Page 38 - Build 165

Selecting the right lift
When selecting the lift that best suits your particular needs, consider:
● expected usage – is it primarily for use by a person with mobility issues or
is it likely to be used by more than one person at a time?
● the weight to be lifted – people, goods, wheelchair, mobility scooter
● the amount of space required in the lift – allow enough space for a
wheelchair to turn around
● providing access from a hallway or foyer rather than a bedroom to make
the lift more usable for all
● providing an adequate landing area outside each lift level
● providing access at each level from the same or opposite sides of the lift
but not from doors perpendicular to one another as turning a wheelchair
through 90° in a con ned space can be di cult.
Other factors that may also in uence the selection of a residential lift are:
● whether a pit is required below the lift shaft
● whether machinery is required on the roof or in the roof space
● the requirement for plumbing where a water-operated hydraulic lift is
selected
● the cost of the lift installation
● whether to install batteries for back-up in the event of a power failure.
Hydraulic platform lifts
A hydraulic platform lift essentially consists of a oor or platform that is moved up and down by a hydraulic ram. The hydraulic operation may be by pressurising water or oil.
Water-operated hydraulic lifts have a pump that is connected to the water main. They must have external drainage provided in case of water leakage, and some systems have a moisture meter installed to monitor for leaks.
Oil-operated hydraulic lifts are self-contained and do not require plumbing or drainage connections. Another bene t is that they are self-lubricating so they do not tend to wear as quickly as water-operated lifts.
The ram in hydraulic lifts sits below the platform and needs a basement or pit below the lift platform. They also have tight tolerances that require more regular servicing and adjustment.
Electric lifts
Electric lifts are sometimes referred to as machine roomless (MRL) lifts. They may be cable or winch-operated or run on a self-supporting rail system (similar to a forklift) that guides the car.
In some situations, a shallow pit is required below the lift but this is not always needed. As there is no roof space machinery, no strengthening of ceiling rafters or trusses is required.
Electric lifts typically have battery-powered back-up installed so they will continue to function for a period of time during a power failure.
Installation by quali ed person
All lift installation, testing and maintenance must be carried out by suitably quali ed people.
As lift systems are generally free-standing structures, they do not require loadbearing walls or other support, and preparation for installation generally requires only provision of space, inter- oor lift shaft wall lining and a concrete oor.
Legislative requirements
Residential lift installation must comply with the Building Act and the New Zealand Building Code, and a building consent is required. In a new build, this will be part of the building consent application.
NZS 4334:2012 Platform lifts and low-speed lifts covers all types of lifts for homes, and compliance with this standard is generally accepted by local authorities.
Inspections and maintenance
Although ongoing inspections and a warrant of tness are not a require- ment for residential lifts (as they are for commercial lifts), servicing and maintenance should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions.
Maintenance depends on the type of lift system. Typically, hydraulic lifts require annual servicing. Electric lifts should have the back-up batteries replaced approximately every 5 years.
36 — April/May 2018 — Build 165