Lift, stairlift and hoist safety

Advice and guidance on the safe use, service, maintenance, inspection and replacement of lifts, stairlifts or hoists in your council home.

We carry out regular servicing and safety checks on lifts, stairlifts, and hoists in council homes.  

This will either be yearly or every six months (depending upon the type of equipment). The service will be carried out by one of our approved contractors, who will contact you prior to making an appointment. 

Please allow access when requested – this is essential for your safety. 

If you notice any faults, report them to our housing repairs team immediately by:

Telephone: 01636 650 000 

Online: MyHome

Replacement of existing stairlifts and hoists in your home 

Should your stairlift or hoist become unserviceable, or your adaptation needs to change, you should contact the Occupational Therapy Team directly at Nottinghamshire County Council for a reassessment.

Telephone: 0300 500 8080

Safety check advice

Stairlifts

  • Always use the seatbelt provided. 
  • Keep the track clear – do not place objects on or near the stairlift track. 
  • Do not exceed the weight limit stated in the user guide. 
  • Switch off when not in use to prevent accidental movement. 
  • Report any unusual noises or jerky movements immediately. 

Hoists

  • Only trained individuals should operate hoists. 
  • Check slings and attachments for wear and tear before each use. 
  • Do not exceed the safe working load indicated on the hoist. 
  • With mobile hoists, ensure the hoist is on a level surface and brakes are applied before lifting. 
  • Never leave someone unattended in a hoist. 

Passenger Lifts (blocks and low-rise flats)

Some of our blocks and flats have shared use passenger lifts. 

These are maintained and serviced by our approved contractor in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance and statutory requirements.  

Please remember:  

  • Do not overload the lift – check the weight limit displayed inside the lift. 
  • Children should never use the lift unsupervised.   
  • Keep doors clear – never block or force the doors open. 
  • Report faults immediately – if the lift stops working or shows error messages, do not attempt repairs yourself. 

In an emergency: Use the emergency alarm or phone inside the lift. Stay calm and wait for assistance – do not try to climb out. 

For further information, please contact us using the details at the bottom and ask for the housing repairs team.

Contact us

Customer Services

Office hours

Monday to Friday9am to 5pm
Saturday to SundayClosed

Newark and Sherwood District Council

Newark and Sherwood District Council
Castle House
Great North Road
Nottinghamshire
Newark
NG24 1BY
United Kingdom

53.080524471012, -0.81340134143829