Stair supports and elevators assist people to access and move themselves or equipment safely between floors of multi-storey buildings without using stairs. Stair climbing hand trucks can also assist with lifting of heavy or awkward equipment up and down kerbs, docks, varying terrain and on or off vehicle tailgates.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Stairs can be difficult to manage for people with poor balance or lower limb strength or those using a mobility aid to mobilise, such as a walking frame, wheelchair or scooter. When no lift or elevator access is available, lifting and moving equipment up and down stairs or over multi-height terrain can be difficult and potentially increase a persons risk of injury.
For information about specific types of stair supports and elevators see the links below:
References
Escalera, Inc. 2011, Escalera Stair Climbing Handtrucks and Stair Climbing Forklifts, Escalera, Inc., Yuba City, viewed 19 August 2011, http://www.escalerausa.com/moving/index.htm.
Ferret 2006, Hercules stair climbing hand truck available from Ballarat Materials Handling Equipment, Reed Business Information, Ballarat, viewed 19 August 2011, http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Ballarat-Materials-Handling-Equipment/Hercules-stair-climbing-hand-truck-available-from-Ballarat-Materials-Handling-Equipment-n667307.
Safety and Mobility 2011, Powered Stairclimber/Wheelchair Stairclimbers, Safety and Mobility, St Ives, viewed 19 August 2011, http://www.safetyandmobility.com.au/ProductList.php?CategoryID=46.
Safe Work Australia 2009, National Code of Practice for Manual Handling, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, viewed 19 August 2011, http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/D7B58BF8-1C27-430B-922E-427CE310EB53/0/manualhandling_cop2005_1990.pdf.
WorkCover New South Wales 2010, Manual Handling-Hierarchy of Controls, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 19 August 2011, http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/hierarchy_of_controls_5620.pdf.
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