Rules for the use of wheelchair elevators

Maintenance rules for lifting systems

Owners of buildings on the territory of which elevators and lifting devices are installed shall ensure their safety and safe operation in accordance with the norms of the Customs Union and specific instructions of the equipment supplier.

Daily activities

Each day should:

• Check the availability of signs with instructions for use at each landing site (for multi-storey buildings - on each floor);
• monitor the state of the buttons on the control panels, as well as the serviceability of the consoles themselves;
• perform an external inspection of installations for damage, and check the tightness of screw connections;
• Remove snow and ice in the vicinity of elevators located in the street, as well as directly on their sites.

All work on the installation, dismantling, repair and periodic maintenance of wheelchair elevators must be performed on a contractual basis by hired professionals with the appropriate clearance.

Monthly events

During the monthly inspection, it is the responsibility of the specialists to monitor the:

• operation of door latches (and their repair/cleaning if necessary);
• condition of door hinges (they are also lubricated);
• the secure attachment of windows and door handles;
• the size of the gap between the portal and the closed sashes, its adjustment;
• reliability of electric motor fastening (vibrations during operation indicate the need for additional tightening);
• the functionality of the brake (it should function smoothly);
• the accuracy of the location of the platforms near the elevator site;
• condition of belt tension, working and emergency nuts, drive screw, end position limit switches.

At the same time, the elevator is tested with an emergency battery (and replaced if the battery fails).

Annual events

Once a year it is necessary to:

• perform a self-sustaining system check with the lead propeller;
• Inspect cables and replace them;
• check reliability of drive mechanisms and brackets in the engine room.

In addition, the integrity of the paint coating of the cab and other metal parts should be checked periodically as it protects them from corrosion. Steel parts that cannot be painted should be coated with machine oil or grease. The hydraulic fluid should also be changed in good time, because its high solids content (especially abrasive particles) causes rapid line wear, gaps and leaks.

If all of the above rules are observed, lifting devices retain their serviceability without the need for major repairs for a long time (at least 8 years). Here also it is necessary to take into account that all expenses on their maintenance (according to article 15 of the Federal law "About social protection of invalids in the Russian Federation" from 24.11.1995 № 181-FZ) are paid by the administration of the settlement where they are located.

Basic recommendations for elevator users

To avoid accidents or rapid failure of lifting equipment, before and during its operation it is necessary to consider that:

• All types of wheelchair elevators are not designed to transport loads or animals;
• the total weight of the person must be taken into account together with the wheelchair, and their sum must not exceed the maximum carrying capacity of the device;
• the platform must be folded when at the end point;
• in places where elevators are installed, there should be clearly visible signs with the rules of operation (their placement is mandatory at each stopping place);
• The wheelchair must be braked before moving, to prevent accidental displacement;
• during the movement of the platform there should be no obstacles in its path (objects, people, animals).

In the event of signs of malfunction of the hoist, actuator, platform or cab, immediately stop using the equipment and call the repair team. These include: loud noise, vibrations, smoke, squeaking, grinding or other unusual noises, as well as untimely activation of the electrical equipment when the remote control commands are given. The unit should also be temporarily discontinued if visual inspection reveals deformations, loose screw connections, cracks or tears in the cables/hydraulic lines.

These simple rules will help to make the use of elevators for people with limited mobility safe, and their service life - as long as possible.