MilkyWay
MilkyWay Handbook • Version 3 - 20140616 © Handicare AB
2: Important information / 15
2.2: Safety
MilkyWay rail systems must be designed, assembled, installed and inspected by qualified and authorized
personnel according to instructions issued by Handicare AB. Only fixing elements approved by Handicare AB
and suitable for the specific installation may be used.
Regional regulations, as well as the intended applications for different installations, may vary significantly. Before
deciding on how to install the rails, it is important to determine the condition of both the ceiling, the walls and the floor.
Specific fixings for installation of the rails are not included and general recommendations cannot be made. All
decisions on fixings and anchorage for a specific rail system must be made by the installer or the constructional
engineer in charge. Should fixings be supplied, the installer is responsible for evaluation of their suitability for the
application at hand.
Minimum requirements on ceilings
Apart from the required static strength, each attachment point in the ceiling construction must be rated to withstand
a load of at least 2 times the rated load of the entire rail system. The construction of the ceiling must not be critically
damaged by the ceiling lift unit being driven into the endstops. This can only be calculated by an engineer and/or the
owner of the building. For more information; see 2.3: Point load recommendations.
Minimum requirements on walls
Apart from the required static strength, the walls must be rated to withstand a load of at least 2 times the rated load
of the entire rail system. The construction of the walls must not be critically damaged by the ceiling lift unit being
driven into the endstops. This can only be calculated by an engineer and/or the owner of the building.
Testing the rail system
All ceiling lift systems must be weight tested immediately after completion of the installation. Use of a lift system to
lift and/or transfer any person prior to certification by weight testing is strictly prohibited.
For more information; see 7: Weight testing procedure.
Safe working load
Different products on the same ceiling lift system (ceiling lift unit, sling bar, lifting sling, scales and other lifting
accessories) may have different allowed safe working loads. The lowest allowed safe working load always
determines the safe working load of the entire assembled system. Always check the safe working load for the
ceiling lift unit and all lifting accessories before use. Contact your local Handicare and SystemRoMedic™ partner if
you have any questions.
