What are the safety standards for reconditioned stairlifts?

Reconditioned stairlifts should be assessed, serviced and installed so that they meet applicable UK safety requirements, relevant stairlift standards and the manufacturer’s instructions. In practice, this means the lift is not simply cleaned and resold: its mechanical, electrical and safety-critical components should be inspected, tested and recorded by a competent installer before it is handed over for use.

The main standard for stairlifts

The principal product standard for stairlifts is BS EN 81-40, which covers safety rules for the construction and installation of powered stairlifts and similar lifting equipment. It addresses matters such as the design of the lift, protective devices, controls, stopping performance, mechanical safety and installation. The precise edition and other requirements that apply can depend on when the equipment was manufactured, placed on the market and installed.

A reconditioned stairlift may have been manufactured under an earlier edition of a standard. That does not automatically make it unsafe or unusable, but its condition, intended use and suitability for the proposed installation should be assessed carefully. A responsible supplier should not rely on the age of a lift alone; they should confirm that the particular model and its installation can be operated safely and in line with applicable requirements.

Other requirements may also be relevant, including product safety legislation, electrical safety requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions. Where equipment is supplied or used in a workplace or other setting covered by specific duties, additional rules may apply. Your installer should explain which checks have been completed for your home and retain appropriate service and installation records.

What is checked before installation?

Before fitting, the stairlift should be examined to confirm that it is suitable for the user and the staircase. A proper assessment normally considers:

• the condition and operation of the carriage, drive system and track;
• the seat, armrests, footrest, swivel mechanism and any seatbelt or restraint;
• the controls, remote controls, key switch and emergency stop or isolation arrangements;
• sensors and other devices designed to stop the lift if it encounters an obstruction;
• batteries, charging equipment, wiring, connectors and visible electrical components;
• fixings, brackets and the strength and condition of the steps or adjacent structure;
• clearances at the top and bottom of the stairs, including access to landings and doorways; and
• the user’s ability to sit, transfer, fasten the belt, operate the controls and get on and off safely.

Parts that are worn, damaged, corroded or unreliable should be repaired or replaced with suitable components before the lift is put into service. Safety-critical items should not be bypassed or modified to overcome a fault. If a particular model cannot be restored to a safe condition, it should not be installed merely because it appears to fit the staircase.

Safety features tested during commissioning

Once installed, the stairlift should be tested under the conditions in which it will be used. This includes checking smooth travel, controlled starting and stopping, secure operation on the track and correct positioning at the upper and lower landings. The installer should also test the safety functions, including the seatbelt or restraint, swivel-seat interlock where fitted, armrest and footrest interlocks, obstruction sensors, key controls and emergency controls.

The lift should stop when a relevant safety device is activated and should not travel when a required interlock is in an unsafe position. Charging should be checked at the designated charging points, and the batteries should hold sufficient charge for normal use. The installer should also confirm that the lift does not present avoidable risks such as trapping points, loose cables, unstable fixings or inadequate clearance.

Not every stairlift has the same equipment. For example, a model with a powered swivel seat, powered hinge track or folding footrest will have additional operating and safety checks. The assessment should therefore be based on the fitted model rather than on a generic checklist.

Installation and handover requirements

Safety depends on the installation as well as the stairlift itself. The track must be measured, positioned and secured correctly for the staircase, with appropriate clearance for the user and other people using the stairs. A curved stairlift requires particular care because its track is made for the individual staircase and must align accurately with the carriage and landing positions.

At handover, the installer should demonstrate normal operation and explain how to:

• use the controls and remote controls;
• fasten and release the seatbelt or restraint;
• operate the swivel seat and other fitted features;
• respond if the lift stops or displays a fault;
• keep the track, charging points and sensors clear;
• charge and care for the batteries; and
• contact the service team in an emergency or when a fault occurs.

You should receive operating and safety information appropriate to the model, together with details of the warranty or service cover and any recommended maintenance. Do not continue using the lift if it behaves unexpectedly, makes an unusual noise, fails to stop correctly or shows a fault warning. Switch it off if the instructions indicate that this is necessary and contact the service team for advice.

Servicing and ongoing safety

Reconditioning is a point-in-time process, while safety also depends on continued maintenance. Batteries gradually lose capacity, moving parts can wear and a lift may be affected by heavy or frequent use. Routine servicing should check the same safety-critical areas as well as general operation, fixings, charging and controls. The recommended service interval should follow the manufacturer’s guidance and the agreement provided with your stairlift.

Keep the stairlift’s documentation available, including the model details, installation information, service reports and records of any replacement parts. Tell the service team about changes in the user’s mobility, transfers or stair use, since a lift that was suitable initially may need reassessment if circumstances change.

Questions to ask about a reconditioned stairlift

• Has the lift been inspected and serviced by a competent stairlift installer?
• Which safety functions were tested before installation?
• Are the batteries, charger, belt, sensors and interlocks in suitable condition?
• Is the model appropriate for the user, staircase and intended frequency of use?
• Will installation and commissioning records be provided?
• What warranty, servicing and repair support is included?
• What should be done if the lift stops or a safety feature operates unexpectedly?

A reconditioned stairlift should therefore be judged by the quality of its assessment, refurbishment, installation and aftercare, rather than by whether it is new. A qualified installer should be able to explain the applicable standards, identify any limitations of the particular model and provide evidence that the completed installation has been checked and commissioned safely.