Posted By Ron Young I remember a thread like this some time ago but I can't find it. My question, is there a liability on a company if it allows ex-employees to keep their work laptops after they leave the company. All work related software would be erased but what would happen if the equipment caused injury at a later date.

Posted By Stuart C I agree with the last posting if you have maintained the equipment up to the point it leaves your control I can't see it would be an issue. As an aside you could offer the laptops to charity organisations. There are many that provide basic IT training or wordprocessing skills to enable people to enter the world of work and organisations such as Womans Aid provide this sort of things to their clients whose children would benefit from access to IT. I am sure there would be many who would be glad to take them off your hands & PAT test them before handing them out.

Posted By John Murgatroyd It's the HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ETC ACT. Note the ETC part. It not only protects the people AT work but also the people NOT at work but whose safety may be threatened by people who ARE at work, or by their activities. I presume by "work related software" you also considered the OS on the device ? After all, when you purchased the computer it either came with the OS installed or you purchased it (the licence really) later. You should read the sales notice. You are only licenced to use the software, the resale or giving away is not allowed. Onto the work-related software. Unless you used something like Norton system works to delete the files, and overwrite the sectors used, then recovery of the files is fairly simple. When you click on DELETE the system doesn't actually delete the files. You should have removed the fixed disc and destroyed it. Most firms won't sell any computers with the drive still installed.

Posted By Stuart C What liability are you referring to? viruses etc. i don't understand the risk other than electrical faults that are involved in giving away old lap tops - but more than happy to be enlightened.

Posted By John Murphy We have been down this route and given redundant or replaced PC's to staff. The main issue is one trading standards can advise on and that is that as an employer you must ensure the goods are fit for purpose and of course safe at the point of disposal. Our equipment has been properly maintained and in good order, we judged the risk to the Council from someone being electrocuted on switching on the PC when they got it home as very low. However, we did issue some guidance that went like this: Background Merton replaces all of its PCs after three to four year’s use. The replaced PCs are currently donated to a charity for passing on to overseas organisations. Some PCs are disposed off using an approved supplier. Staff have, from time to time, asked if these PCs can be released for them to use at home. However, due to health and safety reasons, this has not been possible until now. Merton has recently agreed a policy to release some PCs that are being replaced as part of technology updates to staff to use at home. The PCs are generally in working order when they are decommissioned from business use. No Software (including the operating system) will be available on these PCs.. Why are we releasing these PCs to staff Merton is committed to developing and valuing its staff. The release of PCs to staff will assist in staff development. PC configuration The PCs are generally between three to four years old. Where possible, a complete set will be available for release to staff. A set will comprise a base unit, monitor, keyboard and a mouse. Some cables will be available. However, at times, only parts of the configuration will be available to staff. No software, including the operating system, will be available on the PC. Staff need to make arrangements to buy and load any software of their choice. Electrical safety Like all other electrical items, staff need to make sure that PCs are connected to electricity with care. Only a competent electrician should attempt to open up any device. Disposal If a staff member has no further use of a PC, then: 1. This may be donated to a charity 2. This should be taken to an approved re-cycling centre for safe disposal. 3. PCs cannot be sold under any condition. 4. PCs cannot be returned to the Council once collected. Guarantees The PCs and their associated component are released as seen. There is no guarantee that any of the items are in working order, or fit for purpose. Collection process 1. ITS will make PCs available on a first come, first served basis. 2. PCs will be available for collection at certain times of the day. 3. Only one PC will be released to a member of staff. 4. PCs will need to be collected immediately, and taken off site the same day. 5. ITS will issue a release certificate showing PC serial number for security purposes. This will need to be retained as long as the staff keep that PC, and must be passed on if the PC is donated. 6. Once collected, the PC cannot be returned to ITS. 7. Any PCs not collected will be disposed off using the existing procedures in ITS. Wordy but hope this helps!!

Posted By John Murgatroyd It's based upon knowing people who have been given, or purchased, used computers from their employer. Including one relative who is an associate member of an international consultancy. All of their firms removed the fixed disc and destroyed it. I myself purchased a second user pc, from a german car sales outlet, which had had the files deleted from the drive. Using norton utilities I quite happily un-deleted loads of files. Including some extremely erotic personal mail. And LOADS of sales figures. If you want to take the risk on the software, go ahead. Bearing in mind that loads of it constantly "talks" to the home site for it. Not to mention spyware, which lets everyone know what you're running.

Posted By John Murgatroyd I haven't lost anything, least of all the plot. This is a forum of occupational safety and health. Worry about people, not about liability. Loads of people on here would do better to learn how to use google properly. Or join a union... Union member = 90,000.00 Insurance company = -90,000.00

Posted By Ron Young John, Don't worry, the counselling will work eventually.