Table of Contents
Hello! Thanks for tuning into another new edition of “The Ultimate Home Lift Checklist”. In this series, we share everything you need to know to take care of and get ready for your new home lift. In the previous parts, we discussed how you can choose the best home lift and how to prep your home for installation. In this part, we’re giving you the complete rundown of how to educate yourself and your family on using your home lift safely.
Incorporating a home lift into your residence is a sizable upgrade, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility. Whether you’re accommodating mobility needs or adding a touch of luxury, home lifts transform daily living. However, the installation is just the beginning.
Ensuring the safety and proper use of your home lift is paramount. Here’s a comprehensive guide to educating your family on safe home lift practices and maximizing the benefits of your new addition.
Home Elevators
Why Is Home Elevator Safety Important
Would you say safety in a car is important? If you answered yes, the reasons are pretty much the same for home elevators too. Home elevators are intricate pieces of machinery added to your house and they require proper handling.
Unlike commercial lifts, home elevators are tailored to residential needs, often accommodating fewer passengers and featuring different operating mechanisms. And unlike commercial lifts, there is no lift operator on standby. You need to troubleshoot any issues by yourself. Therefore, educating every family member about the different alarms, what to do if they’re stuck and how to safely get out is essential. Emphasizing home elevator safety ensures that everyone can use it without issues or malfunctions.
Initial Education and Demonstration
Step 1: Professional Demonstration
When your home lift is installed, take advantage of the professional demonstration. Most home lift providers offer a comprehensive walkthrough of the lift’s features and operation. You need to ensure that all family members attend this session and ask any questions they have. Observing the professionals will give everyone a clear understanding of how to operate the lift safely and efficiently.
Step 2: Create a User Manual
While the home lift provider will share a manual with you, we recommend creating a simplified version. You can tailor this version in a language and terms that are easy to understand for your family. While drafting this manual, make a note to highlight key aspects such as:
- Operating instructions
- Emergency procedures
- Contact information for maintenance and repairs
Place this manual in a convenient location near the lift. This proactive step ensures everyone has quick access to vital information.
Daily Safety Practices
Step 3: Routine Checks
After you start using your brand-new home elevator, set a recurring time to conduct cautionary checks. During the check, ensure everything is in proper working order. Look for any signs of wear and tear or unusual noises. Regular checks can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, ensuring a safe home lift experience. Remember it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Step 4: Load Management
When you exceed the weight limit while using home elevators, you could get stranded in between floors or damage it in some other way. Educate your family on the importance of not overloading the elevator. Home elevators are designed with specific weight limits. Adhering to these limits prevents strain on the elevator mechanism and reduces the risk of issues. Discuss the importance of even weight distribution and discourage rushing into the elevator, especially when carrying heavy items.
Emergency Preparedness
Step 5: Emergency Drills
Emergency drills are the perfect way to simulate emergency scenarios. They help you understand the issue, the correct steps to take to overcome the issue and how to protect oneself in such scenarios. Conduct regular emergency drills to ensure everyone knows how to respond if the home lift malfunctions. Teach family members how to use the emergency alarm and the procedures to follow if the lift stops between floors. Knowing what to do in an emergency enhances the safety and peace of mind of all users.
Step 6: Emergency Contacts
Emergency contacts are an easy way to arm yourself inside the lift. Clearly display emergency contact numbers inside the lift and at each floor’s entry point. These contacts should include the lift maintenance company and local emergency services. Quick access to these numbers can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Children and Home Lift Safety
Step 7: Special Instructions for Children
Children require special attention when it comes to using home elevators. As their caretaker, you need to teach them:
- To wait for the lift to come to a complete stop before entering or exiting
- Not to play inside the lift or with the control buttons
- The importance of being patient and not rushing
You can even consider installing a child lock or supervising young children when they use the lift to ensure their complete safety. If they are hosting their friends and want to use the lift, it is always best to accompany them on the journey.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Step 8: Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance ensures that all lift components function correctly and any potential issues are addressed promptly. Schedule regular maintenance checks with a certified professional, preferably your home lift provider, to keep your home lift in optimal condition. A well-maintained lift is a safe home lift.
Step 9: Staying Informed
Stay updated on the latest safety features and recommendations for home lifts. Technology and safety standards evolve, and being informed can help you implement new safety measures and upgrades, enhancing the overall safety and functionality of your home lift.
Promoting Safe Home Lift Practices
Step 10: Reinforce Safety Habits
Regularly remind your family about the safety protocols and encourage open communication about any concerns or issues they encounter with the lift. Reinforcing these habits ensures long-term adherence to safety practices.
Step 11: Educational Resources
Utilise available resources to educate your family further. Online tutorials, instructional videos, and brochures can provide additional insights into home lift safety. Make learning about home lift safety an ongoing family activity.
Bringing Safety In Every Step — Elite Elevators
At Elite Elevators, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our customers. From the moment your home lift is installed, our team provides a detailed professional demonstration to ensure every family member is confident in its operation. Our Advanced Error Notification Systems, present in the lift, catch potential issues early and help us address them in a time-bound fashion.
Our comprehensive training includes clear instructions for managing emergencies. By following these best practices, we ensure that your home lift is not only a luxurious addition to your home but also a safe and reliable one.