Afternoon, I have been asked to re-write our LOLER guidance. Now I'm pretty sure that patient stretchers, carry chairs and the like are not lifting equipment as per LOLER regs. They are work equipment certainly, but that's an aside. My problem is that I'm also pretty certain that I will be challenged on this by some of our more vocal volunteers, so if anybody has anything definitive I can turn to I would much appreciate it. Unless I am wrong of course, in which case I would also welcome a definitive correction, John

Thanks Ron, I have previously checked that, it was extremely useful at my last place. It does state that Kangas (lifting cushions), which we do use, aren't lifting equipment, which is helpful. Sadly though it doesn't discuss stretchers, carry chairs etc, and I just know that there will be challenges about these, John

The prime purpose of stretchers, ambulance chairs etc is the transporting of patients not lifting. Lifting is an action that may be required at certain times but is not the prime purpose. Think of a supermarket shopping trolley which is used for transporting your purchases to the checkout and subsequently to your car. If on the way to the car you need to negotiate a kerb or step by lifting the whole thing would you really require the supermarket to have a LOLER inspection!!! Agree they are equipment and thus need so.e inspection re being fit for purpose but this would not be as detailed as LOLER thorough inspection and testing. The stretcher manufacturers may be able to give you something that may be suitable in convincing any of your volunteers who may consider themselves experts. In fact some may have safety qualifications- I actually started as a cadet and reached the dizzy height of Deputy Branch Director in your organisation and often came up against the type of problem you may be facing.