Posted By Fornhelper
Hi Mark,

I believe that they could be classed as 'work equipment' and would come under the auspices of PUWER...I wouldn't think that there would be a specific timescale for maintenance - usual manufacturers recommendations / risk assessment route !!!

As recently as last week I had to visit one of our 'Units' where these were fitted as staff were concerned about the strain on their back when lifting them. I had a go myself and was taken aback by the initial effort needed to 'get them moving' We arranged for them to be overhauled and greased and now they can be opened relatively easily - with the help of a 'shutter stick' (for want of a better phrase !!)

No doubt a claim for back injury would have been difficult to defend given the lack of maintenance on these.

Ideally electrically operated shutters would be the answer but with regular maintenance the push / pull type should be OK.

Regards
FH