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Posted By GeoffB4
It's clear that stair lifts, for persons with mobility disabilities, in commercial premises are subject to 6-monthly statutory inspections.
But what about the case of sheltered accommodation with stair lifts installed on common parts stairs - are they considered to be commercial premises?
I'm told by the FM the answer is no, and that statutory examinations are not required.
Ideas?
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Posted By Chris Duffy
My (and only my) guess would be that they would need inspection.
A bit like getting the asbestos survey done on communal areas
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Posted By Brian Hagyard
Vaguely remember doing a training course many years ago, where it was claimed that it all depended on who pushed the button.
I.E. If care staff help the people use them then they were work equipment and covered by PUWER and LOLER applied. If the people could use them independently then not work equipment and the specific requirements for inspection etc did not apply.
That aside clearly there is still a duty to maintain in a safe manor either under HASAW or civil Law depending on the situation.
Brian
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Posted By Malcolm Greenhouse
LOLER applies to all stairlifts unless purchased by the user for domestic use in their own home. If the council or NHS supply then they will have a test and inspection regime based on 6 monthly intervals as the device is people carrying.
Ask FM would they inspect a lift in a communal area, I think the answer would be yes!
I have worked in an LA and the NHS and was involved in both organisations with service contracts for stairlifts. I have also worked in a housing trust where we had to have a service and inspection contract.
Hope this helps.
Mal
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Posted By MT
As an LA officer, I'd have to say my answer would be that yes, they would be covered by LOLER. My reason for saying that is that the stairlifts themselves would not be within the private residences, and would therefore be owned by the company operating the sheltered housing complex.
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Posted By willhiem
agree with MT, even though it is a home, its still considered a commercial area and so therefore you require it.
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Posted By GeoffB4
Many thanks all, it's confirmed my opinion.
CFT, I went back a year on the search, I should have gone more! Thanks for the reference, Adrian's response (the last one) covers the whole thing quite clearly.
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Posted By willhiem
Might not be the proper place to stick this post and i'm hijackin the thread a bit, but i hope you dont mind geoff since you seem happy you've found what you want... so i'll fire ahead...
anyone ever think of actually compiling a quick refernece book to questions like this and update it regularly. (anyone steals my idea i'll accept 1% royalties whats that they say about 1% inspiration - 99% persperation!!)
In our line of work we all come across somethin every now and again which we wouldnt have encountered and while we might know where to look i think sometimes the legislation etc can be a bit vague so perhaps a quick guide with simple clear answers based on legislation, acop's, and presidence could be quiet handy. I realise you could get into some sticky legal ground in some areas of providing people with advice and so on.
anyone any thoughts on the subject?
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Posted By CFT
willhiem
the likes of Croner, IHS, Barbour etc do just that for a fee though, and of course one always has the HSE to fall back on. It has been mooted many times about a FAQ section here in the forums but with the changes such as you suggest regarding legislative/ACoP/Guidance/Best Practice etc changing frequently and subtle differences on some between Northern Ireland/Scotland/England, it can be an administrative nightmare.
Then there is the liability angle where a disclaimer becomes necessary to state that "all information contained herein is considered to be accurate at the time of production but the 'company' accept no liability for errors and you are further advised to seek clarification" etc etc blah blah'.
Great idea but almost impossible to create without a substantial fee being involved, to at least guarantee some level of accuracy.
CFT
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Posted By willhiem
CFT,
I know IHS and Barbour are decent, i've used them once or twice in a previous job, but again you can feel a bit like going trawling the HSE site or whoever and then finding the acop or whatever you want and having to trawl through that then.
The liability bit was the sticky issue i was refering to and i totally agree it would be a nightmare trying to keep it up to date etc.
I'm sure if such a magical book whatever was available it would mean the majority of us would need to brush up on quality or environmental or else face part time hours!! think of how many more self made 'consultants' there'd be too!! (not a jibe at anyone or not trying to get into the usual debate i just mean people who come out of thin air and are suddenly consultants etc without ever having worked in the role or studied anything! I shouldnt have said anything there really should i!!)
maybe thats what i could do my thesis on, write the definitive guide to health and safety, i reckon should keep me busy til pension age and by then i suppose pension age will be gone up!! publishing date 2050!!
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Posted By willhiem
oh thanks for the input though CFT. who needs a book when you have forum vets like yourself and a few more about!!
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Posted By David A Cooper
You need a copy of HSE RESEARCH REPORT 429/2002 which details all types of lifting equipment and isnpection requirements. If you need a copy drop me an e mail and I'll send a link where you can get it from. David
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