Standard of safety and maintenance for stairs

The assemblies are essential devices for the comfort of people’s lives with reduced mobility. To ensure safe use of this equipment, there are rigorous standards of safety and maintenance. In this article, we will simply explain the main French standards that govern the stairs to guarantee the safety of users and the sustainability of the structures.

Safety standards for stairs

Before being able to be sold and installed on the French market, a staircase must respect a series of safety standards.

The NF EN 81-40 standard establishes safety requirements to raise the seats and the platform for the use of people with reduced mobility. This standard covers the design, construction, installation and safety of these devices. NF indicates the French standard and the European standard, which means that the NF EN 81-40 standard is both a French standard and a European standard.

The main requirements covered by NF EN 81-40 Standard include:

• the size and resistance of the structural components of the stairs;
• Security requirements;
• The requirements for the installation, commissioning and maintenance of the stairs.

Maintenance standards for stairs

In addition to the safety standards, the maintenance of the stairs is essential to preserve their correct functioning and safety.

Manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations

The owners and operators of the stairs must follow the specific recommendations of the manufacturer’s maintenance manufacturer. This includes recommended maintenance intervals and maintenance procedures to be performed.

Periodic control by an authorized professional

A regular inspection carried out by an approved professional is essential to verify the general conditions of the scale, in particular the safety systems, the mechanical elements and emergency arrest devices.

Regular cleaning and maintenance

Regular cleaning and adequate lubrication of the mechanical components guarantee the correct functioning of the scale and prevent the problems related to wear.

The compulsory security systems of a scale

To ensure the protection and safety of the user during the trip, a number of devices must be present on a scale. Let’s examine them:

THEEffect: It must be able to rotate and must be designed ergonomically to sit there and leave it easily without the need to make twisting movements.

Accoudoirs: They are found on each side of the seat. They constitute protection against lateral falls and must be in a lowered position before the scale begins its race. They provide further support and help the user to insert and leave the headquarters safely. The checks to go up or down are generally found on one of the armrests.

Safety belts: It must be connected to the user’s dimensions during the trip to ensure stability and safety during the trip.

The rEposyPIEDS: It is a platform in front of the seat on which the user puts his feet during the journey. It can be folding to facilitate access and exit the seat.

The emergency stop system: It is a device that stops the staircase in case of an obstacle or speed too high.

The obstacle detector: These are sensors positioned on the scale to detect any potential obstacle on the steps, whether it is an object, an animal or a person. Automatically activate the Scala stop to avoid collisions.

The safety switch or locking switch: It is a button that blocks the beginning of the scale to prevent children from using it. In fact, a staircase can be dangerous for children, especially those of low age.

BUteaSort From FIn the CDipper: They determine the starting point and the arrest of the scale, thus ensuring that it stops automatically when it reaches the upper or lower level.

TElections: They must be installed in the upper and lower part of the stairs in order to control the distance staircase.

Since the stairs are part of the intelligent equipment of a house that makes life much easier and more pleasant for its occupants. They can be installed on almost all stairs, so why deprive them!