Motorized wheelchair lifts make it easier to overcome barriers at home, on commercial properties and in public spaces. They also make properties safer and more accessible. Because wheelchair lifts have so many working parts under constant pressure, there can be quite a bit of wear and tear on the mechanisms. As a result, proper wheelchair lift maintenance is required to keep operations safe and dependable.
Whether you are a public, commercial, or residential property, proper operation is a must to avoid accidents. Failure to maintain wheelchair lifts can lead to dis ruptions that can interfere with access to your property. Maintenance is the best way to avoid downtime and to prevent unsafe or inconvenient situations. Here’s how to maintain your wheelchair lifts for optimum performance and longer life.
Daily Testing
Keeping a daily testing regime log helps spot issues before they become worse. Simply running your lift each morning allows you to look for signs of function issues as well as for wear or damage to the lift and its parts. At this time, also look for anything that might be lodged in the lift that could disrupt the operation. This is especially important for residential lifts where pets and children might leave toys or other objects in the lift area.
Outdoor Lifts
If your wheelchair lift is located outdoors, exposure to the elements contributes to wear and tear. There is a higher chance of contamination from foreign objects and the elements such as salt and dirt. Therefore a thorough check is required to look for things such as stray garbage and leaves, as well as larger debris such as branches and twigs caught in the mechanisms. Removing these objects can avoid accidents and unnecessary damage. In the winter be sure to clear away snow and ice on, around and underneath the lift. Even small amounts of snow and ice can interfere with the monitoring system’s sensors.
Check Flaps
Always ensure the flaps and locks are working properly on a daily basis. If these features are damaged or malfunction it can put the rider at risk. Make sure everything locks in place and that the flaps move smoothly, folding up and down as intended.
Keep the Area Clear
Often a wheelchair lift is installed in the ideal position, but over time as the needs of the building change, the lift area can become less convenient. Make sure that any changes made in the area still provide proper access, so the wheelchair user is not faced with challenges. For example, something as simple as installing raised flower beds or other forms of hardscaping near the lift can take up space required for users to navigate safely on and off the lift.
750 Cycle Intervals
For professional maintenance, it is advised you schedule inspections and repairs at 750 cycle intervals. Certified technicians conduct a thorough inspection, lubricate moving parts, and perform the required maintenance procedures recommended for your particular make and model.
Professional wheelchair lift maintenance based on the manufacturer’s recommendation is the best way to ensure your lift remains safe and operational.