM module] can be easily installed and battery-backed to provide a failsafe in the event of a power outage. You can also keep your signal strength strong with a roaming SIM that connects freely to the best available network.

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services GSM solutions] for emergency alarms in lifts can be monitored remotely and set to send alert notifications when anything is not working as it should, such as SIM data, signal or battery backup status. For example, the backup battery should provide power for a minimum of one hour and send an alert if the charge drops below a certain level.

It is vital to consider the benefits of a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services professional and trusted managed SIM servic]e, to ensure hassle-free and cost-effective virtual communication for your lift. Prepaid SIMs can run out of credit, expire or just get turned off mistakenly, and these situations can exist undiscovered until a real emergency happens, potentially leaving your passengers stranded or in danger.

There may be an upgrade required to enable the move from [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services PSTN to GSM,] which may include the purchase of GSM hardware, and possibly a compatible auto-dialler. However, the system is incredibly cost-effective. Even with a managed SIM service, the cost of maintaining a GSM solution is substantially lower than the long-term costs associated with managing and maintaining a commercial phone line for your lift. Over time these savings will accumulate and pay back any initial investment in new hardware and installation.

[[File:9833625e-bbfc-442e-b03c-74f24f1e547e.png|link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services]]

[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

How the PSTN switch over will affect your lift

2022-05-20T10:27:08Z

Stannahlifts: Created page with "link=https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/digital-services The Public Switch..."

User:Stannahlifts

2022-05-03T14:33:29Z

Stannahlifts:

The Stannah Group is a long-standing British, family-owned company with fifth-generation members of the Stannah family still very much hands-on in running the business.

The Stannah Group designs, manufactures, supplies, installs and maintains lift products; including passenger lifts, access platform lifts (vertical and inclined), service lifts (dumbwaiters), goods lifts, escalators and moving walkways. In addition to its standard product range, Stannah provides customers with bespoke solutions for challenging projects.

Other services include lift refurbishment and modernisation, lift portfolio management, including the national contract for Network Rail of over 1130 lifts, and the local maintenance and repair of all types of lifts, from all manufacturers across the UK.

From a small service lift to a huge bespoke lift or an escalator, the company provides solutions to all lifting needs.

Product Pages:

* [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts Platform Lifts]
* [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts Passenger Lifts]
* [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/service-goods-lifts Service & Goods Lifts]
* [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/escalators-moving-walkways Escalators & Moving Walkways]
* [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/homelifts Lifts for Homes]

The Types of Lift for Education

2022-03-17T08:41:06Z

Stannahlifts: Protected "The Types of Lift for Education" ([edit=author] (indefinite))

= The Types of Lifts for Education =

Where there is a requirement to travel between floors or over steps, there should be a lift for those less able to do so. This article will cover some of the considerations for lifts in educational buildings.

== Do schools have to have a lift? ==

Providing access for everyone is important for schools, colleges and universities not only because they want to welcome everyone – but also because the law requires them to do so.

== What is the disability and access policy in schools? ==

Under the Equality Act (formally the disability discrimination act) and the Disabilities Education Act UK; owners, controllers or managers of schools and colleges must provide adequate access for those using and visiting their premises with physical or mental impairments.

== How to make a school disabled friendly ==

Choosing the right lift for an educational establishment to ensure facilities for the disabled in schools and enabling access for students, is an important decision. Examples of reasonable adjustment in schools is a [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/step-lift step lift] (low-rise platform lift) to assist simple change in a level where a ramp is impractical, or a lift if the building has two or more floors that people need to travel between. Lifts that move people fall into two types - [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts passenger lifts] or [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts platform lifts]; lifts that move goods are service lifts or goods lifts.

== Passenger lifts ==

A passenger lift is what first springs to mind when you mention the word 'lift'. These lifts can range in size from 3 to 33 people and beyond, though eight-person is the most common size due to Part M building regulations.

Passenger lifts fall under the Lifts Regulations 2016, so they travel faster than 0.15m/s, allowing for relatively rapid movement of people through a building - typically, a journey takes around 18 seconds between floors.

The installation of a passenger lift requires a lift shaft to house a passenger car, motor and gearbox mechanism and are best suited to:

* New buildings, where it is easier to build a lift shaft or where there is an existing shaft to fit a conventional lift.
* Any building where the lift will get extensive use - either due to the building size or because the lift will be the primary means for travelling between floors.
* Any building that has a large capacity or people traffic.

== Platform lifts ==

Platform lifts also transport people, finding particular favour as an access solution for wheelchair users. They are best suited to smaller passenger numbers (up to 5 people) travelling shorter distances. There are many variants within the platform lift family, ranging in size from one person/wheelchair user to up to five people.

Due to slower speeds, they provide vertical movement between floors in a low rise building - typically between two to four floors. Platform lift speed is limited to 0.15m/s and falls under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 so travel between floors averages around 22 seconds.

Platform lifts have a small footprint, making them very versatile, especially concerning space. Platform lifts can be used indoors or out and vertically or inclined on staircases. They also allow for certain cost economies compared to a passenger lift as there is less building work.

Ideal for existing buildings or small extensions, platform lifts are not suitable for higher travel or frequent use. Here conventional passenger lifts play their role.

== Service & Goods lifts ==

Behind the scenes, [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/service-goods-lifts service and goods lifts] help make sure everything gets to where it needs to be safely and securely - whether it's library books, food for the canteen, or heavy science equipment.

== How do you make a school wheelchair friendly? ==

As part of inclusive design, lift location is an important decision, and in most cases, building work is involved. When choosing the space for a lift, think about how a person in a wheelchair will access it. In primary (and sometimes secondary) schools it is good practice to locate the lift where it's less likely to be tampered with by students.

== Safety & additional features ==

Safety is paramount in the design, construction and installation of any lift, especially when installed in a school, academy or university. Younger children may not understand the need to respect the equipment so certain additional features can be added, including:

* School parking/locking facility
* Intelligent automatic doors or fire doors
* Emergency auto-dialler or intercom
* Uninterrupted power supply (UPS), backup (in case of a power cut)
* Electrical emergency lowering measurements
* Handrail and braille pushes

Also, consider based upon the age and capabilities of the children who use wheelchairs whether they are permitted to operate the lift or are assisted by support workers.

== Swift Installation ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/market-sectors/education Educational buildings] have a hive of activity happening daily. To minimise any potential disruption, most lift companies will work out of term-time to minimise disruption. Also, it goes without saying that a check that an engineer that works on educational sites is fully licenced, including regular DBS checks, to meet your safeguarding needs.

== Legal Responsibilities and Requirements ==

Once installed, schools or academies have a legal requirement to maintain the lift under The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). The regulations say that a person at a school should be allocated as the “Duty Holder”. This means they are legally responsible for the safe operation of the lift, ensuring both inspection and servicing of the lift. Compliance with these legal responsibilities is achieved through LOLER lift inspections and regular servicing by a reputable lift company.

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 08:38, 17 Mar 2022 (BST)

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Property_development]] [[Category:People]]

The Types of Lift for Education

2022-03-17T08:38:48Z

Stannahlifts: Created page with "= The Types of Lifts for Education = Where there is a requirement to travel between floors or over steps, there should be a lift for those less able to do so. This article will ..."

Specifying Lifts for Care Homes

2022-03-17T08:27:51Z

Stannahlifts:

This article will serve as a helpful guide on the process of specifying lifts for nursing and care homes, inclusive of all the considerations that need to be taken into account when carrying out this process.

= Care homes - a growing industry =

The UK has an ageing population, with around 11.8 million aged 65 and over in the UK (Mid-2016 Population Estimates UK Office for National Statistics, 2017); resulting in the industry continuing to grow rapidly.

The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards fundamental standards of care] as set out by the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission] (CQC, 29 May, 2017), the independent regulator of health and social care in England state that care must be person-centred (tailored to the individual service user), service users (residents in care homes) must be treated with dignity and respect and safety is paramount at all times (risks must be evaluated during any care or treatment pathway).

When it comes to the premises and equipment within care homes, the guidelines state that ‘The places where you receive care and treatment and the equipment used in it must be clean, suitable and looked after properly.’

Due to the increased number of people now in residential and nursing care across the UK, there has been an influx in the requirement of lifts for the care sector.

== The purpose of lifts in residential homes ==

If a building is more than one storey/level and the people within the building have, or may have in the future, mobility issues then a vertical life must be supplied.

Lifts play an integral role in helping to maintain the safety of residents at all times. For those who require a lower threshold of care (within residential care homes for example), user-friendly and accessible lifts can help to increase their level of mobility and therefore allow them to maintain their independence for longer.

For those who require a higher level of care and handling such as 1:1 or in some cases 2:1 assistance from carers, the use of a care home lift enables carers to safely move residents between floors and around all areas of the care home, ensuring person-centred care can be delivered at all times.

Lifts also help to ensure the safety of carers and limit the risk of accidents or injury for both residents and carers when it comes to manual handling. Making certain that this requirement is correct, will help ensure the well-being of employees/carers within a facility as it will help to enable the safe movement of everyone, around the building.

== What types of lifts may be suitable for a care home? ==

For guidance on lifts, Part M of the building regulations, Volume 2 (Buildings other than dwellings) needs to be consulted, as this correlates directly to the accessibility and use of buildings. Part M, states that the preferred solution to enable disabled access is a passenger lift. It also recognises that due to site constraints it is sometimes the case that a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, meaning platform lifts can be specified in existing care homes; largely due to the building constraints and layout of existing facilities.

== Passenger lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts Passenger lifts] accommodate a high number of people (between 3-33 persons), or mobility equipment, travel over multiple floors (up to 40 metres) and operate at a speed of >0.15 metres per second.

The most common passenger lift sizes for care homes are a 13-person stretcher passenger lift, followed by an 8-person model.

The benefit of a 13-person stretcher lift is that it not only takes multiple wheelchair users but can also accommodate a hospital/care bed. A general standard in larger care homes is that two passenger lifts are provided in case of breakdown and during servicing. These are typically a 13 person stretcher lift and a standard 8 person lift suitable for accommodating a wheelchair.

== Platform lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts Platform lifts] can travel up to 12 metres at a steady speed (slower than passenger lifts) of <0.15 metres per second. These lifts are for occasional rather than continuous use.

Popular platform lifts sold into care homes are the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/access-lift Midilift SL] and the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/hybrid-platform-lift Piccolo.]

The Midilift SL accommodates a wheelchair user and attendant or up to 4 people, meaning that it is a cost-effective option for care home operators. However, it does come with constant pressure buttons so people with arthritic hands can fatigue. The Piccolo can fit up to 5 people and has the benefit of one-touch controls and sliding doors which can allow for easier access for residents; although this option may not always fit inside smaller buildings.

As lifts are used frequently within most care homes (both residential and nursing) a passenger lift should always be installed wherever possible

== What are the key considerations when deciding what types of lifts are required? ==

# Lift positioning and specification considerations

The frequency of use of the lift must be carefully considered along with the occupancy of the home. For safety reasons, all lifts must have a clear ‘waiting’ space in front of them and should be located adjacent to central facilities. If lifts are used for regular access to daily dining facilities or to access community areas, then this will influence the type of lift/s required.

Residential care homes with a higher number of residents, or nursing homes where the mobility of residents tends to be more limited may require a greater number of lifts. Nursing homes may also require slightly larger lifts to accommodate extra equipment or carers to assist residents (sometimes 2:1 care is required for lifting and handling of residents) to ensure extra safety.

Once the number of lifts and types of lifts required for the building has been determined, then the next step is to consider the special requirements of residents. As well as mobility issues, residents may have a cognitive or sensory impairment, a learning disability or a mental health condition that causes them particular distress, or they may even present with dementia. This is where the lift specification plays an important part in ensuring a comfortable ride.

When specifying lifts for care homes, it is paramount to consider the following:

* Controls - As a general rule, access doors or lift controls must be easy and intuitive to use. Lift controls should be in a logical position adjacent to the lift where their function and operation is obvious.
* Lift signage and lighting - should make lift entrances easy to locate and use. Access doors to stairs and lifts should be well lit and clearly distinguishable from their background by using a different colour or tone.
* Lift finishes - For both floors and walls mirrored interiors, shiny or swirly surfaces are not recommended finishes for any lift in a care home.
* Floor - Provide a continuous floor finish and colour from the corridor into the stairs or lift.
* Walls - Use a contrasting colour or tone so that the handrail stands out clearly from the background.
* Mirrors - Consideration should be given to the use of mirrors within lifts as these may cause confusion to residents with dementia* and visual impairment. They can not be included in the specification, or if they are provided, alternative approaches such as the use of manifestations can provide an effective but decorative solution, although will likely require approval from building control

* Similarly, care must be taken with lift announcements to ensure they do not startle or confuse a person with dementia.

* Announcements and communication devices - Always ensure that the lift has a verbal system, which clearly advises passengers of their location, door movements and arrival at their destination. All lifts require an emergency communication device to enable trapped passengers to notify someone they are trapped in the lift. If the residents are likely to be deaf then we would recommend the use of an induction loop.

As well as the standard emergency call panel, normally positioned on the wall of the lift, care home operators should ensure that there is also an emergency button positioned near the ground floor of the lift, in the event of an unsupervised fall/incident.

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design Lift specification for dementia] - This link details specific guidance on lift specification for care homes and hospitals with dementia in mind. Another useful reference is the design audit tool, produced by the [http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/design/accreditation Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC)], which provides a framework for making decisions about design and spaces for people with dementia. The tool can be applied to a range of existing and new buildings within a range of settings such as care homes and awards care homes a gold, silver or bronze standard depending on how the lift (along with other building elements) conform to essential and recommended points.

<ol start="2">
<li>Following safety guidelines & regulations</li></ol>

It’s important to be aware of all relevant standards and guidelines when deciding which lift is best suited for care home requirements. These are the key ones to be aware of:

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/topic/standards-regulations Lift Standards & Regulations] - these vary dependent on lift type and specification.
* The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards ‘Fundamentals of Standard Care’] as laid out by the independent regulator of health and social care in England, the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission (CQC)], when setting up any new care home or making significant changes to any existing facility.

Finally, once any lift is installed, it becomes the responsibility of the care home owner to ensure that the lift equipment is regularly serviced and examined at suitable intervals by a competent person. As the legislation surrounding existing lifts is complex, compliance with these regulations tends to be completed with the assistance of a lift service provider.

<ol start="3">
<li>Breakdowns & emergencies</li></ol>

Spending time considering which style of lift is the most suitable for the residents in care is certainly worth doing, particularly in the event of an emergency. Whether a Simultaneous Evacuation strategy, a Horizontal/progressive evacuation strategy or a Delayed Evacuation strategy is best for a care home, it needs to be confirmed that there are adequate numbers of staff available to implement the emergency plan.

It’s essential for every care home to have a backup in the event of a breakdown or for use when a lift is out of action due to a routine [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/services/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-services inspection/maintenance].

As part of any lift service plan, there are options for 24-hour emergency call-outs, normal working hours emergency breakdown cover, repairs and supplementary testing, it is, therefore, important to consider what type of lift servicing plan is required by the care home.

It’s also paramount that alternative methods to lifts can be used to exit the building in the event of an emergency. Most lifts (unless specifically equipped to do so) cannot be used more evacuation or in the event of a fire, so stairs and fire escapes are a must as part of any building management evacuation plan.

== Summary ==

As the ageing population continues to grow, it’s inevitable that so too will the need for residential and nursing homes as well as the requirement for adequate lift facilities.

For any lift in a care home, the following is recommended to be considered:

* The type and number of lifts the building requires, subject to building regulations and the requirements of the nursing home, e.g. to transport beds and accommodate undertaker requirements
* That the lift specification takes into account the residents need both audibly and visually
* How the ongoing lift, maintenance and repair will be managed post installation

Useful reading: [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ http://www.cqc.org.uk/]

--[[User:Stannahlifts|Stannahlifts]] 08:27, 17 Mar 2022 (BST)

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Property_development]] [[Category:People]]

Specifying Lifts for Care Homes

2022-03-17T08:26:16Z

Stannahlifts: Protected "Specifying Lifts for Care Homes" ([edit=author] (indefinite))

This article will serve as a helpful guide on the process of specifying lifts for nursing and care homes, inclusive of all the considerations that need to be taken into account when carrying out this process.

= Care homes - a growing industry =

The UK has an ageing population, with around 11.8 million aged 65 and over in the UK (Mid-2016 Population Estimates UK Office for National Statistics, 2017); resulting in the industry continuing to grow rapidly.

The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards fundamental standards of care] as set out by the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission] (CQC, 29 May, 2017), the independent regulator of health and social care in England state that care must be person-centred (tailored to the individual service user), service users (residents in care homes) must be treated with dignity and respect and safety is paramount at all times (risks must be evaluated during any care or treatment pathway).

When it comes to the premises and equipment within care homes, the guidelines state that ‘The places where you receive care and treatment and the equipment used in it must be clean, suitable and looked after properly.’

Due to the increased number of people now in residential and nursing care across the UK, there has been an influx in the requirement of lifts for the care sector.

== The purpose of lifts in residential homes ==

If a building is more than one storey/level and the people within the building have, or may have in the future, mobility issues then a vertical life must be supplied.

Lifts play an integral role in helping to maintain the safety of residents at all times. For those who require a lower threshold of care (within residential care homes for example), user-friendly and accessible lifts can help to increase their level of mobility and therefore allow them to maintain their independence for longer.

For those who require a higher level of care and handling such as 1:1 or in some cases 2:1 assistance from carers, the use of a care home lift enables carers to safely move residents between floors and around all areas of the care home, ensuring person-centred care can be delivered at all times.

Lifts also help to ensure the safety of carers and limit the risk of accidents or injury for both residents and carers when it comes to manual handling. Making certain that this requirement is correct, will help ensure the well-being of employees/carers within a facility as it will help to enable the safe movement of everyone, around the building.

== What types of lifts may be suitable for a care home? ==

For guidance on lifts, Part M of the building regulations, Volume 2 (Buildings other than dwellings) needs to be consulted, as this correlates directly to the accessibility and use of buildings. Part M, states that the preferred solution to enable disabled access is a passenger lift. It also recognises that due to site constraints it is sometimes the case that a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, meaning platform lifts can be specified in existing care homes; largely due to the building constraints and layout of existing facilities.

== Passenger lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts Passenger lifts] accommodate a high number of people (between 3-33 persons), or mobility equipment, travel over multiple floors (up to 40 metres) and operate at a speed of >0.15 metres per second.

The most common passenger lift sizes for care homes are a 13-person stretcher passenger lift, followed by an 8-person model.

The benefit of a 13-person stretcher lift is that it not only takes multiple wheelchair users but can also accommodate a hospital/care bed. A general standard in larger care homes is that two passenger lifts are provided in case of breakdown and during servicing. These are typically a 13 person stretcher lift and a standard 8 person lift suitable for accommodating a wheelchair.

== Platform lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts Platform lifts] can travel up to 12 metres at a steady speed (slower than passenger lifts) of <0.15 metres per second. These lifts are for occasional rather than continuous use.

Popular platform lifts sold into care homes are the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/access-lift Midilift SL] and the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/hybrid-platform-lift Piccolo.]

The Midilift SL accommodates a wheelchair user and attendant or up to 4 people, meaning that it is a cost-effective option for care home operators. However, it does come with constant pressure buttons so people with arthritic hands can fatigue. The Piccolo can fit up to 5 people and has the benefit of one-touch controls and sliding doors which can allow for easier access for residents; although this option may not always fit inside smaller buildings.

As lifts are used frequently within most care homes (both residential and nursing) a passenger lift should always be installed wherever possible

== What are the key considerations when deciding what types of lifts are required? ==

# Lift positioning and specification considerations

The frequency of use of the lift must be carefully considered along with the occupancy of the home. For safety reasons, all lifts must have a clear ‘waiting’ space in front of them and should be located adjacent to central facilities. If lifts are used for regular access to daily dining facilities or to access community areas, then this will influence the type of lift/s required.

Residential care homes with a higher number of residents, or nursing homes where the mobility of residents tends to be more limited may require a greater number of lifts. Nursing homes may also require slightly larger lifts to accommodate extra equipment or carers to assist residents (sometimes 2:1 care is required for lifting and handling of residents) to ensure extra safety.

Once the number of lifts and types of lifts required for the building has been determined, then the next step is to consider the special requirements of residents. As well as mobility issues, residents may have a cognitive or sensory impairment, a learning disability or a mental health condition that causes them particular distress, or they may even present with dementia. This is where the lift specification plays an important part in ensuring a comfortable ride.

When specifying lifts for care homes, it is paramount to consider the following:

* Controls - As a general rule, access doors or lift controls must be easy and intuitive to use. Lift controls should be in a logical position adjacent to the lift where their function and operation is obvious.
* Lift signage and lighting - should make lift entrances easy to locate and use. Access doors to stairs and lifts should be well lit and clearly distinguishable from their background by using a different colour or tone.
* Lift finishes - For both floors and walls mirrored interiors, shiny or swirly surfaces are not recommended finishes for any lift in a care home.
* Floor - Provide a continuous floor finish and colour from the corridor into the stairs or lift.
* Walls - Use a contrasting colour or tone so that the handrail stands out clearly from the background.
* Mirrors - Consideration should be given to the use of mirrors within lifts as these may cause confusion to residents with dementia* and visual impairment. They can not be included in the specification, or if they are provided, alternative approaches such as the use of manifestations can provide an effective but decorative solution, although will likely require approval from building control

*Similarly, care must be taken with lift announcements to ensure they do not startle or confuse a person with dementia.

* Announcements and communication devices - Always ensure that the lift has a verbal system, which clearly advises passengers of their location, door movements and arrival at their destination. All lifts require an emergency communication device to enable trapped passengers to notify someone they are trapped in the lift. If the residents are likely to be deaf then we would recommend the use of an induction loop.

As well as the standard emergency call panel, normally positioned on the wall of the lift, care home operators should ensure that there is also an emergency button positioned near the ground floor of the lift, in the event of an unsupervised fall/incident.

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design Lift specification for dementia] - This link details specific guidance on lift specification for care homes and hospitals with dementia in mind. Another useful reference is the design audit tool, produced by the [http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/design/accreditation Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC)], which provides a framework for making decisions about design and spaces for people with dementia. The tool can be applied to a range of existing and new buildings within a range of settings such as care homes and awards care homes a gold, silver or bronze standard depending on how the lift (along with other building elements) conform to essential and recommended points.

<ol start="2">
<li>Following safety guidelines & regulations</li></ol>

It’s important to be aware of all relevant standards and guidelines when deciding which lift is best suited for care home requirements. These are the key ones to be aware of:

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/topic/standards-regulations Lift Standards & Regulations] - these vary dependent on lift type and specification.
* The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards ‘Fundamentals of Standard Care’] as laid out by the independent regulator of health and social care in England, the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission (CQC)], when setting up any new care home or making significant changes to any existing facility.

Finally, once any lift is installed, it becomes the responsibility of the care home owner to ensure that the lift equipment is regularly serviced and examined at suitable intervals by a competent person. As the legislation surrounding existing lifts is complex, compliance with these regulations tends to be completed with the assistance of a lift service provider.

<ol start="3">
<li>Breakdowns & emergencies</li></ol>

Spending time considering which style of lift is the most suitable for the residents in care is certainly worth doing, particularly in the event of an emergency. Whether a Simultaneous Evacuation strategy, a Horizontal/progressive evacuation strategy or a Delayed Evacuation strategy is best for a care home, it needs to be confirmed that there are adequate numbers of staff available to implement the emergency plan.

It’s essential for every care home to have a backup in the event of a breakdown or for use when a lift is out of action due to a routine [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/services/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-services inspection/maintenance].

As part of any lift service plan, there are options for 24-hour emergency call-outs, normal working hours emergency breakdown cover, repairs and supplementary testing, it is, therefore, important to consider what type of lift servicing plan is required by the care home.

It’s also paramount that alternative methods to lifts can be used to exit the building in the event of an emergency. Most lifts (unless specifically equipped to do so) cannot be used more evacuation or in the event of a fire, so stairs and fire escapes are a must as part of any building management evacuation plan.

== Summary ==

As the ageing population continues to grow, it’s inevitable that so too will the need for residential and nursing homes as well as the requirement for adequate lift facilities.

For any lift in a care home, the following is recommended to be considered:

* The type and number of lifts the building requires, subject to building regulations and the requirements of the nursing home, e.g. to transport beds and accommodate undertaker requirements
* That the lift specification takes into account the residents need both audibly and visually
* How the ongoing lift, maintenance and repair will be managed post installation

Useful reading: [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ http://www.cqc.org.uk/]

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Property_development]] [[Category:People]]

Specifying Lifts for Care Homes

2022-03-17T08:24:15Z

Stannahlifts:

This article will serve as a helpful guide on the process of specifying lifts for nursing and care homes, inclusive of all the considerations that need to be taken into account when carrying out this process.

= Care homes - a growing industry =

The UK has an ageing population, with around 11.8 million aged 65 and over in the UK (Mid-2016 Population Estimates UK Office for National Statistics, 2017); resulting in the industry continuing to grow rapidly.

The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards fundamental standards of care] as set out by the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission] (CQC, 29 May, 2017), the independent regulator of health and social care in England state that care must be person-centred (tailored to the individual service user), service users (residents in care homes) must be treated with dignity and respect and safety is paramount at all times (risks must be evaluated during any care or treatment pathway).

When it comes to the premises and equipment within care homes, the guidelines state that ‘The places where you receive care and treatment and the equipment used in it must be clean, suitable and looked after properly.’

Due to the increased number of people now in residential and nursing care across the UK, there has been an influx in the requirement of lifts for the care sector.

== The purpose of lifts in residential homes ==

If a building is more than one storey/level and the people within the building have, or may have in the future, mobility issues then a vertical life must be supplied.

Lifts play an integral role in helping to maintain the safety of residents at all times. For those who require a lower threshold of care (within residential care homes for example), user-friendly and accessible lifts can help to increase their level of mobility and therefore allow them to maintain their independence for longer.

For those who require a higher level of care and handling such as 1:1 or in some cases 2:1 assistance from carers, the use of a care home lift enables carers to safely move residents between floors and around all areas of the care home, ensuring person-centred care can be delivered at all times.

Lifts also help to ensure the safety of carers and limit the risk of accidents or injury for both residents and carers when it comes to manual handling. Making certain that this requirement is correct, will help ensure the well-being of employees/carers within a facility as it will help to enable the safe movement of everyone, around the building.

== What types of lifts may be suitable for a care home? ==

For guidance on lifts, Part M of the building regulations, Volume 2 (Buildings other than dwellings) needs to be consulted, as this correlates directly to the accessibility and use of buildings. Part M, states that the preferred solution to enable disabled access is a passenger lift. It also recognises that due to site constraints it is sometimes the case that a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, meaning platform lifts can be specified in existing care homes; largely due to the building constraints and layout of existing facilities.

== Passenger lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts Passenger lifts] accommodate a high number of people (between 3-33 persons), or mobility equipment, travel over multiple floors (up to 40 metres) and operate at a speed of >0.15 metres per second.

The most common passenger lift sizes for care homes are a 13-person stretcher passenger lift, followed by an 8-person model.

The benefit of a 13-person stretcher lift is that it not only takes multiple wheelchair users but can also accommodate a hospital/care bed. A general standard in larger care homes is that two passenger lifts are provided in case of breakdown and during servicing. These are typically a 13 person stretcher lift and a standard 8 person lift suitable for accommodating a wheelchair.

== Platform lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts Platform lifts] can travel up to 12 metres at a steady speed (slower than passenger lifts) of <0.15 metres per second. These lifts are for occasional rather than continuous use.

Popular platform lifts sold into care homes are the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/access-lift Midilift SL] and the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/hybrid-platform-lift Piccolo.]

The Midilift SL accommodates a wheelchair user and attendant or up to 4 people, meaning that it is a cost-effective option for care home operators. However, it does come with constant pressure buttons so people with arthritic hands can fatigue. The Piccolo can fit up to 5 people and has the benefit of one-touch controls and sliding doors which can allow for easier access for residents; although this option may not always fit inside smaller buildings.

As lifts are used frequently within most care homes (both residential and nursing) a passenger lift should always be installed wherever possible

== What are the key considerations when deciding what types of lifts are required? ==

# Lift positioning and specification considerations

The frequency of use of the lift must be carefully considered along with the occupancy of the home. For safety reasons, all lifts must have a clear ‘waiting’ space in front of them and should be located adjacent to central facilities. If lifts are used for regular access to daily dining facilities or to access community areas, then this will influence the type of lift/s required.

Residential care homes with a higher number of residents, or nursing homes where the mobility of residents tends to be more limited may require a greater number of lifts. Nursing homes may also require slightly larger lifts to accommodate extra equipment or carers to assist residents (sometimes 2:1 care is required for lifting and handling of residents) to ensure extra safety.

Once the number of lifts and types of lifts required for the building has been determined, then the next step is to consider the special requirements of residents. As well as mobility issues, residents may have a cognitive or sensory impairment, a learning disability or a mental health condition that causes them particular distress, or they may even present with dementia. This is where the lift specification plays an important part in ensuring a comfortable ride.

When specifying lifts for care homes, it is paramount to consider the following:

* Controls - As a general rule, access doors or lift controls must be easy and intuitive to use. Lift controls should be in a logical position adjacent to the lift where their function and operation is obvious.
* Lift signage and lighting - should make lift entrances easy to locate and use. Access doors to stairs and lifts should be well lit and clearly distinguishable from their background by using a different colour or tone.
* Lift finishes - For both floors and walls mirrored interiors, shiny or swirly surfaces are not recommended finishes for any lift in a care home.
* Floor - Provide a continuous floor finish and colour from the corridor into the stairs or lift.
* Walls - Use a contrasting colour or tone so that the handrail stands out clearly from the background.
* Mirrors - Consideration should be given to the use of mirrors within lifts as these may cause confusion to residents with dementia* and visual impairment. They can not be included in the specification, or if they are provided, alternative approaches such as the use of manifestations can provide an effective but decorative solution, although will likely require approval from building control

*Similarly, care must be taken with lift announcements to ensure they do not startle or confuse a person with dementia.

* Announcements and communication devices - Always ensure that the lift has a verbal system, which clearly advises passengers of their location, door movements and arrival at their destination. All lifts require an emergency communication device to enable trapped passengers to notify someone they are trapped in the lift. If the residents are likely to be deaf then we would recommend the use of an induction loop.

As well as the standard emergency call panel, normally positioned on the wall of the lift, care home operators should ensure that there is also an emergency button positioned near the ground floor of the lift, in the event of an unsupervised fall/incident.

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design Lift specification for dementia] - This link details specific guidance on lift specification for care homes and hospitals with dementia in mind. Another useful reference is the design audit tool, produced by the [http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/design/accreditation Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC)], which provides a framework for making decisions about design and spaces for people with dementia. The tool can be applied to a range of existing and new buildings within a range of settings such as care homes and awards care homes a gold, silver or bronze standard depending on how the lift (along with other building elements) conform to essential and recommended points.

<ol start="2">
<li>Following safety guidelines & regulations</li></ol>

It’s important to be aware of all relevant standards and guidelines when deciding which lift is best suited for care home requirements. These are the key ones to be aware of:

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/topic/standards-regulations Lift Standards & Regulations] - these vary dependent on lift type and specification.
* The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards ‘Fundamentals of Standard Care’] as laid out by the independent regulator of health and social care in England, the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission (CQC)], when setting up any new care home or making significant changes to any existing facility.

Finally, once any lift is installed, it becomes the responsibility of the care home owner to ensure that the lift equipment is regularly serviced and examined at suitable intervals by a competent person. As the legislation surrounding existing lifts is complex, compliance with these regulations tends to be completed with the assistance of a lift service provider.

<ol start="3">
<li>Breakdowns & emergencies</li></ol>

Spending time considering which style of lift is the most suitable for the residents in care is certainly worth doing, particularly in the event of an emergency. Whether a Simultaneous Evacuation strategy, a Horizontal/progressive evacuation strategy or a Delayed Evacuation strategy is best for a care home, it needs to be confirmed that there are adequate numbers of staff available to implement the emergency plan.

It’s essential for every care home to have a backup in the event of a breakdown or for use when a lift is out of action due to a routine [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/services/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-services inspection/maintenance].

As part of any lift service plan, there are options for 24-hour emergency call-outs, normal working hours emergency breakdown cover, repairs and supplementary testing, it is, therefore, important to consider what type of lift servicing plan is required by the care home.

It’s also paramount that alternative methods to lifts can be used to exit the building in the event of an emergency. Most lifts (unless specifically equipped to do so) cannot be used more evacuation or in the event of a fire, so stairs and fire escapes are a must as part of any building management evacuation plan.

== Summary ==

As the ageing population continues to grow, it’s inevitable that so too will the need for residential and nursing homes as well as the requirement for adequate lift facilities.

For any lift in a care home, the following is recommended to be considered:

* The type and number of lifts the building requires, subject to building regulations and the requirements of the nursing home, e.g. to transport beds and accommodate undertaker requirements
* That the lift specification takes into account the residents need both audibly and visually
* How the ongoing lift, maintenance and repair will be managed post installation

Useful reading: [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ http://www.cqc.org.uk/]

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Property_development]] [[Category:People]]

Specifying Lifts for Care Homes

2022-03-17T08:22:47Z

Stannahlifts: Created page with "This article will serve as a helpful guide on the process of specifying lifts for nursing and care homes, inclusive of all the considerations that need to be taken into account w..."

This article will serve as a helpful guide on the process of specifying lifts for nursing and care homes, inclusive of all the considerations that need to be taken into account when carrying out this process.

= Care homes - a growing industry =

The UK has an ageing population, with around 11.8 million aged 65 and over in the UK (Mid-2016 Population Estimates UK Office for National Statistics, 2017); resulting in the industry continuing to grow rapidly.

The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards fundamental standards of care] as set out by the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission] (CQC, 29 May, 2017), the independent regulator of health and social care in England state that care must be person-centred (tailored to the individual service user), service users (residents in care homes) must be treated with dignity and respect and safety is paramount at all times (risks must be evaluated during any care or treatment pathway).

When it comes to the premises and equipment within care homes, the guidelines state that ‘The places where you receive care and treatment and the equipment used in it must be clean, suitable and looked after properly.’

Due to the increased number of people now in residential and nursing care across the UK, there has been an influx in the requirement of lifts for the care sector.

== The purpose of lifts in residential homes ==

If a building is more than one storey/level and the people within the building have, or may have in the future, mobility issues then a vertical life must be supplied.

Lifts play an integral role in helping to maintain the safety of residents at all times. For those who require a lower threshold of care (within residential care homes for example), user-friendly and accessible lifts can help to increase their level of mobility and therefore allow them to maintain their independence for longer.

For those who require a higher level of care and handling such as 1:1 or in some cases 2:1 assistance from carers, the use of a care home lift enables carers to safely move residents between floors and around all areas of the care home, ensuring person-centred care can be delivered at all times.

Lifts also help to ensure the safety of carers and limit the risk of accidents or injury for both residents and carers when it comes to manual handling. Making certain that this requirement is correct, will help ensure the well-being of employees/carers within a facility as it will help to enable the safe movement of everyone, around the building.

== What types of lifts may be suitable for a care home? ==

For guidance on lifts, Part M of the building regulations, Volume 2 (Buildings other than dwellings) needs to be consulted, as this correlates directly to the accessibility and use of buildings. Part M, states that the preferred solution to enable disabled access is a passenger lift. It also recognises that due to site constraints it is sometimes the case that a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, meaning platform lifts can be specified in existing care homes; largely due to the building constraints and layout of existing facilities.

== Passenger lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/passenger-lifts Passenger lifts] accommodate a high number of people (between 3-33 persons), or mobility equipment, travel over multiple floors (up to 40 metres) and operate at a speed of >0.15 metres per second.

The most common passenger lift sizes for care homes are a 13-person stretcher passenger lift, followed by an 8-person model.

The benefit of a 13-person stretcher lift is that it not only takes multiple wheelchair users but can also accommodate a hospital/care bed. A general standard in larger care homes is that two passenger lifts are provided in case of breakdown and during servicing. These are typically a 13 person stretcher lift and a standard 8 person lift suitable for accommodating a wheelchair.

== Platform lifts ==

[https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts Platform lifts] can travel up to 12 metres at a steady speed (slower than passenger lifts) of <0.15 metres per second. These lifts are for occasional rather than continuous use.

Popular platform lifts sold into care homes are the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/access-lift Midilift SL] and the [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/products/platform-lifts/hybrid-platform-lift Piccolo.]

The Midilift SL accommodates a wheelchair user and attendant or up to 4 people, meaning that it is a cost-effective option for care home operators. However, it does come with constant pressure buttons so people with arthritic hands can fatigue. The Piccolo can fit up to 5 people and has the benefit of one-touch controls and sliding doors which can allow for easier access for residents; although this option may not always fit inside smaller buildings.

As lifts are used frequently within most care homes (both residential and nursing) a passenger lift should always be installed wherever possible

== What are the key considerations when deciding what types of lifts are required? ==

# Lift positioning and specification considerations

The frequency of use of the lift must be carefully considered along with the occupancy of the home. For safety reasons, all lifts must have a clear ‘waiting’ space in front of them and should be located adjacent to central facilities. If lifts are used for regular access to daily dining facilities or to access community areas, then this will influence the type of lift/s required.

Residential care homes with a higher number of residents, or nursing homes where the mobility of residents tends to be more limited may require a greater number of lifts. Nursing homes may also require slightly larger lifts to accommodate extra equipment or carers to assist residents (sometimes 2:1 care is required for lifting and handling of residents) to ensure extra safety.

Once the number of lifts and types of lifts required for the building has been determined, then the next step is to consider the special requirements of residents. As well as mobility issues, residents may have a cognitive or sensory impairment, a learning disability or a mental health condition that causes them particular distress, or they may even present with dementia. This is where the lift specification plays an important part in ensuring a comfortable ride.

When specifying lifts for care homes, it is paramount to consider the following:

* Controls - As a general rule, access doors or lift controls must be easy and intuitive to use. Lift controls should be in a logical position adjacent to the lift where their function and operation is obvious.
* Lift signage and lighting - should make lift entrances easy to locate and use. Access doors to stairs and lifts should be well lit and clearly distinguishable from their background by using a different colour or tone.
* Lift finishes - For both floors and walls mirrored interiors, shiny or swirly surfaces are not recommended finishes for any lift in a care home.
* Floor - Provide a continuous floor finish and colour from the corridor into the stairs or lift.
* Walls - Use a contrasting colour or tone so that the handrail stands out clearly from the background.
* Mirrors - Consideration should be given to the use of mirrors within lifts as these may cause confusion to residents with dementia* and visual impairment. They can not be included in the specification, or if they are provided, alternative approaches such as the use of manifestations can provide an effective but decorative solution, although will likely require approval from building control.

*Similarly, care must be taken with lift announcements to ensure they do not startle or confuse a person with dementia.

* Announcements and communication devices - Always ensure that the lift has a verbal system, which clearly advises passengers of their location, door movements and arrival at their destination. All lifts require an emergency communication device to enable trapped passengers to notify someone they are trapped in the lift. If the residents are likely to be deaf then we would recommend the use of an induction loop.

As well as the standard emergency call panel, normally positioned on the wall of the lift, care home operators should ensure that there is also an emergency button positioned near the ground floor of the lift, in the event of an unsupervised fall/incident.

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/dementia-friendly-lift-design Lift specification for dementia] - This link details specific guidance on lift specification for care homes and hospitals with dementia in mind. Another useful reference is the design audit tool, produced by the [http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/design/accreditation Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC)], which provides a framework for making decisions about design and spaces for people with dementia. The tool can be applied to a range of existing and new buildings within a range of settings such as care homes and awards care homes a gold, silver or bronze standard depending on how the lift (along with other building elements) conform to essential and recommended points.

<ol start="2">
<li>Following safety guidelines & regulations</li></ol>

It’s important to be aware of all relevant standards and guidelines when deciding which lift is best suited for care home requirements. These are the key ones to be aware of:

* [https://blog.stannahlifts.co.uk/topic/standards-regulations Lift Standards & Regulations] - these vary dependent on lift type and specification.
* The [https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-do-our-job/fundamental-standards ‘Fundamentals of Standard Care’] as laid out by the independent regulator of health and social care in England, the [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ Care Quality Commission (CQC)], when setting up any new care home or making significant changes to any existing facility.

Finally, once any lift is installed, it becomes the responsibility of the care home owner to ensure that the lift equipment is regularly serviced and examined at suitable intervals by a competent person. As the legislation surrounding existing lifts is complex, compliance with these regulations tends to be completed with the assistance of a lift service provider.

<ol start="3">
<li>Breakdowns & emergencies</li></ol>

Spending time considering which style of lift is the most suitable for the residents in care is certainly worth doing, particularly in the event of an emergency. Whether a Simultaneous Evacuation strategy, a Horizontal/progressive evacuation strategy or a Delayed Evacuation strategy is best for a care home, it needs to be confirmed that there are adequate numbers of staff available to implement the emergency plan.

It’s essential for every care home to have a backup in the event of a breakdown or for use when a lift is out of action due to a routine [https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/services/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-services inspection/maintenance].

As part of any lift service plan, there are options for 24-hour emergency call-outs, normal working hours emergency breakdown cover, repairs and supplementary testing, it is, therefore, important to consider what type of lift servicing plan is required by the care home.

It’s also paramount that alternative methods to lifts can be used to exit the building in the event of an emergency. Most lifts (unless specifically equipped to do so) cannot be used more evacuation or in the event of a fire, so stairs and fire escapes are a must as part of any building management evacuation plan.

== Summary ==

As the ageing population continues to grow, it’s inevitable that so too will the need for residential and nursing homes as well as the requirement for adequate lift facilities.

For any lift in a care home, the following is recommended to be considered:

* The type and number of lifts the building requires, subject to building regulations and the requirements of the nursing home, e.g. to transport beds and accommodate undertaker requirements
* That the lift specification takes into account the residents need both audibly and visually
* How the ongoing lift, maintenance and repair will be managed post installation

Useful reading: [https://www.cqc.org.uk/ http://www.cqc.org.uk/]

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Property_development]] [[Category:People]]