Vertical Platform Lifts

The provision of a platform lift is considered an appropriate alternative to a passenger lift, in certain situations, such as a new development with particular physical or conservation constraints. If a platform lift is proposed, justification for the selection of this type of device, as opposed to a passenger lift, would need to be set out in an Access Statement.

Such lifts are designed to transport wheelchair users, ambulant disabled people and their companions between floor levels; Short-rise platform lifts are suitable for overcoming split-floor levels where there is insufficient space for a ramp, or the length of the ramp renders it unsuitable.

In their simplest terms these lifts are a guarded platform that travels vertically and transports people from one level to another. They may be non enclosed or enclosed however, where the vertical travel distance is greater than 2m, the platform must be enclosed.

These lifts are also referred to as: Vertical Rise Platform Lifts, Enclosed Platform Lifts, Vertical Lifting Platforms, Short Rise Platform Lifts or Hydraulic Lifting Platforms.