How can I tell if my Stannah stairlift needs immediate maintenance attention?

A Stannah stairlift needs immediate maintenance attention if it will not start or stop correctly, moves unevenly, makes a new or worsening noise, repeatedly shows a fault, fails to charge, or has a problem with a safety component. Stop using the lift if you feel unsafe, keep other people away from it where necessary, and contact Independent Stairlifts for professional advice. Do not continue making journeys to see whether the problem clears or attempt to repair, adjust or bypass a safety device yourself.

Some faults may prevent the stairlift from operating at all, while others can appear intermittent. An issue that happens only occasionally still needs reporting, particularly if it affects movement, braking, charging or the position of the seat. A fault can become more difficult to manage if the lift is repeatedly used after warning signs appear.

Stop using the stairlift immediately if you notice:

• The lift does not move when the control is operated, or starts without a clear command.
• It fails to stop promptly when the control is released, or does not stop at the expected position.
• Movement is jerky, unusually slow, uneven or accompanied by a sudden change in speed.
• The stairlift stops unexpectedly on the stairs or cannot complete its journey.
• A warning light, display message or audible alert appears repeatedly, particularly after the basic checks in the user manual have been completed.
• The seat, armrests, seat belt, swivel mechanism or footrest is loose, damaged or not locking as intended.
• The stairlift operates while a safety edge, obstruction sensor or other protective feature appears to be stuck, damaged or ineffective.
• There is a burning smell, smoke, visible electrical damage, excessive heat or evidence of a battery leaking.

Unusual sounds also deserve attention. A new grinding, scraping, knocking, repeated clicking or harsh mechanical noise can indicate a problem with the carriage, drive system, track, seat mechanism or another moving part. A faint operational sound may be normal, but a noise that is louder than usual, changes with direction or is accompanied by vibration or hesitation should not be ignored. Turn the lift off if this can be done safely and arrange an assessment.

Charging problems should be dealt with promptly. If the stairlift does not charge when parked, loses power more quickly than usual, repeatedly reports a low battery or only works after being moved to a particular position, check that the charger is connected to its power supply and that the stairlift is parked in its normal charging position. Check for an obvious obstruction or a disconnected plug without opening any covers. If the problem remains, do not rely on repeated charging attempts or use the lift until a qualified engineer has identified the cause.

You can carry out only simple, safe observations before contacting us. Check that the main power supply has not been switched off, the remote control has a working battery if applicable, the seat is correctly positioned for travel, and there is no visible object obstructing the footrest, track or safety edges. Follow the instructions supplied with your particular stairlift. Never remove covers, interfere with wiring, lubricate parts unless the manufacturer specifically permits it, or try to release a trapped carriage using tools.

If the stairlift has stopped with someone on the stairs, keep the person seated and secured if it is safe to do so. Do not try to lift or carry them while the staircase is obstructed unless there is an immediate danger. Contact Independent Stairlifts for guidance and explain where the lift has stopped, whether anyone is on it, what the controls are showing and what happened immediately beforehand. If there is smoke, fire, exposed wiring or another immediate hazard, move away if possible and contact the emergency services.

When reporting a fault, provide the stairlift model if known, the location of the lift, whether it has power, any display or warning information, the direction in which it was travelling, and whether the problem is constant or intermittent. A short description of unusual sounds or a photograph of a visible warning message can help with the initial assessment, but do not delay urgent assistance to gather information.

Regular servicing can identify wear before it develops into a breakdown, but it does not replace prompt attention to a new fault. Even if the stairlift begins working again after being switched off and on, or after being repositioned on its charger, report the incident so that the underlying cause can be considered. Professional maintenance is particularly important where the lift is used every day, has recently been repaired, has been exposed to unusual conditions, or is supporting someone who cannot safely use the stairs without it.

Independent Stairlifts can advise whether the symptoms indicate an urgent breakdown, a safety-related fault or a problem that can wait for a planned maintenance visit. Until you have been advised that it is safe to continue, leave a stairlift showing these warning signs out of use.