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Lift Safety

Your safety is our priority. When lifting equipment is not regularly serviced, inspected, and maintained, it poses severe safety hazards to users and can lead to costly, disruptive breakdowns. Lifts include stairlifts, passenger lifts, such as those in our schemes, through-floor lifts and ceiling track hoists. Hazards include mechanical and cable failures, electrical faults and fires, sling/strap snapping and safety sensor failures.

As your landlord, we carry out lift safety inspections to ensure your home remains safe and compliant. We ask all residents to provide access for these essential checks and to report any concerns about your lift as soon as possible. By working together, we can help keep you, your family, and your neighbours safe.

Passenger lifts are communal elevators designed to move residents and visitors safely between floors.

How to manage it safely

  • Do check weight limits. Never overload the lift with heavy furniture or too many people.
  • Do clear the doors. Keep bags, mobility scooters, and pets away from closing doors.
  • Don't use in a fire. Always use the stairs if the fire alarm sounds.
  • Don't force doors. Never try to pry open doors if the lift stops between floors.
  • In an emergency. Press and hold the Alarm button (represented by a bell icon) for at least 3 to 5 seconds to alert us that you need help.

Stairlifts are motorised chairs fitted to a rail on your staircase to help you move between floors inside your home.

How to manage it safely

  • Do clear the tracks. Keep the staircase completely free of clutter, shoes, and loose rugs.
  • Do use safety features. Always buckle the seatbelt and ensure the seat is fully swivelled and locked before getting on or off.
  • Do fold it away. Fold the seat and footrest when not in use so the stairs remain safe for others to walk down.
  • Don't overload. Strictly stick to the maximum weight limit stated in your user manual.
  • Don't let children play. Keep children and pets away from the stairlift; it is not a toy.

Ceiling track hoists are motorized lifting devices running along a ceiling rail, used alongside a fabric sling to transfer individuals with limited mobility between a bed, wheelchair, or bathroom.

How to manage it safely

  • Do check the sling. Inspect the fabric sling before every use. Look for frayed stitching, tears, or damaged loops. Never use a damaged sling.
  • Do match the size. Ensure the sling is the correct size and fit for the person being moved.
  • Do park it properly. Return the hoist to its designated charging point after use so the battery stays fully charged for emergencies.
  • Don't use solo unless approved. Only operate the hoist alone if a formal occupational therapy assessment confirms it is safe to do so. Otherwise, always wait for your carer.
  • Don't force the motor. If the hoist jerks or makes unusual noises, stop using it immediately and report it.

Through-floor lifts (homelifts) transport wheelchair users or occupants directly through a ceiling aperture from one floor to the room above.

How to manage it safely

  • Do keep the apertures clear. Ensure the floor space directly above the lift—and the floor area below it—is completely clear of furniture, pets, and clutter.
  • Do use safety sensors. Ensure the safety pan underneath the lift and the sensors on the top cover are unobstructed; these stop the lift automatically if they detect an obstacle.
  • Do close the door. Keep the lift car door fully shut when moving, and park it downstairs when not in use if required by your layout.
  • Don't bypass weight limits. Do not exceed the safe working load, especially if carrying a heavy motorized wheelchair.
  • Don't let children play. Never allow children to play inside the lift car or stand on the trapdoor area upstairs.

How to contact us

There are several ways you can contact us:

Any emergency repairs can be reported to 01325 405333 24/7 365 days a year.

What if I am not satisfied with the response?

We aim to work closely with our residents, listen to their views and resolve any concerns.

If you are unhappy with the response from the Housing team you can make a complaint through the complaints procedure.

Contact the Complaints Team:

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