Product Definition & Overview
Q: What is the Sesame Westminster Equality Act Stairlift? A: The Westminster is a horizontal set of retracting stairs that reveals a platform lift below. The platform features three rising barriers that come up through the lift table, fully enclosing users to a height of 1100mm. This allows both seated AND standing users to travel safely on the platform, making it suitable for rises over 1 metre up to a maximum of 3 metres.
Q: What makes the Westminster different from the Mayfair or Kensington? A: Unlike the Mayfair and Kensington which have 100mm tow guards (suitable only for seated users), the Westminster has three rising barriers that fully enclose users to 1100mm height, allowing standing and seated users. This is required by British Standards BS 6440:2011 when the rise exceeds 1 metre.
Q: Who is this lift suitable for? A: Both seated users (wheelchair users) and standing users. The 1100mm high barriers provide full protection for all users during travel.
Q: When is the Westminster required instead of a Mayfair? A: When the total rise exceeds 1 metre (1000mm), British Standards require barriers that fully enclose users to protect standing passengers. This is when you must switch from the Mayfair (with 100mm tow guards) to the Westminster (with 1100mm barriers). If you require people to stand on the platform, these barriers are also required, for any rise.
Technical Specifications - Rise & Travel
Q: What is the minimum and maximum rise for the Westminster? A:
- Minimum: No Minimum
- Maximum: 3000mm (3 metres)
- Above 3 metres: A lift shaft is required, and most Sesame products cannot be used
Q: Can the rise be less than 1 metre? A: Technically possible, but not cost-effective. For rises under 1 metre, the Mayfair is more appropriate and economical as it doesn't require the complex rising barrier system on the platform. However, if you require standing users then a solution is needed with 1100mm high barriers on the lift.
Q: What happens if I need to go above 3 metres? A: Above 3 metres, you need a lift shaft and would typically move to a different type of lift system. The Westminster and most Sesame stair lift products are designed for rises up to 3 metres maximum.
Platform & Barrier Specifications
Q: What are the platform dimensions? A: Standard Westminster platform:
- Length: 1738mm
- Width: 1250mm This is the minimum standard size shown in current drawing packs
Q: Are smaller or larger platforms available? A: Yes. Recent R&D work for US ASME 18.1 standards and other projects has produced smaller, shallower options. Contact Sesame project managers to discuss if narrower/shorter/shallower versions are now available as standard. These were in development as of the transcript date.
Q: How do the three rising barriers work? A:
- Stairs retract and upper landing barrier rises
- Two side barriers rise first (allowing wheelchair access onto platform)
- User moves onto platform and presses the lift button
- Third front barrier rises behind user, fully enclosing them to 1100mm height
- Lift travels to upper landing
- Upper landing barrier lowers, user exits
Q: What if the platform can be rotated 90 degrees? A: Yes, in specific scenarios the platform can be rotated 90°. This is typically done when there are fewer steps or when platform length needs to be minimized. However, this increases the width requirement, so the staircase must be wide enough to accommodate it. Consult with Sesame project managers for specific applications.
Pit Depth Requirements
Q: What is the minimum pit depth below the lower landing? A: 1650mm minimum pit depth below lower landing finished floor level (including cladding and bedding). Standard specification: 1600mm + cladding thickness (typically 30mm) + 5mm bedding = 1635-1650mm total.
Q: Does the pit depth increase if the rise is higher? A: Yes. For rises above 1600mm:
- Pit depth formula: Total rise + 50mm
- Example: 2000mm rise = 2050mm pit depth (with solid stainless steel skirt)
Q: Why is the pit depth so much deeper than a Mayfair or Kensington? A: The three rising barriers that retract through the lift table require significantly more depth below the platform to house the barrier mechanisms (approximately 1600mm vs 435-680mm for standard Mayfair/Kensington).
Q: Can the pit depth be reduced? A: This is currently under development. As of September 2025, Sesame was developing rising barriers that fit in much lower pit depths (mentioned to be rolled out by end of 2025). Contact Sesame for current availability of shallow-pit Westminster options.
Q: Can I use a packing frame instead of a deep pit? A: Yes, especially in buildings with basement rooms below. Rather than casting a deep pit hung from the slab, you can create a hole through to the basement and use a packing frame to support the Westminster at the correct height.
Pit Width & Length Requirements
Q: What is the pit width for the Westminster? A: For a platform with 1250mm width 1422mm pit width is required.
For upper landing stair pit, width depends on barrier configuration (see upper landing questions below).
Q: What is the minimum pit length for the stairs to retract into? A: Standard: 1200mm from top step riser to back of stair pit (keeps costs down, uses single-acting RAM).
Can be reduced using this formula:
- If stair extension (E) = distance bottom step riser travels from top step riser
- Standard at E = 1555mm: pit length = 1200mm
- For other values: Pit length = 1200 - (0.5 × (1555 - E))
- Absolute minimum: 800mm (below this requires special design or switching to Big Ben electric stairs)
Example calculations:
- E = 1000mm: Pit length = 922.5mm
- E = 900mm: Formula gives 872mm, but use 800mm minimum
Q: What if I don't have 1200mm available for the stair pit? A: You can reduce it proportionally using the 2:1 rule (every 2mm reduction in stair extension allows 1mm reduction in pit length), but cannot go below 800mm without special design. Below 800mm, consider switching to Big Ben electric stairs which need less horizontal space.
Upper Landing Barrier & Pit Requirements
Q: What pit depth is required below the upper landing? A: Minimum 1600mm below upper landing finished floor level for the rising barrier mechanism to retract into.
Q: What is the width of the upper landing stair pit? A: This depends on barrier configuration:
Dog-leg barrier (standard - most common):
- Same width as lower landing pit (e.g., 1132mm for 1250mm wide platform)
- Barrier vertical members set back behind retracted treads
- Barrier "dog-legs" forward to close within 100mm of top step riser
Straight-line barrier (when needed):
- Width: 1670mm (for 1-metre wide platform)
- Increases by 52mm per side if handrails are 300mm away from lift edges
- Example: If handrails are 300mm from lift edges: 1774mm width needed
Q: Why are there two different barrier configurations? A:
- Dog-leg: More compact, standard solution when staircase width matches lift width
- Straight-line: Used when staircase is wider or handrails are positioned further away from the lift edges
Q: What is the 100mm gap rule for upper landing barriers? A: British Standards BS 6440:2011 requires gates or barriers to close so that the gap to the top step riser (or nearest fixed structure) is 100mm or less. This prevents people from standing in the void zone when the barrier rises or stairs retract.
Q: Can the barrier close closer to handrails if needed? A: Yes. If handrails are within 300mm of the lift edge (creating a "crush hazard zone" per British Standards), the barrier can be widened to close within 100mm of the handrails. This eliminates the crush hazard and ensures safe operation.
Safety Features & Protection
Q: What safety features do the rising barriers have? A:
- Touch-sensitive pads on top of each barrier (reversing direction if touched with force less than 150 Newtons per BS 6440:2011)
- Sensitive edges on the underside detect obstructions when lowering
- Disconnecting mechanism: If safety edges fail, horizontal barrier members disconnect from drive system to prevent entrapment
- Reduced pressure on downward motion - can be stopped by hand pressure alone
- Multiple safeguards designed to significantly reduce risk in accordance with Machinery Directive Annex 8
Q: Can safety edges be added to the sides of the platform? A: Yes. If there are crush hazards (walls, handrails, structures) within 300mm of the rising barriers or lift edges, safety edges (tape switches) can be installed on the outside edges of the lift table to detect obstructions and stop movement.
Q: What happens in an emergency or power failure? A:
- Emergency lower key switch: Located on the machine room cabinet - lowers the lift to lower landing level
- Upper landing barrier emergency lower: Key switch allows manual lowering of the barrier (but only when lift is at raised position or stairs are fully extended to protect the void)
- Battery backup/Accumulator: Provides emergency power to lower the front barrier and allow user evacuation
Q: Are UPS battery backup systems available? A: Yes, but typically only used when the Westminster is installed in a fire escape route. The UPS allows staff to control the lift to extend the stairs for pedestrian escape during a power failure. However, wheelchair users should NOT use the lift during a fire as it's not in a fireproof shaft like fire evacuation lifts.
Q: What about the upper landing barrier - does it auto-close? A: Yes. If the lift is in the raised position and the barrier has been lowered to allow someone to exit, the barrier will automatically rise again after 30 seconds to protect the void, even though the lift is still raised.
Control Systems & Operation
Q: What control options are available? A:
- Upper landing call station: Buttons to call lift to upper landing
- Lower landing call station: Buttons to call lift down
- Platform controls: Button station on one of the two side rising barriers allows independent operation
Q: Can this lift be operated independently by wheelchair users? A: Yes. With the button station on the platform side rising barrier
Q: Where can landing button stations be mounted? A:
- Wall-mounted (flush or surface)
- Mounted on pedestals
- Clamped to glass balustrades (if nearby)
Q: How does the user operate the lift? A:
- Call lift from lower landing (stairs retract, barriers rise, two side barriers up first)
- Move onto platform
- Press lift UP button on platform button station
- Front barrier rises behind user (fully enclosing to 1100mm)
- Lift travels to upper landing
- Upper landing barrier lowers
- User exits to upper landing
Compliance & Certification
Q: Does the Westminster comply with British Standards? A: Partially. The lift complies with most of BS 6440:2011, but the upper landing rising barrier (goal-post style with openings) is a variant. Therefore:
- Certification: CE Mark (Machinery Directive Annex 8) - NOT UKCA Mark
- Reason: The perforated rising barrier doesn't meet the "solid barrier" requirement of BS 6440:2011, so it requires risk assessment under Machinery Directive Annex 8
Q: Is the open goal-post barrier safe even though it doesn't strictly comply with BS 6440:2011? A: Yes. Sesame has fully risk-assessed the barrier system:
- Multiple safety sensors and mechanisms
- Controlled environment (trained users only)
- Lift switches off when not in use
- Significantly reduced risk through design and operational protocols
- This is a proven, reliable, and safe system certified under Machinery Directive Annex 8
Q: Could I have a solid panel barrier instead to comply with BS 6440:2011? A: Yes, but not with horizontal retracting stairs. The stairs need to retract underneath the barrier, so it must be a telescopic goal-post design. If you need a solid barrier:
- Switch to a swing gate at top landing (becomes Pimlico lift - just the platform, no retracting stairs)
- Use vertical retracting stairs (Wellington) which allows a solid barrier to drop into a pit base
- Use Big Ben electric stairs (allows solid barriers with less horizontal space)
Q: Can the lift be left on for public use? A: Typically no for Westminster. The lift should be managed by trained users or staff due to:
- Yes, as the platform has barriers 1100mm high so standing and seated users can travel on the lift.
- Exception: If externally located, clients often switch it off to prevent public from playing with it
Installation Scenarios
Q: Can this be installed externally? A: Yes. External installations require:
- Galvanised mild steel or stainless steel construction
- Drainage solution (gravity drain, sump pump, or external sump chamber)
- IP-rated components suitable for outdoor exposure
- All materials rated for external use
Q: What drainage options are available for external installations? A: Three options (same as all Sesame lifts):
- Gravity drain (preferred): Pit floor slopes to local drain connection
- Sump pit and pump inside lift pit: Requires raising lift for engineer access
- Separate sump chamber with surface hatch: Independent maintenance without entering lift pit (preferred when gravity drainage isn't possible)
Q: What if I have limited pit depth available? A: If you cannot achieve the 1600-1650mm pit depth:
- Contact Sesame to inquire about new shallow-pit Westminster variants (under development as of September 2025)
- Consider alternative products (Wellington vertical stairs if sufficient pit depth, or reconfigure the building layout)
- If rise is close to 1 metre, consider whether Mayfair with manual removable barriers might be acceptable (though this requires manual barrier installation/removal each use - not ideal)
Q: Can the Westminster be used when pit depth is unlimited? A: Yes, but consider the Wellington (vertical retracting stairs) if pit depth is unlimited. The Wellington:
- Allows solid upper landing barrier (fully BS 6440:2011 compliant)
- Currently slightly cheaper than Westminster
- May be preferred when compliance is prioritized over aesthetics
- Requires approximately 1412mm pit depth for 850mm rise (varies with total rise)
Design & Planning
Q: What information do architects need to provide? A:
- Total rise height
- Number of steps, rise height, and tread depth of each step
- Available pit depth below lower landing
- Available pit depth below upper landing
- Available horizontal space for stairs to retract into
- Staircase width
- Handrail positions (distance from lift edges)
- Type and thickness of cladding materials (upper landing, risers, treads, lower landing)
- Internal or external installation
- Site layout drawings (PDFs and DWGs)
- Photographs of the area
Q: How do I know if my staircase is wide enough? A: Minimum width: 1250mm (the platform width). However, this may increase if:
- You rotate the platform 90° (width becomes 1522mm)
- You use a straight-line upper landing barrier
- Handrails are positioned far from the lift edges
Contact Sesame project managers with your specific dimensions for confirmation.
Q: Can the platform width be increased? A: Yes, platforms can be made wider to:
- Accommodate larger wheelchairs or powered mobility devices
- Fit within or surround existing handrail positions
- Meet specific user requirements
Costs increase with wider platforms, so only specify what's necessary.
Q: Are site-specific drawings available? A: Yes, please contact us. Sesame can create site-specific drawings following a detailed Teams meeting (approximately 45 minutes).
Q: Can Sesame help with planning applications? A: Yes, site-specific drawings can be used for planning applications. Sesame has not yet had a planning application rejected.
Customization & Finishes
Q: What are the standard finishes? A:
- Barriers: Stainless steel brushed finish or anodized aluminium panels
- Below platform: Stainless steel skirt or aluminium anodized panels
- Standard trim: Brushed stainless steel
- When lift is at rest, only top 3mm trims visible (at upper landing service hatches and lower landing wheel stop/pit trim)
Q: Can barriers and panels be different colours? A: Yes, aluminium panels can be anodized to various colours at additional cost. However, if you want every visible stainless steel element in a specified finish (rather than just the at-rest trims), costs increase significantly.
Q: Can the platform be customized with different cladding? A: Yes, any cladding material and thickness can be accommodated on the lift table. Note: cladding thickness affects pit depth calculations (pit depth formulas include "+ cladding thickness").
Q: Are glass barriers available? A: Yes, research and development has produced a glass front rising barrier option, but this increases price. Contact Sesame for current availability and pricing.
Machine Room Cabinet
Q: What are the machine room cabinet dimensions? A:
- Height: 1615mm
- Width: 1144mm
- Depth: 300mm (Height designed for engineers to work at comfortable head height)
Q: How far can the machine room cabinet be from the lift? A: Ideally within 10 metres conduit route length. If distance exceeds 10m:
- Hose specifications must be upgraded
- Motor pump may need upgrading to larger unit
- Cost implications apply
Q: What power supply is required? A:
- Standard lifts: Single phase, 230V AC, 16 amp breaker
- Larger/higher Westminster installations: May require 32 amp breaker or three-phase supply
- Alternative: Single phase supply with inverter in cabinet (converts to three-phase internally)
Q: What are environmental requirements for the machine room cabinet? A:
- Damp-free room, preferably internal
- Ambient operating range: 0°C to 35°C
- Cabinet is waterproof and can be installed externally
- Built-in ventilation system handles temperature variations
- Requires minimum 900mm clear working space in front (BS 7671 electrical safety)
Q: What hydraulic specifications are used? A: Varies by lift size and rise:
- Standard Westminster: 1.5 kilowatt motor, 3.2 CC displacement, 4.3 L/min flow, 3.8L tank
- High rise or heavy platform: 1.5 kilowatt motor with increased flow rate
- Motor pump unit may be upgraded for faster operation or higher rises
Q: Can hydraulics and electrics be housed under the upper landing instead of a machine room cabinet? A: Rarely, and only for internal installations in controlled environments. The standard solution is a separate machine room cabinet for easier maintenance access and protection of equipment.
Access for Maintenance
Q: How do engineers access the lift for maintenance? A: Two methods:
- Service hatches at upper landing: 2-3 hatches (depending on material weight) that lift out, engineers climb in from above
- Engineer's override from machine room cabinet: Key switch raises lift beyond upper landing onto safety bars, maximizing space underneath for engineer access from below
Q: How many service hatches are needed? A: Typically 2-3 service hatches at the upper landing, depending on the weight of the upper landing cladding material.
Q: What are safety bars? A: Engineers use the override to raise the lift above normal upper landing level, then place safety bars underneath. The lift rests on these bars, allowing engineers to safely work underneath knowing the lift cannot fall.
Comparison with Other Products
Q: When would I choose Westminster over Mayfair? A: Choose Westminster when:
- Rise exceeds 1 metre (1000mm)
- Standing users need to use the lift (not just wheelchair users)
- Compliance with full user enclosure is required
- You have sufficient pit depth (1600mm+)
Q: When would I choose Westminster over Wellington (vertical retracting stairs)? A: Choose Westminster when:
- You want horizontal retracting stairs (aesthetically cleaner)
- You have adequate horizontal space for stairs to retract
- Rising barrier at top is acceptable (don't need solid gate for BS 6440 compliance)
- Cost is similar and aesthetics favour horizontal stairs
Choose Wellington when:
- Pit depth is available (approximately 1400mm) but horizontal space is limited
- Full BS 6440:2011 compliance is required (solid barrier option)
- Slightly lower cost is preferred
Q: What about the Paddington Stairlift - how is that different? A: The Paddington is similar to Westminster (horizontal retracting stairs, upper landing rising barrier, 1100mm barriers for standing/seated users) BUT:
- Westminster: Three independent barriers (two sides rise first, front rises after user boards)
- Paddington: Single U-shaped barrier that rises around user in one motion
- Paddington limitation: Must be controlled by staff/remote (not independent use)
- Westminster advantage: Allows more independent operation
Cost & Value
Q: Is the Westminster more expensive than other options? A: Yes, significantly more expensive than Mayfair/Kensington due to:
- Three complex rising barrier mechanisms through the lift table
- Much deeper pit depth requirements (1600mm+ vs 435-680mm)
- Larger scissor lift mechanism
- Additional safety systems
However, it's necessary when rise exceeds 1 metre and standing users need access.
Q: What factors affect the Westminster cost? A:
- Platform size (larger = more expensive)
- Total rise height (higher = more expensive)
- Custom finishes (anodizing, special colors)
- Pit depth reduction requirements (if custom shallow design needed)
- Barrier configuration (dog-leg vs straight-line vs custom widths)
- Distance of machine room cabinet from lift (over 10m increases cost)
- Glass front barrier option
- External vs internal (galvanizing adds cost)
Q: How can I reduce the cost? A:
- Maximize pit depth to use standard design
- Keep platform to minimum required width
- Use standard brushed stainless steel finishes
- Position machine room cabinet within 10m
- Use dog-leg barrier configuration where possible
- Provide adequate horizontal space for stairs (1200mm)
Special Considerations
Q: Can the upper landing barrier be made lower than 1100mm to reduce pit depth? A: In controlled environments with trained staff only, risk assessment may allow barriers slightly lower than 1100mm if pit depth is severely constrained. However:
- This must be justified through risk assessment
- Still requires Machinery Directive Annex 8 certification
- Typically for very private, controlled spaces (e.g., private clubs with single trained staff operator)
- Contact Sesame project managers to discuss specific scenarios
Q: What if my handrails are not parallel to the lift? A: This requires custom barrier design. The barriers can be configured to close within 100mm of angled or non-parallel handrails, but this is site-specific. Detailed drawings and Teams consultation with Sesame engineers required.
Q: Can the Westminster accommodate varying riser heights and tread depths? A: Yes, the lift is bespoke and manufactured to match your specific stair geometry. Each step can have different rise heights and tread depths as needed.
Q: What if there's a basement room below - do I still need to form a pit? A: No. If there's a basement below, you can:
- Cut a hole through the lower landing slab
- Install a packing frame in the basement room to support the Westminster
- This eliminates the need for a hung pit or deep excavation
Related Products (When Westminster Isn't Suitable)
Q: What if I need standing/seated users but don't have 1600mm pit depth? A: Consider:
- Wellington: Vertical retracting stairs (approximately 1400mm pit for 850mm rise)
- Whitehall DDA Lift: Similar to Westminster but with hand rails on platform that rise/lower with lift instead of side barriers
- Cambridge Part M: Hand rails on platform + gate at top landing (not rising barrier)
- Future Westminster variants: Contact Sesame about shallow-pit Westminster options under development
Q: What if I don't have horizontal space for stairs to retract? A: Consider:
- Wellington: Vertical retracting stairs (need less horizontal space)
- Big Ben Electric Stairs: Electric stairs retract into much smaller horizontal space
Q: What if the rise is less than 1 metre? A: Use the Mayfair (with 100mm tow guards) - much more cost-effective for rises under 1 metre when only seated users need access.
Next Steps
Q: How do I get started with a Westminster project? A:
- Provide email address to receive standard drawing pack
- Review drawings to confirm general suitability
- Book Microsoft Teams meeting with Sesame project managers
- Provide detailed site drawings, dimensions, and photographs
- Receive site-specific drawings and pricing
- Use site-specific drawings for planning applications and contractor coordination
Q: Can I arrange a consultation? A: Yes, Teams meetings can be arranged with Sesame project managers for detailed discussion of your specific project requirements.
Q: What if my project has unusual requirements? A: Contact Sesame project managers directly. Many custom solutions are possible, and ongoing R&D continues to expand capabilities.
Q: Where can I find more information? A: Visit sesameaccess.com or contact the Sesame project team directly through the website.
Note: Specifications current as of September 24, 2025. Product development continues, particularly for shallow-pit Westminster variants. Contact Sesame for the latest specifications and options.