When designing inclusive access solutions, independence is always the goal. However, accessibility is not just about autonomy - it is about safety, compliance, and delivering the right experience for every user.
At Sesame Access, whether a lift can be used fully independently or benefits from assisted operation depends largely on one technical factor: rise height and how that affects enclosure and safety requirements under guidance from the British Standards Institution.
Understanding this distinction helps architects, facilities teams and building managers make informed decisions early in the design process.
The key threshold: one metre of rise
British Standards differentiate between platform lifts that travel:
This technical threshold determines enclosure type, user eligibility, and operational control.
Lifts with a rise over one metre
Platform lifts travelling over one metre are fully enclosed, with protective barriers rising to approximately 1100mm around the platform.
Suitable for seated wheelchair users and standing pedestrians
Protective barriers reduce fall risk
Can be legally operated independently if trained
May remain powered on continuously
Because these lifts are enclosed, British Standards permit independent use without formal training.
That said, many venues still choose to have staff operate the lift. This isn’t because the lift requires supervision - it’s because it enhances customer service, prevents misuse, and ensures the system remains in optimal condition. In public buildings, especially, keeping lifts continuously powered without oversight can lead to children playing with controls, unnecessary wear, or operational disruption.
Assisted operation in this context is about protecting the user experience, not limiting independence.
Lifts with a rise under one metre
Lifts travelling under one metre operate differently.
These systems feature a small safety wheel-stop (approximately 100mm high) rather than full-height enclosure barriers.
They are designed for seated wheelchair users only
Standing passengers are not permitted due to fall risk
Independent use is allowed - but only after brief training
The lift cannot be left powered on for unrestricted public access
British Standards require that users receive a short familiarisation from Sesame before operating these lifts independently. Trained users are issued a key or fob for access.
In many workplaces, this works extremely well. For example, a full-time wheelchair-using employee at Wandsworth Town Hall operates their lift independently every day after minimal training, which we actively support.
However, because these lifts are not fully enclosed, they cannot be left freely accessible to the general public without an assistant. This protects against misuse, particularly by individuals unaware that standing use is unsafe.
Independence with responsibility
At Sesame, we strongly believe in enabling independent access wherever possible. The training required for under-one-metre lifts is:
Short
Straightforward
Focused on safety
Designed to empower users
But we must also align with British Standards and safeguard users, building owners, and the public.
Recommending assisted operation in certain environments is not a restriction, but a responsible balance between:
Compliance
Risk management
Longevity of equipment
Quality of service
Designing the right solution from the start
Understanding these operational differences early helps project teams:
Specify the appropriate lift type
Plan building management procedures
Align with the access consultants and building control
Ensure a seamless user experience
Every project is different. In some buildings, fully enclosed lifts are the best fit. In others, compact under-one-metre solutions provide the required access with minimal structural intervention.
The key is to design a system that meets both regulatory requirements and user needs.
If you’re working on a project and unsure which lift configuration is appropriate, our team can advise on compliance, usability and operational considerations early in the design stage.
Get in touch with the team.
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