hoistway.co.uk./Example Installations and case studies/Medical/St. Michael's Hospital

Challenge
With space at such a premium the challenge here at St. Michaels Hospital was to design and install a lift that would not only serve 3 floors and fit into the small space allocated for the lift but also for it to comply with all relevant standards (Building Regulations Part M2, all lift regulations). The space issue for Hoistway was not the shaft size as this was just adequate. It was dealing with the extremely low headroom. As the building is listed, the alterations to the main external structure had to be kept to a minimum and therefore there was no chance of extending or altering the roof structure or roof line.

Solution
The only solution viable in this situation was to utilise the disabled platform products. With manufacturing resources of IGV hoistway were able to design, manufacture and install a lift that not only fitted with the needs of the client and the building but also met with Building Regulations Part M2 and the required European Directives. The platform takes its design from a basic lift format with a hydraulic ram, ropes, car and sling. The drive function is via constant pressure push buttons and controlled by a GMV tank and pump.

Results
The lift installation was a success and completed within 3 weeks after starting on site. After initial technical problems during the commissioning of the lift it has since run fault free and the client is very happy with the outcome. A similar development is being designed elsewhere on the Bristol Royal Infirmary Estate and as a result of the Southwell House installation, Hoistway have also been nominated as sole contractors to complete the installation works on this site.