The Social Model for Disability offers an alternative way of viewing disability, that shifts the focus from the individual to the barriers in society that prevent disabled people from living full and independent lives. The concept was developed by disabled people to help others recognise the various inequalities and prejudices they face in everyday life.

The term ‘social model for disability’ was first coined by the disabled academic Mike Oliver in 1983, as an alternative to the ‘medical model of disability’ that suggests the problems disabled people face lie with their impairment or condition. 

The social model suggests that the barriers disabled people face lie in the way that society is organised rather than within themselves. In the UK, this concept has influenced social and government policies, helping to make society a more inclusive and accessible place for disabled people. Here are some examples of the progress made so far.

Greater rights for disabled people

The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) has played a significant role in advancing the rights of disabled people in society. It was further enhanced by the Equality Act (2010), which extends further legal protections to disabled people. 

For example, businesses and organisations such as shops, employers, educational buildings, and other public spaces must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people can access the facilities or services. This shifts the problem from the disabled person to the fabric of society.

If there are physical features of a building that are providing barriers to access, these must be altered if it is practicable to do so. This includes measures such as installing wheelchair platform lifts where there are steps or stairways, widening doorways and corridors to accommodate wheelchairs, and providing disabled toilets. 

Greater participation in planning and policymaking

In the past, decisions that shaped disabled people’s lives were usually made for them rather than by them, with very little consultation or even knowledge about the challenges that disabled people face when navigating and participating in society. The social model of inclusion has led to a far more inclusive approach to planning and policymaking.

This means that disabled individuals, disability campaign groups, and relevant social and healthcare experts are now routinely included in the consultation process when disabled people will be directly affected by the outcome of policy or new development. 

Greater integration into society

In the past, it was assumed that the majority of disabled people would not be able to work or live independently, or have families of their own. Now, there is a much stronger support and legal framework to help disabled individuals fulfil their potential in education, in the workplace, and in their social and personal lives.

For example, employers are not allowed to discriminate against disabled people by screening out job applications, and they must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that the employee is not disadvantaged at work. 

This could include providing specially adapted equipment, offering flexible working hours, or providing adaptations such as lifts, ramps, and disabled toilets.

The Royal Opera House has long expressed its ambition to ensure equal access to opera, ballet, music and the arts for one and all, committing itself to the Social Model of Disability, which puts forth the notion that people are only disabled by their barriers in society, rather than their impairments or differences.

To further that end and to ensure that visiting the Opera House doesn’t represent a challenge, the organisation got in touch with the team here at KEP Lifts to improve accessibility by installing a new wheelchair lift in one of the rehearsal rooms.

A bespoke solution to the problem was required because they were keen for the lift to be sympathetic to the beautiful surroundings of the building, ensuring that as much of the rail and posts was hidden as possible while providing the stable support necessary for wheelchairs to operate safely.

Because the rehearsal room was undergoing a full renovation, it was the perfect opportunity to install the posts into the wall itself, covering them entirely. The rail, meanwhile, was installed seamlessly onto the posts through the wall.

The end result was an inclined platform lift installed incredibly discreetly, while meeting the important accessibility levels required and making negligible aesthetic changes to the room itself, as well as minimising the space taken on the existing steps.

The Opera House also has a free Access Scheme that could be worth signing up to if you do have access needs, an initiative that provides personalised assistance the whole way through the booking process, as well as free companion tickets if support is required for attending performances.

We were truly honoured to be able to work on such an illustrious site, ensuring that all people everywhere are able to enjoy the arts, regardless of their personal circumstances.

If you’d like to discuss similar projects for your site, get in touch with the team today to discuss your requirements.

In the UK, there are standards and legal requirements around the access to lifts in retail and other commercial spaces. This ensures that customers who use wheelchairs or have other mobility challenges have equal access to goods and services. Besides compliance with best practice, this enhances the customer experience.

Here are the main benefits of investing in a bespoke platform lift for commercial spaces.

Compliance with the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 states that all public buildings should have ‘reasonable adjustments’ to compensate for any accessibility disadvantages faced by wheelchair users. This includes the provision of step-free access to all public areas wherever possible. In many cases, a platform lift will provide the best solution. 

Enhanced customer experience

Improving accessibility should not just be a box-ticking exercise in order to comply with building regulations and legal requirements. It is also about putting the customer first and ensuring that everyone has an equal quality of shopping experience. 

This demonstrates that the company values and cares about their customers and helps to build a positive brand image. Ultimately, the business will generate goodwill and benefit from repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations, which all help to increase customer volumes and drive higher sales. 

Platform lifts do not just benefit wheelchair users, but also parents with prams or pushchairs, older people who find using stairs more challenging, and staff and customers who need to transfer heavy or bulky items safely between floors or different levels of the building. They also speed up the flow and movement of people around the building.

Added value to the building

Bespoke features such as lifts help to add value to a building should it need to be sold or rented in the future. 

The importance of disability access in modern buildings is something everyone should be aware of. Where possible, they should be fitted to existing buildings - such as a wheelchair platform lift at a railway station, although there are cases where modification is not possible. But when a new building is constructed from scratch, there is no excuse.

A reminder of how important disability access is can be understood from the details of a high-profile enforcement order made by Greenwich Borough Council.

The local authority made headlines by imposing their largest-scale enforcement order ever against Comer Homes, the developer behind the Mast Quay Phase II development, a scheme that involved 204 apartments spread over three towers.

So bad was the development and so at variance with the plans Comer was given planning permission for in 2012 that the council ordered the buildings to be pulled down, citing at least 26 shortcomings that breached the planning agreement.

While these ranged from failing to provide a play area for children or rooftop gardens to smaller windows and balconies and an unauthorised reduction of ground floor commercial space, several of the flaws related directly to failings to provide access for those with wheelchairs.

These included a lack of wheelchair access to balconies (which had steps) or to the residents’ gym, plus a shortage of disabled parking bays - the latter a part of a general shortage of underground parking.

While the extent of the failings was so great that it cannot be said wheelchair users were specifically targeted, the fact they were not well served by the design or construction certainly adds to the list of problems. However, it may also serve as a useful warning to developers: get this wrong and your whole development may have to come crashing down.

This does not just apply to residential or commercial buildings. The same is true for new transport facilities. This is a point taken on board with the design of the Crossrail Elizabeth Line, with all 41 stations having step-free access.

At present, step-free access is also available on 92 London Underground and 60 London Overground stations, with ten other Tube stations set to gain step-free access by the end of 2024.

Because of the age of the system, many of the older stations are still blighted by a lack of step-free access, although modification work can do something about this in many cases. This has been demonstrated in Glasgow, where the entire Subway is Victorian, having never been expanded from its original 1896 route. All 15 stations now have step-free access.

In the same way, older buildings can also be modified in all sorts of ways. The Equalities Act 2010 and Disability Discrimination Act 2005 provide the legal powers to ensure disabled access to public buildings.

Where a building is listed, it is still legally permissible to make alterations to accommodate accessibility needs, with English Heritage having produced guidance on how to balance potential conflicts between the need for access and the conservation of buildings in their historic condition.

If so much can be done to ensure wheelchair users and others with disabilities can access old buildings, it is small wonder local authorities will not put up with failure to provide this access in new developments.

Battersea Park Station in south London could be set for a major multi-million pound upgrade. London News Online reports that the works will include plans to provide step-free access to the platforms, and the steep narrow stairwells could be replaced with lifts. This will enable disabled and people with restricted mobility to use the station.

The station is expected to see a substantial increase in passenger numbers in the future, as it is likely that more overground trains will call at the station. Currently, overground trains only call in the early morning and evening, but with new developments taking place in Wandsworth, demand is expected to increase.

A Wandsworth council spokesperson said: “The council has been working with Network Rail on the development of a significant improvement scheme for Battersea Park Station, which would deliver a new, reconfigured station with step-free access.”

“The station currently has steep and unsuitable stairwell access to the platforms and needs improvement works if it is to provide acceptable access to rail transport services for an increased number of residents and visitors.”

An upgrade plan would see step-free access provided to four of the station’s five platforms. There is still some debate about the final scope of the scheme due to budget constraints. The original plans were projected to cost about £35.6 million, with funding jointly provided by Wandsworth Council and the Department for Transport Access for All Programme.

However, sufficient funds could not be allocated, and now Network Rail are working on revised plans with an estimated cost of £20 million, which are due to be put to Wandsworth Council’s Transport Committee shortly.

If you are looking for Battersea Park Station, please contact us today.

In modern architectural design, there is quite rightly an increasing demand for more accessible and inclusive buildings. Therefore including bespoke platform lifts as an integral part of the design process is an ideal solution to ensure easy access between different levels and floors. Here are some of the advantages of contemporary platform lifts.

Discreet designs for historic buildings

It is often assumed that historic and listed buildings are exempt from the accessibility regulations, but this is incorrect. Under the Equality Act 2010, all buildings are required to have ‘reasonable adjustment’ to accommodate wheelchair users, regardless of age or listed status. In some cases, this might be provided by shallow ramps. 

However, this is not always an ideal solution for historic buildings, where preserving the original character of the building is a priority. Therefore, a platform lift that can be blended sympathetically into the surroundings can be the perfect answer. 

For rises of less than 1000mm (the distance from the lower landing to the upper landing), an open platform lift can be installed. These are lightweight, take up little space, do not require a pit, and are quiet and simple to use. 

For rises of over 1000mm, an enclosed platform lift is required. These can be tailored to fit seamlessly into their surroundings and are suitable for both commercial and residential properties.

Future proofing the building design

If your building is used by the general public, then there are strict regulations regarding the accessibility for wheelchair users. This applies to entrances, access between levels, and facilities. All new buildings should consider accessibility from the very first stages of the planning and design process.

Existing buildings need to be retrofitted to ensure that they provide an inclusive environment for everyone. In some cases, the provisions made for wheelchair access are inadequate token gestures, such as the provision of temporary ramps that are kept stored out of sight, or even no attempt at ‘reasonable adjustment’ at all.  

However, it is estimated that one in five Britons now lives with a disability, which equates to about 14 million people. Furthermore, the UK has an ageing population, with about 11 million people over the age of 65. This is expected to increase to 13 million people by the end of the decade. 

We may be living longer, but unfortunately we are still prone to health problems and it is likely that the number of wheelchair users will rise significantly over the next ten years. Therefore, it makes good economic sense to future proof your building with modern and effective accessibility solutions that are convenient and easy to use.

This sends the message to your visitors that you are a progressive and forward thinking organisation, and will make sure that your building is compliant with the current and any future changes to accessibility legislation.

In modern architectural design, there is quite rightly an increasing demand for more accessible and inclusive buildings. Therefore including bespoke platform lifts as an integral part of the design process is an ideal solution to ensure easy access between different levels and floors. Here are some of the advantages of contemporary platform lifts.

Discreet designs for historic buildings

It is often assumed that historic and listed buildings are exempt from the accessibility regulations, but this is incorrect. Under the Equality Act 2010, all buildings are required to have ‘reasonable adjustment’ to accommodate wheelchair users, regardless of age or listed status. In some cases, this might be provided by shallow ramps.  

However, this is not always an ideal solution for historic buildings, where preserving the original character of the building is a priority. Therefore, a platform lift that can be blended sympathetically into the surroundings can be the perfect answer.  

For rises of less than 1000mm (the distance from the lower landing to the upper landing), an open platform lift can be installed. These are lightweight, take up little space, do not require a pit, and are quiet and simple to use.  

For rises of over 1000mm, an enclosed platform lift is required. These can be tailored to fit seamlessly into their surroundings and are suitable for both commercial and residential properties.

Future proofing the building design

If your building is used by the general public, then there are strict regulations regarding the accessibility for wheelchair users. This applies to entrances, access between levels, and facilities. All new buildings should consider accessibility from the very first stages of the planning and design process. 

Existing buildings need to be retrofitted to ensure that they provide an inclusive environment for everyone. In some cases, the provisions made for wheelchair access are inadequate token gestures, such as the provision of temporary ramps that are kept stored out of sight, or even no attempt at ‘reasonable adjustment’ at all.   

However, it is estimated that one in five Britons now lives with a disability, which equates to about 14 million people. Furthermore, the UK has an ageing population, with about 11 million people over the age of 65. This is expected to increase to 13 million people by the end of the decade.  

We may be living longer, but unfortunately we are still prone to health problems and it is likely that the number of wheelchair users will rise significantly over the next ten years. Therefore, it makes good economic sense to future proof your building with modern and effective accessibility solutions that are convenient and easy to use. 

This sends the message to your visitors that you are a progressive and forward thinking organisation, and will make sure that your building is compliant with the current and any future changes to accessibility legislation.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) is legislation that was introduced by the Health & Safety Executive in 1974 and revised and updated in 1998. It is designed to cover all lifting operations conducted for work purposes, including equipment such as platform lifts.

Part of LOLER states that lifting equipment should undergo thorough examinations and routine inspections. This is imperative as the failure of lifting equipment can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Routine inspections

Some of these checks may need to be made by the user before each operation, to check that the essential components are sound. Depending on the nature of the equipment and how often it is used, routine inspections and checks may be carried out on a weekly, quarterly, or monthly basis.

These should be carried out by trained personnel who are familiar with how the equipment is used, and can verify safe usage of equipment can continue.

Thorough examinations

The HSE defines a thorough examination thus: “This is a systematic and detailed examination of the equipment and safety-critical parts, carried out at specified intervals by a competent person who must then complete a written report.”

The report must contain the examination date, the date when the next examination is due, and any dangerous or potentially dangerous defects.

These examinations must be carried out before first use (unless certain specified conditions are met). The examiner must be a ‘competent person’, which means that they should have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge to identify any defects.

Thereafter, the examinations must be carried out after assembly and before use at each location, and regularly while in service. This could mean every six to 12 months, depending on how the equipment is used. Any devices used to lift people must be thoroughly examined every six months.

If you are looking for a wheelchair platform lift, please get in touch with us today.

Ten London Underground stations have been flagged up as a priority consideration for step-free access, including the installation of lifts to the platforms. The Evening Standard reports that Transport for London (TfL) have earmarked the stations for improved access to make travelling quicker and easier.  

The stations for review include Alperton, Arnos Grove, Burnt Oak, Eastcote, Finchley Road, Northolt, North Acton, Rayners Lane, West Hampstead and White City. TfL further said that access to the southern section of the Northern Line between Elephant and Castle and Modern will be reviewed.  

TfL added that their decisions about which stations to upgrade were guided by customer feedback and discussions with accessibility campaigners. Currently, about a third of the 272 Tube stations have lifts, while the others can only be accessed via a flight of stairs, making it difficult for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs or heavy wheeled luggage.  

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am committed to ensuring London’s world-class public transport network is accessible for all Londoners.” 

He added: “I’m delighted to announce the next 10 Tube stations TfL will review for potential step-free access, and I am determined to keep working to deliver a public transport network that is accessible to all as we build a better, fairer London for everyone.” 

TfL commissioner Andy Lord said: “More than a third of the Tube network is now step-free, and we have also delivered the step-free Elizabeth line, as well as improvements on the London Overground, but we know that we must do more to make London’s transport network truly accessible and inclusive.” 

However, TfL have admitted that any upgrading work to improve accessibility will be dependent on securing joint funding from developers or councils.

Looking for a wheelchair platform lift? Please visit our website today!

All employers in the UK have a duty to protect workers from the risks of manually handling loads. Incorrect handling techniques can lead to a range of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which may affect the joints, legs, arms, or lower back. It is estimated that 40% of all work-related illnesses are related to MSDs.

While not all of these illnesses are directly caused by manual handling at work, they may be made worse by poor practice in the workplace, leading to higher rates of sickness absence and lost productivity. Employers and managers have a responsibility to prevent and minimise the risk factors.

They must comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002. Here are some of the main points to bear in mind.

Avoid the need for manual handling

The guidelines state that the need for hazardous manual handling should be avoided ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’. For example, automation or mechanisation may be introduced for the lifting and moving of loads. This could be through the introduction of powered conveyors, forklift trucks, lifting tables, or service and goods lifts.

Carry out a risk assessment

If it is not possible to avoid manually lifting or handling loads, a full risk assessment should be carried out. The Health and Safety Executive provides full guidelines and tools on how to produce a ‘suitable and sufficient’ assessment that complies with the regulations. Steps should be taken to minimise any risks that are identified.

Train staff and listen to feedback

Staff should be fully aware of the manual handling risks in the workplace and should be trained in identifying, managing, and controlling risk. Employees should be encouraged to give feedback, consulted and listened to as they are best placed to know the day to day nature of the work and the particular challenges of the working environment.

Information should be collected on the size, weight and shape of loads and how often they are handled, and any issues such as awkward spaces, difficult access to  shelving, or uneven flooring.

Teach good handling techniques

It is important to train staff in the correct techniques for manual handling loads. However, this should not be seen as a substitute for putting other measures in place such as providing lifting aids, reducing the need for repetitive actions, and ensuring that the workplace is as safe as it reasonably can be for carrying out manual handling tasks.

Basic precautions should be taken when lifting loads. These include using both hands, lifting the load in front of and close to the body, and avoiding twisting. Stand with the feet apart and one leg forwards to increase stability, and look ahead rather than down at the load.

Before the lift takes place, check that the surface where it will be placed is free from obstructions. If the load is being lifted from the floor to shoulder height, it may be necessary to provide a mid-point resting place such as a bench. If the load is unreasonably heavy, assistance should be sought. 

If you are looking for bespoke platform lifts, please get in touch with us today.

The users of Dorchester South railway station in Dorset have called for better access to the platforms, the BBC reports. There is currently no step-free access between each platform, meaning that travellers who are unable to climb stairs have to walk 1km to make use of the ramps and bridge that front the road.

South Western Railway have confirmed that they have submitted a bid to install lifts at the station. There are also calls for improved disabled parking facilities.

John Darling, chairman of the Dorchester Disabled Club, said: "If you are coming from Manor Park area, it's very difficult because you've got to cross the bridge. You can be dropped at the front - there are sunken kerbs and a ramp for wheelchair access and a ramp, which is great.”

"What is seriously lacking is the parking around the station for disabled people. There are two spaces in the station car park which are invariably full."

A South Western Railway spokesperson said the firm was "investigating a further trial on the more regular use of platform one". They added: "Alongside Network Rail, we have submitted a bid to the Department for Transport for a lift scheme at the station and the successful schemes will be announced later this year."

West Dorset MP Chris Loder said: "I think the station is an embarrassment to the county town. It's been poorly looked after. The thing that would really make an impact would be a new footbridge and lifts to go with it. A bid has gone to the government so I'm hopeful we will see some considerable improvements."

Network Rail currently has an Access for All Programme that provides funding to make Britain's rail network more accessible and inclusive.

If you are looking for a passenger lift company, please get in touch with us today.

Lifts are utilised in almost every building with multiple floors these days, from commercial properties to residential buildings. Ensuring lift safety is vital in making sure that anyone who uses the lift, whether as a passenger or as a worker, remains safe and secure. 

One of the key considerations when dealing with lift safety is to ensure that regular inspections and maintenance are done. This helps to make sure that the lift remains in full working order and removes the risk of any issues going unnoticed. 

Maintenance is essential in ensuring any issues, should they arise, are dealt with as promptly as possible and the lift can be taken out of use while the issue is resolved, rather than allowing it to worsen and possibly put people in harm's way. 

This is also a legal requirement as lifts are required to comply with safety regulations in order to remain in service. Local councils may conduct inspections of lifts to ensure they meet all safety requirements and fines may be issued should anything be amiss. 

These regulations are in place to keep the users of the lift safe and out of harm's way and to ensure that everything possible has been done to prevent any accidents or emergencies involving the lift. 

If you own a building which has a lift in it, you should also work to create an emergency procedure checklist should anything happen while people are in the lift. 

This includes having safety features such as a call button, emergency exit and access hatch in the lift which are well-maintained and in full working order. 

You should also ensure signage is available and easy to read and understand for those using the lift to inform them of what to do in an emergency situation. 

Looking for professional lift companies? Contact KEP Lifts today.

A dumbwaiter is a small service lift that is traditionally used in hotels and large mansion houses to transport food to upper floors and to return dirty dishes. It can also be used to transport other small loads up to 100kg that are too heavy or awkward to carry up or down stairs.

As well as saving the time and labour of carrying items back and forth, dumbwaiters were a means to avoid disturbing the patrons of large houses with noise and food smells, hence the memorable name. The servants could use the device to go about delivering meals silently and unobtrusively when extra privacy was required.

These days, dumbwaiters are a multipurpose lift and are commonly used in hospitals, pharmacies, offices, and factories to transport small loads between floors. However, they are not intended to carry people.

When was the dumbwaiter invented?

It may surprise you to learn that the first recorded use of a dumbwaiter dates back to the era of the Ancient Romans, around 200 BC. Of course, these weren’t the sophisticated mechanical devices that we are familiar with today. Rather, they were operated with a system of ropes and pulleys and some old fashioned man power!

The first mechanical dumbwaiter was invented in New York by George W. Cannon in 1883. They soon became popular throughout North America and Europe for use in the hospitality trade, and also in larger private homes with wealthy owners who kept servants. The service lift was used to move laundry as well as dishes or food.

Modern dumbwaiters

Today, the dumbwaiter is electronically driven and can be fitted with intercom systems and security locks. They are still used in hotels and larger private homes, as well as care homes and other residential settings. Pubs and restaurants that store beer kegs in the basement often use dumbwaiters to transport them up to the bar.

If you are looking for a goods lift company, please get in touch with us today.

Plumstead Station in south east London is undergoing a £4.6m upgrade that will include step free access and the installation of new CCTV cameras. Network Rail media centre reports that two new 16-person capacity lifts will be installed to help passengers with disabilities and those with luggage, pushchairs, prams, and bicycles to have step-free platform access.

Hodan Hassan, Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor, said: “We’re really pleased to be carrying out another project to continue making the railway more accessible for passengers. This is a key commitment for us at Network Rail and we’re glad to see this project get underway.”

He added: “Throughout the works we will work closely with our partners at Southeastern, the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council and the local community to ensure we minimise any disruption to passengers and local residents. Plumstead station will remain open to passengers throughout the work and rail services will not be affected.”

Kevin Warn, Southeastern's area manager, said: “We know that our customers will be keenly awaiting the completion of these improvements, and so we’re delighted that Network Rail has started this work to make journeys easier for everyone who uses the railway."

Cllr Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for climate change, environment and transport at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This investment in Plumstead station will significantly improve access for the local community, making life easier for people who have disabilities, or a pram or a bike, to use the station.”

He added: “I’m delighted to see work getting underway. This will also complement improvements we’re planning around Plumstead station, which aim to make it easier, safer and more attractive for people walking and cycling.”

The work is expected to be completed by spring 2024. It is part of the Department for Transport’s wider ‘Access for All’ scheme, which is seeing similar station upgrades across the southern region.

If you are looking for bespoke platform lifts, please get in touch today.

In what may be a surprise, the world’s tallest passenger lifts are not actually found in the world’s tallest building.

Despite the many records and accolades the almighty Burj Khalifa holds, including the highest elevator installation and longest travel distance, the tallest lift in a building is in the Shanghai Tower, the fourth largest building in the world.

However, whilst this accomplishment is hotly contested amongst huge skyscrapers and tests the principles of lift construction to their very limits, there are other ways to be the world’s biggest lift as the impressive lift in the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, India demonstrates.

Weighing 16 tonnes and with a total size of 25.78 square metres, the passenger lift at the Jio World Centre can carry up to 235 people at a time across five floors of its convention centre and gardens at a speed of one metre per second (2.2mph).

This impressive feat is possible through the use of a pulley beam system that aids the 9 ropes and 18 pulleys to lift the panoramic glass lift up, with a four-panel glass door system to allow people to enter and exit quickly.

This design was planned with large wedding parties in mind but is also suited for large volumes of exhibition and conference guests, for whom a major issue has always been traversing conference centres with multiple floors due to a lack of capacity.

It also follows the luxury lift trend of making the floor travelling experience as much of an event as the events themselves, with a crystal-studded light in the ceiling, an elegant lotus theme and two large information screens with updates and building news as appropriate.

The issue with trying to break this record is that to do so will require extensive planning at the beginning of construction to ensure the extensive lift systems are factored into the building’s design from the very start.

You may not think that a lift can be particularly strange or unique, but there are several that stand out from the crowd and stray from what we know to be a typical passenger lift.

While none of these quite live up to the standards of the great glass elevator, as seen in the Roald Dahl book, they are still extremely interesting and distinctive in their own way.

The Aquadom in Berlin’s Radisson Blu Hotel is an amazing cylindrical aquarium that houses over 1,500 fish. It is largely regarded as the largest freestanding aquarium in the whole world, but the most amazing past may be the fact that it houses an elevator.

A transparent glass elevator sits at its centre, allowing passengers to travel up through this incredible aquarium and see the fish face to face.

Another incredible lift is the one that travels up the Burk Khalifa. This is the tallest building in the world and the lift which transports you to the top is the fastest lift in the world! Reaching speeds of 22mph, it is able to travel the height of the tower in just 90 short seconds.

The Hammetschwand Lift in Switzerland may look like the skeletal remains of old scaffolding, however, it is actually a lift that transports passengers to a breath-taking viewpoint looking out over Lake Lucerne.

This lift is Europe's highest outdoor elevator and allows passengers to see some of the most beautiful views in the world. The 153m high structure was first opened in 1905 and remains functional to this day.

The Bailong Elevator is an otherworldly lift located in China. Made entirely of glass and sitting at an insane 305m high, this lift is the tallest outdoor lift in the world. Upon reaching the top, you can look out across the magnificent Zhangjiajie Forest National Park.

Potentially terrifying but almost definitely worth it for the views, this lift is likely the closest we will get to the great glass elevator!

In 1964, the concept of passenger lifts that were made entirely of glass and could not only go up and down but from side to side as well was so impossibly futuristic that it was immortalised in one of the most famous works of pure imagination in literary history.

The book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl in 1964 was surprisingly prophetic, as not only would lifts made of structural glass become increasingly popular for skyscrapers, but even the concept of a lift that could travel sideways became possible as well.

Simply known as Multi by the German company ThyssenKrupp, the lift system does not use the standard system of pulleys and cables to move the lift but instead uses a series of motors and magnets inspired in part by those used on high-speed magnetic levitation railways.

Originally unveiled in 2014 as the biggest development in lift technology since Elisha Otis cut the cable and unveiled the safety elevator nearly two centuries ago, Multi was said to reduce power demands by up to 60 per cent and increase transport capacity by half compared to conventional lifts.

It also could be more easily expanded, allowing for faster lifts that could travel further and increase the potential for even greater skyscrapers than buildings like the Burj Khalifa, but its biggest achievement was that thanks to rotating tracks it could travel sideways, allowing for a revolution in building design.

It was installed inside Rottweil Test Tower in 2017 and was apparently set to be installed in East Side Tower in Berlin, although as of 2023 that plan has changed and little has been heard since.

The issue is that currently only one company offers the system and a building has to be designed around its smaller but specific form factor. If it turns out not to be the right decision, it is impossible to retrofit a conventional lift as the shafts are far too small.

It has only been six years and given the long development times for skyscrapers, there is a chance that a developer would commit to it.

Lifts provide a vital service in the modern world. They help to make buildings and other areas far more accessible to the general public and can make travel much faster and more efficient.

It is rare these days to enter a building which has multiple floors and not find a lift. They come in many shapes and sizes depending on what they are used for and can help transport people, goods and machinery much easier than stairs can.

Often, you will not realise how much you rely on lifts until they are out of order and you have to take the stairs. This can be frustrating however there are several ways you can ensure your lift is always in working order.

By looking out for these signs, it can alert you to any potential issues so you are able to solve them before they worsen.

Firstly, if any machinery starts to make strange or unusual sounds, it is usually not a good sign. This is the same for lifts. Any rattling, squeaking or banging sounds are a good indicator that there is a fault with the lift.

It is best to call a mechanic out as soon as possible if you notice any abnormal sounds and they can often indicate a serious and sometimes dangerous problem with the mechanics of the lift.

If the lift is moving less smoothly than it should, this can be a sign of several issues. This may just indicate that the cables need some extra lubrication or that the load in the lift is too heavy, however, it is best to have this checked in case of serious underlying issues.

If your lift is slowing down, this can indicate that repairs are needed. It is normal for a lift to move a little bit slower over time as it ages, however, there should never be a significant delay between floors or between doors opening and closing.

Frequent use of a lift, such as in a shopping centre, a hotel, office building, or even a home lift can lead to it slowing down. This is also true for lifts in warehouses which consistently bear heavy loads. However, it is important that you seek the advice of a mechanic if you notice delays.

While it may not be a sign of a serious issue, it is always best to have a professional assess the lift to ensure it is still in full working order and to avoid any problems from arising.

Finally, if you find that the lift is experiencing frequent issues, is breaking down often or you are calling a mechanic for help more than is normal, it may be time to consider upgrading or replacing your lift.

It is normal for machinery to deteriorate as it ages, however, constant repairs and servicing can be very expensive and often it will be cheaper, in the long run, to replace the lift entirely than to keep having frequent repair work done.

Lifts that are provided for use in the workplace must adhere to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and businesses will need to assume responsibility for safety, carrying out routine maintenance and inspections. More information can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.

Motspur Park railway station in Merton, London, is undergoing an upgrading programme that will include a new step-free footbridge. The covered bridge will provide full access to the lifts and stairs on the central platform, London News Online reports.

New security cameras and lights will be installed around the lifts and bridge as part of the improvements carried out by Network Rail, who are working in partnership with South Western Railway and Merton Council. 

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, cabinet member for transport at Merton council, said: “I’m 

delighted that we’ve been able to bring improvements forward for Motspur Park station. 

“Delivering step-free access here will hugely benefit the local community, allowing those with mobility impairments to travel further and more freely as well as bringing safety improvements for all travellers.”

The step-free footbridge is being installed as part of the Government’s Access for All programme, which was launched in 2006 to help address the problems faced by disabled railway users, as well as those with heavy luggage or pushchairs. So far, over 150 have been upgraded with new lifts and ramps to improve platform accessibility. 

The scheme is divided into the main programme, the mid-tier programme, and small projects. Mid and small scale improvements include handrails, tactile paving, toilets, automatic doors, and customer information screens. 

Loraine Martins, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail, said: “Most of the railway was designed during the Victorian era, but today we have a better understanding of how we should provide wider access and inclusion for everyone.”

“Thanks to the Access for All programme, we now have step-free, accessible routes at more than 200 stations across Britain, having just recently completed some improvements at Hebden Bridge station in West Yorkshire as part of a £2.2 million investment to upgrade access.”

The Motspur Park Footbridge is expected to open to the public in 2024.

If you are looking for lift companies in Canterbury, please get in touch today.

We rely on lifts a lot in the modern world. They help us to transport goods and machinery, make buildings more accessible and can make travelling between floors much easier and quicker. But when was the first lift invented and what was it used for?

From pulley systems for transporting stone to super-speed elevators that take us hundreds of meters in the air, the lift has developed and advanced so much over the course of history.

A lift can be found on almost anything. Machinery often has lifts to allow them to transport goods, buildings have lifts to transport people and some vehicles also have lifts to enable them to manoeuvre objects around. But how did the lift come to be?

To discover this, we must travel back in history to around 200 BC. Archimedes was a Greek mathematician who is originally credited for inventing the beginnings of what we now know to be the modern lift.

However, similar contraptions date back even further to Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used hoists akin to lifts to help transport rocks and stones when building the pyramids and these were often driven by men or even animals.

While the lift today is a long way off these ancient contraptions, it is clear that their basic mechanics are the same. A rope, or cable, which uses a pulley system to move upwards and downwards in order to transport a load.

In Ancient Rome, a form of lift was used in the colosseum, and they have also been noted as being fashionable and prevalent in royal palaces and castles.

It wasn't until the industrial revolution that this really caught on and became a widespread and commonly used mechanism though. During this period, steam-driven lifts were used in order to carry heavy loads that could not be handled manually.

In the early 19th century, the first hydraulic lift was made. Although during this time, they were still mainly used for the transportation of goods. People carrying lifts were not commonplace due to a lack of safety regulations and fear of the unknown.

It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the passenger lift was invented in New York. The Equitable Life Building was the first in the world to have functioning passenger lifts. The first electrical lift followed not ten years later in 1880, being created in Germany.

Many people were still wary of lifts at this time and chose not to use them, however it is still incredible to think that they were invented so long ago. Although technology has advanced since then, the basic mechanics of the lift remain much the same, showing it to be a historical design.

Lifts have helped to revolutionise the way we live. We are now able to travel up skyscrapers that sit hundreds of metres in the sky in just a few short seconds. It is definite that we take them for granted and don’t truly appreciate just how much easier they have made life.