Wheelchair Lift Inspections

Wheelchair lifts are not elevators obviously, yet there are certain safety guidelines that wheelchair lifts must meet.

If you are thinking about adding a wheelchair lift to your home or business, one of the first questions you may have is “Does a wheelchair lift need to undergo an inspection?”

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The answer: Most likely, yes. The rules and regulations on elevator inspections can vary from state to state. The same holds true for wheelchair lift inspections.

In some states, wheelchair lift inspections are required for wheelchair lifts that have commercial applications (wheelchair lifts at businesses). Many states also require wheelchair lift inspections for wheelchair lifts used in multi-family homes. Some states will not require a wheelchair lift inspection for a wheelchair lift that’s being used in a single-family home. If you have any questions, it’s best to check the regulations in your state.

It is important that all wheelchair lifts be ADA compliant. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted to ensure that people with disabilities would have safe, reliable access to all flours of public buildings.

How does this apply to wheelchair lifts? Since wheelchair lifts are often used by people in wheelchairs, a certain amount of space is required. This means wheelchair lifts should at least 30 inches by 48 inches of clear space around the entrance. There are also rules and regulations dealing with flooring materials. If the wheelchair lift is installed on carpet or a grated surface, guidelines must be met to ensure the safety of the user.