Keeping Pets and Children Safe

Installing a stairlift is a great way to improve mobility and independence in your home. However, if you have pets or young children, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure their safety around the lift. While stairlifts are designed with built-in safety features, understanding potential risks and implementing best practices can help prevent accidents.

Potential Risks for Pets and Children

1. Obstruction on the Stairs

Curious pets and children may see the stairlift as a new attraction and attempt to climb, play around, or even sit on it when unattended. This can lead to obstructions on the stairs, increasing the risk of accidents.

2. Moving Parts

Stairlifts have moving parts such as the seat, footrest, and track. Small hands or paws could get caught if they are too close while the stairlift is in operation.

3. Unsupervised Use

Children may try to operate the stairlift as a toy, which can lead to dangerous situations if they don’t understand how to use it properly.

Safety Tips for Homes with Pets and Children

1. Use a Key Lock or Disable the Lift When Not in Use

Many stairlifts come with a key lock or power switch that allows you to disable the lift when it’s not needed. This prevents children from accidentally operating it.

2. Keep Pets and Children Away When in Motion

Ensure that pets and kids are not near the stairlift while it’s moving. Training pets to avoid the staircase or keeping young children supervised can prevent accidents.

3. Utilize Built-In Safety Sensors

Modern stairlifts have safety sensors that detect obstacles and stop the lift if something is in the way. However, it’s still important to check that the track is clear before every use.

4. Fold Up the Stairlift When Not in Use

Most stairlifts come with a foldable seat, footrest, and armrests. Keeping the stairlift folded when not in use reduces the temptation for kids to climb on it and keeps the stairs accessible for other family members.

5. Educate Children on Stairlift Safety

Teach children that the stairlift is not a toy and should only be used by those who need it. Clear rules about staying away from the lift while it’s moving can help prevent accidents.

6. Consider a Safety Gate for Small Children or Pets

If you have small children or pets that tend to wander onto the stairs, installing a safety gate at the bottom or top of the staircase can be an added layer of protection.

Stairlifts Are Safe with Proper Precautions

Stairlifts are designed with safety in mind, but taking extra steps to protect pets and children will ensure peace of mind for the entire family. By following these tips, you can create a safer home environment while enjoying the benefits of your stairlift.

If you’re considering a stairlift or need more safety advice, The Stairlift Company is here to help! Contact us today for expert guidance and reliable service.