Industrial Stair Lifts: Meeting Accessibility Requirements for UK Businesses
Industrial stair lifts cater for disabilities and help companies meet the requirements needed for equality standards in the UK. While most of our stairlift installations are in private homes, UK Stairlifts also supports businesses and industrial properties that need to meet accessibility and safety standards.
Under UK law, employers and property owners must ensure that disabled people can access their premises safely — and in many cases, installing an industrial stair lift or platform lift is the most practical solution.
UK Accessibility Laws for Industrial and Commercial Buildings
UK businesses have clear obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Regulations (Approved Document M).
Equality Act 2010
This act requires all businesses — including factories, warehouses, and industrial premises — to make reasonable adjustments for disabled access.
That means:
-
Making physical changes such as installing a stairlift or platform lift where necessary
-
Taking an anticipatory approach — planning for accessibility before it becomes a problem
-
Sharing responsibility between landlords and tenants, depending on lease terms
Building Regulations (Approved Document M)
For industrial and other non-residential buildings, these regulations provide detailed guidance on accessibility standards.
-
Passenger lifts are the preferred solution for multi-storey buildings
-
However, platform lifts or wheelchair stairlifts are acceptable alternatives where a passenger lift isn’t practical
-
The design must comply with British Standard BS 8300 for safe use and emergency evacuation
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Employers have a duty to protect all employees — including those with disabilities — under this legislation. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that all routes and facilities must be safe and accessible.
When an Industrial Stair Lift Is the Right Solution
In many existing industrial buildings, installing a full passenger lift simply isn’t possible due to space, structure, or cost. In those cases, an industrial-grade stair lift or platform lift provides a practical and compliant solution.
Our commercial stairlifts are:
-
Durable and reliable for daily use in busy environments
-
Compliant with UK safety and accessibility standards
-
Designed for minimal disruption, ensuring stairways remain usable during emergencies
At UK Stairlifts, our expert team can assess your building and recommend the best lift option to meet both your legal obligations and your accessibility goals. Give us a call on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page here.
Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
If your industrial or commercial building is leased, accessibility responsibilities are often shared:
-
Landlords: typically responsible for communal areas and external access routes
-
Tenants: usually handle accessibility improvements within their rented space
Accessibility is not a one-time requirement — businesses should conduct regular access audits to ensure compliance as their premises or staff needs change.
Industrial and Commercial Stairlift Installations by UK Stairlifts
At UK Stairlifts, we’re proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader and Checkatrade-accredited business, providing professional stairlift installations across the UK.
While we specialise in home stairlifts, our experienced team also delivers industrial and commercial installations for businesses that want to stay compliant and accessible.
If your company needs an accessibility solution that meets the latest UK regulations, we can help.
📞 Call us on 0800 046 3438 or contact us online to discuss your requirements or request a free quote today.
