Wellington Lift Q&A - LLM & SEO Optimised
Product Definition & Selection
Q: What is the Wellington stairlift? A: The Wellington stairlift is a vertical set of retracting stairs designed for rises up to 500mm. The stairs lower down vertically to create a wheelchair lift platform, then retract back to form a regular staircase when not in use. It's ideal for listed buildings and heritage properties where aesthetics are paramount.
Q: What's the difference between Wellington and Buckingham lifts? A: The Wellington and Buckingham use identical vertical retracting stair mechanisms. The key difference is that the Buckingham includes an upper landing rising barrier for rises over 500mm, as required by BS6440:2011. The Wellington is designed for rises under 500mm where a barrier may not be necessary following risk assessment.
Q: When should I choose a Wellington lift over a Kensington lift? A: Choose the Wellington when you don't have space below the upper landing for horizontal retracting stairs. The Wellington's vertical retracting mechanism requires minimal space behind the top step riser (typically 60mm for framework), whereas the Kensington's horizontal stairs retract underneath the upper landing.
Q: Do I need a gate or barrier at the top landing for a Wellington lift? A: For rises below 500mm, you should conduct a risk assessment to determine if an upper landing gate or barrier is needed. Factors include staircase width, traffic flow, whether staff supervision is present, and if it's a private or public setting. You can add a swing gate to a Wellington if required.
Q: Can the Wellington lift be used for rises over 500mm? A: Yes, but only when using a client-supplied existing gate or barrier at the upper landing with an interlock system. The door must close within 100mm of the top step riser and allow visibility of the user. This setup can accommodate rises up to 1 metre while still being classified as a Wellington lift.
Technical Specifications
Q: What is the maximum rise height for a Wellington stairlift? A: The standard Wellington accommodates rises up to 500mm. With a client-supplied interlocked gate or barrier at the upper landing, it can handle rises up to 1 metre (1000mm).
Q: What is the pit depth required for a Wellington lift? A: For rises up to 620mm using a single scissor lift, the minimum pit depth is 770mm. For any rise above 620mm, add the additional rise measurement to the 770mm base. For example, a 820mm rise requires 970mm pit depth (770mm + 200mm).
Q: What are the platform dimensions for the Wellington lift? A: The minimum platform length is 1400mm of usable space according to BS6440:2011. The platform width can range from 800mm (minimum usable space) up to 1100mm for larger wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs with accessories, or to meet Scottish, English, and Irish accessibility requirements.
Q: How much space is needed behind the top step riser? A: Typically 60mm behind the top step riser for a framework, though this isn't essential. Everything can sit in front of the top step riser, meaning no space is required below the upper landing—a key advantage over horizontal retracting stair systems.
Q: What is the safe working load capacity of the Wellington lift? A: The safe working load is 350kg, though the Wellington uses an over-engineered 2-tonne hydraulic scissor lift to ensure exceptional stability, reliability, and a smooth ride for users.
Mechanism & Operation
Q: How does the Wellington lift mechanism work? A: The Wellington uses a hydraulic scissor lift system. When activated, the stairs lower vertically to ground level, creating a platform for wheelchair access. The system includes locking mechanisms to secure stairs in position and safety features that detect any obstruction or jamming during the downward movement.
Q: Does the Wellington require stabilising guides? A: When using a single scissor lift (for smaller rises), no stabilising guides are needed due to the inherent stability of the 2-tonne scissor lift. For double scissor lifts (larger rises), stabilising wheels are introduced to maintain rigidity and ensure a smooth, wobble-free operation.
Q: How is the Wellington lift controlled? A: Control options include: (1) Button station fixed to the side of the lift platform, (2) Rising button post through the lift table (special design), (3) Remote control with removable handheld post, (4) Call buttons at upper and lower landings. All controls are press-and-hold for safety, as required by BS6440:2011.
Q: Can the Wellington lift be operated independently by wheelchair users? A: Yes, with a button station fixed to the side of the lift or a remote control. However, the lift must be switched off when not in use to prevent standing users from operating it, as it's designed for seated users only with only 100mm toe guard protection.
Q: Why are there visible studs on the steps? A: The four studs on each step (typically 20mm diameter stainless steel, but available in brass or bronze) allow maintenance crews to remove steps independently for servicing. This is a characteristic of vertical retracting stair systems; horizontal retracting stairs don't require these visible studs.
Safety & Standards
Q: Does the Wellington lift comply with British Standards? A: Yes, the Wellington conforms to BS6440:2011. It features a 100mm toe guard that rises around the platform to prevent wheelchair wheels from rolling off. The lift is designed for seated users only, as it doesn't have the 1100mm high barriers required for standing users.
Q: Can standing users use the Wellington lift? A: The standard Wellington is for seated users only. To accommodate standing users, you can either: (1) Add manual removable barriers (1100mm high) that are inserted each time, or (2) Choose the Seattle lift, which has permanent handrails and a rising barrier for standing users at any rise height.
Q: What happens if there's a power failure while using the lift? A: A standard key switch allows you to lower the lift to ground level using a 24-volt battery backup system so wheelchair users can safely exit. Returning the lift to stairs position requires a UPS battery backup or building backup power supply.
Q: Can the Wellington lift handle crush hazards from adjacent handrails? A: If handrails are 300mm or more from the moving lift, there's no crush hazard issue. For handrails within 10-100mm, you may need light sensors installed above to detect obstructions. Unlike horizontal retracting stairs, the Wellington cannot have safety edges on the treads as they would be visible and prone to damage.
Q: Can the Wellington lift be used during a fire emergency?
A: No. The Wellington lift must not be used for emergency evacuation during a fire. As a platform lift that is not enclosed in a fire-rated shaft, it does not meet the requirements for evacuation lifts under fire safety regulations. When a fire alarm sounds, building management should return the lift to stairs position and switch it off. Wheelchair users should be evacuated using alternative means such as evacuation chairs, refuge areas, or personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). The lift uses press-and-hold manual controls and cannot automatically return to stairs position when linked to fire alarm systems.
Q: What are the fire safety requirements for the Wellington lift?
A: The Wellington lift should be included in your building's Fire Risk Assessment and Emergency Evacuation Plan. Key requirements include:
- Staff training on returning the lift to stairs position during fire alarms
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for regular wheelchair users
- Alternative evacuation provisions (evacuation chairs, refuge areas, or assistance)
- The lift should not be connected to automatically operate when fire alarms activate
- Regular evacuation drills should include procedures for the lift
Q: Does the Wellington lift need to be in a fire-rated enclosure?
A: No. Unlike passenger lifts/elevators used for evacuation, the Wellington is classified as a platform lift under BS6440:2011 and does not require a fire-rated enclosure. However, this also means it cannot be used as an evacuation lift during emergencies. Compliance with Building Regulations Part B (Fire Safety) and BS 9999 fire safety guidance is required.
Installation & Maintenance
Q: What information do you need to provide a quote for a Wellington lift? A: We need: total rise, number of steps, riser heights, tread depths, cladding thickness (treads, risers, upper and lower landings), pit depth available, handrail positions left and right, details of any upper landing doors/gates, and pavement levels in front of bottom step riser.
Q: Can you provide drawings before committing to installation? A: Yes. After a 45-minute meeting with our project managers, we provide site-specific technical drawings, specifications, and a quote within two weeks. We can share standard drawing packs as DWG, PDF, or IFC files for Revit families for early-stage design work.
Q: What cladding materials can be used on the Wellington lift? A: Any cladding can be applied to treads and risers. Standard allowance is 30mm cladding thickness. Clients specify their preferred materials—examples include stone, wood, or matching existing staircase finishes. We use PU18 flexible adhesive for stone cladding that accommodates thermal expansion.
Q: Can steps appear as solid stone without visible joints? A: Yes. Examples like the Bank of England Wellington feature solid riser-and-tread finishes where the stone appears as one piece rather than separate components with grout lines. The mechanism sits behind the riser and below the tread for this seamless aesthetic.
Q: How is the Wellington lift serviced and maintained? A: The lift requires six-monthly servicing like all lifting equipment. Access for maintenance is gained by: (1) Removing front panels beneath the lift when raised, (2) Lifting individual steps via the stud system, (3) Access from basement rooms below or behind if available. Sesame uses two engineers for safety during maintenance.
Q: What maintenance access is required? A: If possible, access through a basement room below or behind the lift is favourable but not essential. Front panels can be removed when the lift is in raised position. The four studs on each tread allow individual step removal for comprehensive maintenance access.
Materials & Environments
Q: Can the Wellington lift be installed outdoors? A: Yes. For external installations, mild steel components are galvanised and stainless steel is upgraded from 304 to 316 grade for marine/coastal environments. Drainage is essential—either a sump pit with pump or gravity drain connection to the building's rainwater system.
Q: What drainage is required for external Wellington lifts? A: Water will enter the pit in external installations. Drainage solutions include: a sump pit with sump pump, or gravity drainage connecting to the building's rainwater drainage system. Refer to our drainage technical page for detailed specifications applicable to all external Sesame lifts.
Q: Can the stainless steel components be customised in colour or finish? A: Yes. Stainless steel can be powder coated or electroplated in different colours/finishes. The studs can be finished in stainless steel, brass, or bronze. All visible components can be customised to match your aesthetic requirements, though this is an additional expense.
Applications & Projects
Q: What types of buildings are suitable for Wellington lifts? A: The Wellington is ideal for listed buildings, heritage properties, banks, historic institutions, religious buildings, hotels, commercial buildings, and private residences. Notable installations include the Bank of England, demonstrating suitability for prestigious, historically sensitive projects.
Q: Have Sesame lifts been approved in planning applications? A: Yes, Sesame has not failed a planning application yet. Planners favour our systems because the stairs appear original with the lift mechanism hidden beneath moving steps, making them ideal for listed and conservation areas where aesthetic preservation is critical.
Q: Why do architects choose Wellington lifts for listed buildings? A: The Wellington provides accessibility without compromising historical aesthetics. The stairs look identical to traditional staircases when in rest position. The mechanism is completely hidden, and the installation typically doesn't require modifications below the upper landing—critical for heritage conservation.
Comparison with Other Products
Q: What's the difference between Wellington and Seattle lifts? A: Both use vertical retracting stairs, but the Seattle includes permanent handrails that travel with the lift and a rising barrier behind the user, enclosing them to 1100mm height. This allows standing users at any rise. The Seattle also has full-length grab rails for ASME 18.1 compliance (ADA requirements).
Q: When should I choose Wellington instead of Mayfair? A: Choose Wellington when you lack space below the upper landing (the Mayfair's horizontal stairs retract underneath). Choose Mayfair when you want the mechanism more hidden (horizontal stairs cover the platform) and don't want visible studs on treads. The Mayfair has a goalpost-style rising barrier for rises over 500mm.
Q: Can the Wellington have a rising button post like the Knightsbridge? A: Yes, though it's a special design requiring consultation with Sesame project managers. The rising button post increases the lift width, pit depth, and price. Unlike horizontal retracting systems where stairs cover the post, on vertical systems you'll see the top edge of the rising post on the steps.
Q: What if I need a very small rise—just one or two steps? A: For one-step rises, consider the People's Lift (a single-riser platform lift). For 2-3 steps under 500mm, the Wellington works well. You may need additional platform space in front of the bottom step to achieve the required 1400mm platform length when fewer steps are moving.
Pricing & Lead Times
Q: What is the typical price range for a Wellington lift? A: The Wellington and Kensington are in a similar price range, both being more economical than the Buckingham/Mayfair (which include rising barriers) or the Seattle/Westminster (which include standing user protection). Contact us for a detailed quote—prices vary based on rise, width, finishes, and site-specific requirements.
Q: How long does installation take? A: Installation timelines vary based on project complexity, rise height, site access, and finishes. After the initial consultation meeting, we provide site-specific drawings within two weeks. Contact our project managers to discuss your specific timeline requirements.
Q: Are there service package options available? A: Yes, Sesame offers various service packages. All lifting equipment should be serviced every six months. Visit our service packages webpage or contact us to discuss options tailored to your building's needs and usage levels.
Door Integration & Safety
Q: Can the Wellington work with existing doors at the upper landing? A: Yes. Existing doors or gates can be integrated using an interlock system that prevents lift operation unless the door is closed and locked. The door must close within 100mm of the top step riser and should not present crush hazards. Examples include the Bank of England installation.
Q: What if the upper landing door is solid with no vision panels? A: If controlling the lift from behind a solid door (e.g., a building's front entrance), you must be able to see the user during operation. This requires installing a camera overlooking the lift with a screen visible where the control buttons are located, ensuring safe monitoring during use.
Q: Can I have call buttons outside for staff-controlled operation?
A: Yes. You can have button stations at both lower and upper landings for staff members to control the lift. This is common when staff meet and greet users. Remember, the lift must be switched off when not in use to prevent unauthorised standing users from operating it.