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A lift or a ramp? We Understand from Platform Lift Company

It is expensive for any business to install a lift or a ramp. How do you make the right choice?

Choice can be determined by the architecture of the building. A narrow or high space dictates that an appropriately-sized lift should be used for wheelchair access, for example.

In other disabled access cases, ramps are favoured for their ease of installation.

However, Platform Lift Company Managing Director Clive Hammond says businesses that turn to ramps as a quick fix are asking for trouble.

"Ramps may seem like a quick fix but they don't offer the flexibility of a lift, and can cause real headaches if not implemented properly," Hammond said.

"Ramps can easily become unusable for many customers and patrons if the gradient is too steep, if the surface is slippery in wet conditions or for any other number of reasons. We've spoken with many businesses, which had to scrap their existing ramp and consider other options due to common problems."

Platform Lift Company advises the basic guidelines to follow when choosing a disabled access option are:

Get an accessibility expert, rather than a local builder or architect to advise you. Accessibility experts understand the current range of options and technologies and can advise on the best fit for your business.
Ask your currently disabled patrons and customers about their preferences and experiences. Most will be willing to provide feedback on what they prefer. Local community groups are often the easiest way to do this.
Contact your local council or Federal authority for guidelines and compliance with building codes and the Disability Discrimination Act.

Platform Lift Company, which has offices through Australia, the Middle East and Europe, is a supplier and installer of platform lifts for disabled access.

Platform Lift Company has vast experience in providing solutions for disabled access and wheelchair lifts.

Its disabled lift products are in action at sites such as Sydney Opera House and Christian Dior's flagship Sydney boutique to across the world at Hugo Boss' Sloane Square masterpiece in London. Equally their top-of-the-range disabled access products are in aged-care facilities, schools and residential buildings - old and new.

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