Posted By MAK
Afternoon all,

I am a Planning supervisor appointed on a lift replacement project. The lift in question is located in an 8 level block where there are mainly elderly (possibly disabled) residents. there is of course a stair access route but the lift may need to be out of comission for 1-2 weeks and I'm anticipating that not all of the residents may be able to manage the stairs comfortably.

I therefore would appreciate if anyone can advise if they have knowledge of a best practice or workable solution for access and egress for the residents during the works, which is feasible for the contractor to apply.

Any ideas?

Posted By Ron Hunter
I suppose the answer depends on how far your Client is prepared to extend his corporate moral and social responsibility?
We had a similar exercise here, but had the luxury of 2 lifts serving the block.
Worst case scenario, residents given adequate notice and requested to flag up problems to Housing Authority/Client.
Significant problems, such as requirement for non-ambulant resident ot attend regular hospital appointments (e.g. dialysis)managed as part of overall program costs in conjunction with Social Services, with temporary decant of affected tenants/residents.
Other "goodwill" efforts might include free grocery and paper delivery, free use of mobile 'phones or other "lifeline" issues financed by Client for duration of Project? Food for thought I hope, but at the end of the day the Client will determine what can practicably be done?

Posted By MAK
Jeff thanks for the attempt.
Ron, Many thanks.
Jim, cmon now seriously!

Posted By Sally Bell
We had the same problem except it was within a two storey block (Which if you can't use stairs is as much of a problem as an 8 storey building).

As previously suggested, we used a number of strategies, these included making sure that residents were kept informed all the time, providing shopping etc. where required, moving those residents who had real problems to other flats, a B&B and to guest rooms within sheltered housing schemes (very cheap option this at around £10 per night).

Lifelines are usually available from the local authority or largest local housing provider as are moible warden services which would offer some degree of security and checks on well being.

However, in my experience, provided the residents are kept informed at all times, and are involved (ask them about what they want in the lift etc.), they are remarkable in their approach to such issues, and take on board the 'blitz' mentality - they pull together!

Posted By MAK
Many thanks for the excellent pointers.


M