Access BDD Survey School

1. Access BDD Survey School

2. Tools required to measure for a Flow2 stairlift • 1200mm spirit level • 230mm spirit level • 300mm steel rule • 5 metre tape measure • Goneometer Angle Finder • Access BDD Freehand Drawing Pad with pen • Scientific Calculator • Digital Camera

3. How do we start • First of all we require a plan view sketch • Details to include minimum stair widths • Start position • End position • Extra parking positions • Top and bottom landing areas

4. Completing information on sheet 1 of the Flow2 survey form • The front sheet consists of a series of boxes with either / or style options • Starting from the bottom of the stairs • Which side of the stairs is the rail situated • Colour choices for rail and seat • Customer data • The type of chair you require • Some other relevant information and any special requirements

5. Completing information on sheet 2 of the Flow2 survey form • The second sheet has 2 different tables to complete • The first table is the individual risers and treads • The second table is a verification of those measurements • All sections need to be filled in and not bypassed • Our overall tolerance in height cannot exceed 20mm • Nose to nose measurements are very important • With this dimension our tolerance cannot exceed 20mm • We can accept this form via e-mail • *TIP* on every flight there is always one more riser than there are treads

6. To enable us to fill in the form we require accurate individual measurements • We measure each riser individually • Using a small level and steel rule • Ensuring that we keep them level and true together • We also measure each tread individually • From the front edge of the riser using the small level and steel rule • Again, we ensure the level is plumb and the steel rule is parallel to the stringer • Do not measure into the back of the tread as shown in the photo as this will result in a survey error and your lift will not fit

7. We also measure larger sections to provide accurate cumulative measurements • We require the height and length of each straight flight • We can achieve this by measuring the risers cumulatively to give us the overall height of a flight of steps • Using the large spirit level and tape measure we measure in small groups of 4/5 risers • We then add these measurements together to give us the overall height • We also measure the treads cumulatively to give the overall length of a flight of steps • Once again, we measure in small groups of say 4/5 treads • From the front edge of the riser using the large spirit level and tape measure • We then measure to the nosing of a riser that is within an acceptable range

8. Tips when measuring risers and treads • By using post-it notes on the wall, you can write down the measurements as you go along • You can also use them as a double check at the end of the survey • When you have to use small groups to measure a large flight, put a note on the tread you are measuring from (when you are distracted it can become confusing) • You then add up all horizontal measurements to give you the overall length • You then add up all vertical measurements to give you the overall height

9. Nose to Nose • We need the tape placing on the bottom nose of a straight flight and we measure to the top nose of that same flight • By providing this dimension we are once again verifying our measurements on the stairs • We can also calculate this dimension on site to ensure that our measurements are correct • The tolerance allowed is 20mm • If we come away from site without calculating this simple formulae, it may result in a return visit to site • Do not measure to the floor as this will be incorrect

10. Measuring Corner Angles • We can measure a corner angle a couple of ways • Firstly we can use an angle finder called “Goneometer” to provide the angle of corners and spiral steps • Or alternatively, we can also measure out from the corner to 1000mm on both walls (using post-it notes) • We then measure diagonally from one post-it note to the other and this tells the drawing office what the angle of that corner is • Please see the example attached showing different dimensions creating different angles

11. How do we measure quarter landings or half landings • 1) On a quarter landing, measure from the last riser of the previous flight to the back wall using the small level • 2) You then measure from the corner to the first riser of the next flight • For a half landing repeat *1, then measure from corner to corner, then repeat *2 • *TIP* Always during a survey remain consistent with the measurements, from newel post to stringer and then provide details of the thickness and depth of the stringer

12. Measuring spiral steps • We require the width of every spiral step • We also require the angle of every spiral step by using the goneometer • If the rail is travelling internally, then details of the spirals going into the newel post need to be provided

13. Details we need for Flow2 internal configurations • It is very important that we know the exact location of a newel post in relation to a riser • Good detailed information is essential • When surveying the stairs, imagine the chair and rail in the travelling direction • The newel posts become the interference points • The more measurements provided, the more accurate we can make the rail

14. Parking bend options • Depending on the configuration, we can bend the rail almost to any angle specified • It does not always have to be a perfect 90 or 180 degree parking option • Please ensure that you provide measurements after the last riser, to the point where the rail will turn direction • Also give the distance to walls or obstructions to show how much clearance is available

15. Bulkhead information • Please indicate bulkheads on the drawing or a separate piece of paper • We require the height from the tread • We also require the position of the bulkhead in relation to the riser • You can achieve this by using the large level • Plumb down the face of the bulkhead to the nearest riser • You then measure from the riser to the plumb line mark • This gives us a side elevation of the bulkhead • We also have detailed bulkhead information in the Flow2 Dealer Manual

16. Once the survey is submitted we will provide a drawing for approval • All of the photographs that you have looked at so far are related to this drawing • As a result of this survey we have produced this drawing • We then provide a plan view • A side elevation with the number of rail sections • We also provide the overall height to check against the survey • We also indicate the length of the rail on the drawing

17. Flow2 survey summary • The Flow2 Stair lift can do many complicated staircases. • There are so many configurations that we cannot detail all of them in a presentation. • However, by using the basic techniques shown, you will be able to provide a good survey for your Flow2. • We provide on site training for surveying. • If you require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact the office.