DISABILITY ACCESS
“THE BIGGEST PITFALL MAY BE THAT CUSTOMERS CHOOSE ON THE BASIS OF COST RATHER THAN QUALITY, AND AS A RESULT MAY SELECT A PRODUCT NOT AS APPROPRIATE FOR THE APPLICATION”
on the requirement, a pool for instance can be fitted with two movable floors with an adjustable safety screen between them. As an alternative for this system they offer the possibility of creating an adaptive stairs system between the two platforms.
SUNTRAP SAY CORRECT PRODUCT SELECTION IS KEY
Janet Cornthwaite of Suntrap Systems comments on tightening budgets. “I think this sector of the market has slowed somewhat although Suntrap Systems have managed to buck the general trend; I think the majority of customers are looking very carefully before committing themselves to expenditure.”
The manual EZ from Suntrap Systems features a mesh sling seat as standard
using the lift to be able to operate it independently (if physically capable) was also a priority. Taking all of the Centre’s needs into consideration the most suitable lift was the Splash Extended Reach.
The Splash has a battery powered motor which enables the chair to raise, lower and swivel by use of the handset and extended arms which are capable of spanning the gutter. The client also chose to purchase a stability vest for patients with limited upper body or trunk stability. At this point Dolphin’s installation team took
over. A specialist diamond drilling company drilled the concrete and their engineer fitted the socket using a chemical resin. Twenty four to 48 hours later the engineer returned to install, load test and commission the lift, before training relevant staff members and handing it over to the client.
MOVABLE FLOORS – ANOTHER OPTION
Swimming Pool Fitness of Droitwich provides an array of equipment to assist with rehabilitation and access requirements. From moving floors to rails and access ramps. Implementing a movable floor results in an enormous improvement of the usability of a swimming pool. The swimming pool is changed into a multifunctional area where the circumstances can be changed to comfort different groups of users such as the elderly, the handicapped and children.
64 February 2013 SPN
The accessibility for different groups of users increases the return on investment for the swimming pool management. An EWAC Medical movable floor is easy in use and requires the absolute minimum of adaptations in the construction of the pool. The water flows easily through the floor so that an optimal recirculation is ensured. Because of this the water quality in the pool is optimally guaranteed. EWAC Medical offers a wide range of implementation possibilities, which can be adapted to the client’s needs. Depending
Janet continues: “I believe it is important to check on the specification of the lift e.g. stainless steel to ensure any hoist will withstand the aggressive atmosphere in swimming pools, the lifting capacity to provide access to the widest spectrum of disabilities; ease of removal from poolside to storage (preferably by one person). The biggest pitfall may be that customers choose on the basis of cost rather than quality, and as a result may select a product not as appropriate for the application.” Suntrap Systems took part in the Aqualie/ Piscine Exhibition in Lyon in November last year, which was very well attended. As a result they are looking to develop sales of lifts and hoists in Europe by setting up distributors in different countries. The manual EZ Pool hoist/lift is very much in demand as it enables operators to comply with the latest DDA regulations at an affordable price. It is supplied complete with a mesh sling seat but has an option of a moulded hard seat with a Rover Transporter enabling a person to be moved directly from changing room to poolside and then into the pool.
Another lift that is proving popular is the Portable Pro Pool Lift which requires no poolside fixing, is easily transported, yet has a lifting capacity of 28.5 stones (181 kg). It
An EWAC Medical movable floor from Swimming Pool Fitness results in an enormous improvement of the usability of a pool
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
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