How to Stay Safe When Using Your Stairlift

Stairlifts are a great home adaptation if you’re elderly or suffer from mobility issues but it’s important to know how to use them safely. A stairlift allows users to travel comfortably up and down the stairs but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

If you or a loved one is considering installing a stairlift in their home, see below for our top tips to stay safe.

Fold the seat

Stairlifts come with seats that can be folded up out of the way when not in use. Get into the habit of folding the seat every time, especially if you live with other people. This keeps the stairs clear and reduces the chances of people tripping or injuring themselves on the stairlift.

Keep stairs clear

As well as folding the seat, keep your stairs clear of general clutter and obstructions. Toys, clothing or loose pieces of carpet can obstruct your stairlift and make it more dangerous to use. Obstacles can also cause your stairlift to get stuck halfway, so keep stairs clear of clutter at all times.

One user at a time

Srtairlifts come with a maximum weight limit and it’s vital to adhere to this for your own safety. You might be tempted to carry a grandchild or pet upstairs with you, but it’s very important to stick to one passenger at a time. Users should also avoid carrying heavy or bulky items on the stairlift with them.

Buckle up

Stairlifts come with built-in seatbelts and it’s important to use them for your own safety. Stairlifts move at a slow, steady speed, but use the seatbelt to reduce the chances of accident or injury.

If you’re thinking about installing a stairlift in your home, get in touch with the professionals at Alfix. Customer safety is extremely important to us, which is why we’re proud to offer a range of stairlift systems to suit your needs. We supply and install stairlifts to suit both straight and curved stairs, as well as custom designs for narrow staircases or heavy duty stairlifts with larger weight-bearing capacities. For more information or to discuss your requirements, visit our website or give us a call today to book a free consultation.