In today’s world, accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement but a moral obligation for businesses- and a driving factor for many consumers who want to make more conscious, intentional buying decisions. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to your facility is crucial- and one of the most effective ways to meet this need is by installing a commercial wheelchair lift.
RAM Elevators are industry experts in providing accessibility features for businesses of all sizes and can help you find the proper wheelchair lift solution to ensure your facilities are accessible, welcoming, and compliant with regulatory practices. Investing in a commercial wheelchair lift isn’t just about meeting laws; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, and RAM is here to help you find the perfect solution. Keep reading to find the right one for you!
What Businesses Can Benefit from Wheelchair Lift Installation?
Installing a commercial wheelchair lift is beneficial for a wide array of businesses and buildings. Retail stores, offices, hotels, educational institutions, and tertiary healthcare providers can all significantly enhance accessibility by incorporating wheelchair lifts into their infrastructure.
Obviously, multi-level buildings have the most potential for enhanced accessibility by providing easy access to all floors; for those with mobility challenges, winding staircases (often built from slippery, non-ergonomic concrete, no less) can be a major turn-off for customers and clients. Older buildings that were not originally designed with accessibility in mind are also ideal for a lift installation, and many can be retrofitted with a mobility-friendly lift in order to make them more inclusive while also bolstering their usability and resale value.
Before you get too excited about selecting your new lift from RAM, always contact your local municipality for building codes and regulations to ensure your building can be updated with a lift. It’s also helpful to find out if there are local or federal grants to subsidize your lift installation, as many governments invest in making workplaces, businesses, and other spaces more inclusive. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, creating an accessible facility is important for building a positive reputation and adhering to legal standards in your community.
Important Things to Consider When Installing a Wheelchair Lift
When considering the installation of a commercial wheelchair lift, it’s essential to keep several key factors in mind to prevent structural headaches or unnecessary building complications. Before you call in the team at RAM Elevators for a catalogue, you may want to consider the following:
- Space and Location: The available space and the intended location of the lift are both crucial. You need to ensure that there’s adequate space for the lift to operate efficiently without obstructing other areas of the building and that your building’s infrastructure (power grid, electrical connections, etc) is capable of supporting your lift installation.
- Type of Lift: There are various wheelchair lifts, including vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts, and portable wheelchair lifts. The kind you choose should be based on your specific needs, the layout of your building, and the level of accessibility you’re providing. If you’re uncertain, RAM’s Flex-Lift has over 70 possible configurations.
- Compliance with Regulations: Ensure the lift you choose complies with all local, state, and federal regulations. This includes ADA compliance and other relevant accessibility standards. If you’re in the early stages of planning your upgrade, our team can help point you in the right direction with guidance and expert advice from decades of experience.
- User Experience: The lift should be easy to use for mobility-restricted users and others who might assist them, such as loved ones or caregivers. It should be reliable, intuitive, and safe. Our team can help you find the perfect solution based on your business’s clientele to help narrow down the features and fixtures you’ll need.
Safety and Maintenance Considerations for Operating a Commercial Wheelchair Lift
User safety is paramount when installing and operating a commercial wheelchair lift, so regular maintenance and servicing are essential to ensure optimal working performance. Make sure your business is prepared to include routine lift inspections to identify and address any potential issues before they become costly, larger problems- for your clientele andyour bottom line.
Proper staff training on lift safety and operations is also critical, so while your commercial wheelchair lift is being installed, prepare a safety and training module for your team. Having an emergency protocol in place for lift failures or other issues that may result in lift downtime is also crucial to protect your customers and users alike. Regular servicing and adherence to the RAM and manufacturer guidelines will help protect your lift and ensure it’s safe for years to come!
Let RAM Elevators Help You Bring Your Business Accessibility to New Heights
Choosing the right commercial wheelchair lift solution for your business shouldn’t feel daunting or intimidating, and RAM Elevators is here to help guide you through the process of upgrading your accessibility features with ease! We’re proud to offer affordable, high-quality commercial wheelchair lifts and the ease of expert installation to help your business become more inclusive.
When you buy a RAM Elevator product, you can rest assured that your accessibility needs will be met with professionalism, precision, and care every step (or lift!) of the way. Visit our website or contact our team to get started on making accessibility a seamless part of your business infrastructure!