Sesame wheelchair lifts on a fire-exit staircase: Can I still install a lift?

Quick answer: Yes — but with important caveats. If the staircase is also a fire-exit route, you must work closely with your Fire Officer, and understand how our lift fits into the building’s evacuation and electrical-backup strategy.

What you can do

• Our retracting-stairs/ wheelchair-lift systems are accessible and can be bespoke designed even when the staircase doubles as an egress route.

• We can install optional UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) battery-backup systems so that, in the event of a mains power failure, the stairs can be returned into a normal pedestrian configuration and evacuation via the stairs restored.

• This means: if the lift is resting and the stairs retract over it, the UPS can drive the mechanism to extend the stairs forward and disable the lift movement, making the route safe for pedestrian escape.

What you must not do

• The lift must not be used as a substitute for a certified fire-rated lift shaft in a building evacuation scenario. Our lifts are not installed in fire-rated shafts unless specified for a fire evacuation lift with appropriate certification.

• Therefore: the battery-backup system is not intended to move wheelchair users to safety in a fire. Its sole purpose is to return the stairs to the pedestrian mode so evacuation via the stairs (or other designated routes) can proceed.

• If the building already has a generator or emergency mains backup supply, the UPS may be optional — but the decision must be made in consultation with your Fire Officer and building regulations advisor.

Key considerations for your project

1. Confirm with the Fire Officer / Responsible Person whether the staircase is part of the fire-escape route. If yes:

   • Check the building’s compliance with fire-exit route requirements.

   • Determine whether the lift’s presence changes the staircase geometry or evacuation width.

2. Specify whether you need UPS battery-backup:

   • If the staircase (with lift installed) is on a fire route and the building’s mains supply may fail, we’ll include a UPS so the stairs can be extended during a power outage.

   • If the building has reliable backup power (e.g., generator), you may decide the UPS is not required.

3. User guidance & training:

   • Even with UPS, the lift should not be used during a fire evacuation for wheelchair users unless explicitly certified.

   • Instead, evacuation chairs or designated mobility-impaired escape routes should be used as part of the building’s fire strategy.

   • The lift must default to a “stairs extended/ lift disabled” position in the event of activation of the fire alarm or loss of power.

4. Technical integration:

   • When mains power fails or fire-alarm mode is triggered, the UPS drives the mechanism to extend the stairs and locks out the lift. This must be a managed process using the press and hold controls.

   • The system should be clearly documented in the building’s fire-evacuation plan, consulting with your fire officer.

5. Compliance and risk assessment:

   • Even when feasible, every installation must undergo a fire-safety risk assessment, verifying that the lift’s pit, machinery, and staircase remain safe under power failure conditions.

   • We can supply the battery-backup option, but the building owner remains responsible for fire-safety procedure and evacuation planning.

Typical scenario summary

“The lift is installed on a staircase that also serves as a fire exit. We install a UPS battery standby system. On power failure, through a staffed management plan, the UPS drives the stairs to full extension, disables lift travel, and restores pedestrian access. Wheelchair users must evacuate via designated chairs/routes — the lift is available only for normal use, not during a fire.”

Final verdict

If your staircase is also a fire-exit route, you can install one of our retracting-stairs wheelchair lifts — but you must:

• Engage early with Fire Officer/Responsible Person.

• Confirm whether UPS battery backup is required or optional given the building’s power backup.

• Recognise that the lift is not a fire evacuation lift & cannot replace evacuation chairs or other mobility-impaired escape systems.

• Document the lift’s function in the fire-safety strategy, and ensure signage/training reflect its role.