Testing Stair Lifts

[Tom262]

I've managed to get myself a new maintenance contract in a old peoples home and have been asked to test the stair lifts! I was just wounding if there was any courses for this or if it's a simple test the circuit that it?? Any help or ideas would really help thank you 

 

[Andy™]

unless you know much about stair lifts, which by your post i doubt you do, i would stick with the other work you can do

but as far as testing them goes, if they move when button pressed, then they pass...

 

[Blue Duck]

I have been asked to do this also, they are trying to save some money not calling the stanah guys out at £270 a go they are not cheap!!!

 

[Tom262]

There must be some sort of special cirt needed for stair lifts or not?

 

[Phoenix]

could be a LOLER inspection they want?

 

[Andy™]

not sure, but you would need a fair knowledge of electronics, especially for the more modern ones. and installer manauls for specific models etc

could be a LOLER inspection they want?

good point. in which case, the OP definately wont be able to do that

 

[OnOff]

I think there's an episode of Phoenix Nights that covers it..............

Seiously, it is "man riding" so I believe LOLER applies. My mate does these day in day out for a national lift company. Will call him tomorrow. Actually he's old enough I reckon he needs one.

 

[wozz]

Some info on here, there's a section for what's not covered. 

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg422.pdf

 

[kerching]

I would be more bothered about it "stopping when required"....... Not too fussed about it starting!

anyone see Gremlins and the stair lift?

 

[OnOff]

The smell would put me off!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZw3U5MbUmc

 

[Apache]

Not sure this is the sort of work I'd fancy - it would be very up and down..............

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

 Not sure this is the sort of work I'd fancy - it would be very up and down..............

:C

But there are good prospects....

I've heard you can work you way to the top on your first day if you are good at it!!!

:coat

 

[kerching]

Yes, but get it wrong and you can come back to earth very quickly!

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

But if it doesn't work out then there are steps you can take...

:innocent

 

[Technician]

could be a LOLER inspection they want?

It might look like it but...it IS a LIFTING appliance,

and it might LOOK like it needs an inspection.

However,  in a domestic situation it is not required

BUT in a home, hospital, carehome etc. an inspection

& certificate would be required.

The installer may have a duty of care over the user. 

The person who attends to it after installation should

be careful with any paperwork he/she signs off.

If you are asked to produce a report under LOLER,

how would you prove your competence in that area?

 

[Sharpend]

So get Loler trained and then charge £250 for test?

 

[OnOff]

Just spoke to my mate. Seems there is actually an NVQ on stairlifts. Then individual companies offer training specific to their brand, like Stannah. Some companies will not sell you parts if you haven't done their course. As with everything it's all about proving competency I guess.

 

[Technician]

Yes,  Onoff is right.  Looks like the rise in the percentage

of the elderly population in this country has justified its

introduction.  One has to wonder what will happen when

the Baby Boomer/Silver Surfer generation has died out.

 

[Apache]

 the rise in the percentage of the elderly population in this country

Another corking stairlift joke..................

 

[pickleye]

From the little experience of them that I have had, you need to bee checking:

• safety edges to ensure the lift stops if a leg is caught, both directions
• that they stop on charging points/end of rail
• all controls work correctly, armrest, landing, remotes etc.
• speed up and slow down at appropriate points
• RCD spur operational (if fitted)
• fixings secure,
• general damage,
• clean & lube rails etc.
• Probably other stuff that we don't bother with.

Good luck getting hold of instruction/wiring diagrams etc.

Beware of faecal matter, urine lubrication, trapped nightie, dog/cat/rabbit poo, animal fur, several years of dust etc. etc., these are generally in domestic situations though.

Have fun!