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?

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

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.

Posted By CFT Geoff Yes based upon it still be a commercial venture. Useful previous thread that may assist you. http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...view&forum=1&thread=6659 CFT

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?

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!!

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