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We use a variety of stretchers, scoops and so on. I know this stuff has to be kept safe, just wondered if anybody has any views on whether LOLER would apply, or just PUWER? I've checked the HSE website, and I'm very familiar with the application of LOLER to items of hospital or care home equipment, it's specifically about purely mechanical stuff used in first response that I'm concerned with,
John
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Does it really matter?
LOLER and PUWER have similar duties for the employer to discharge. For example, with PUWER the employer must ensure the equipment is fit for purpose and personnel are trained in its use.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I take your point Ray, the difference is only a technicality. But as you know there is a requirement for a thorough examination to a written schedule in LOLER, at set intervals. PUWER gives us a bit less fomality and a bit more flexibility, which is why I am asking,
John
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Rank: Super forum user
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We also have a lot of barrack-room lawyers in the organisation. I need to be able to make a definitice statement on this with some justification,
John
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Rank: Super forum user
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The reason for my post was I don't know whether stretchers etc would come under LOLER, but if equipment is used for lifting people then I suspect it does. That said, how would you apply a thorough examination to a stretcher? Going back to my original post, if you apply a regime of inspection before use and perhaps a periodical inspection 6/12 monthly you will discharge your duty pursuant to PUWER and arguably LOLER.
Dfinitions according to LOLER:
“lifting equipment” means work equipment for lifting or lowering loads and includes its attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it;
“lifting operation” has the meaning given in regulation 8(2);
“load” includes a person;
“thorough examination” in relation to a thorough examination under paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of regulation 9 –
(a) means a thorough examination by a competent person;
(b) where it is appropriate to carry out testing for the purpose described in the paragraph, includes such testing by a competent person as is appropriate for the purpose;
and “thoroughly examined” shall be construed accordingly;
“work equipment” means any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether exclusively or not).
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 1 user thanked RayRapp for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Originally Posted by: jwk  We use a variety of stretchers, scoops and so on. I know this stuff has to be kept safe, just wondered if anybody has any views on whether LOLER would apply, or just PUWER? I've checked the HSE website, and I'm very familiar with the application of LOLER to items of hospital or care home equipment, it's specifically about purely mechanical stuff used in first response that I'm concerned with,
John
Try here might give what you need.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis4.pdf
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks Invictus; I had tried that but it has practically everything but stretchers in it!
Ray, I think your second sentence sums up my feeling as well; how would you apply a thorough examination to a stretcher? For that reason, in consultation with the 1st Aid experts in my team, we have decided that LOLER won't apply to stretchers, but it will apply to spinal boards and scoops since they have mechanical clamps and are adjustable.
The definition of lifting equipment in the regs does sound like stretchers should be included, but for the reason given above, we're not going to apply it. Of course we will inspect and maintain our stretchers, but to a regime determined by risk assessment and PUWER.
You would have thought that HSE might have something somewhere about this, but they don't...
John
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Interesting. The guidance document referenced above does make clear that LOLER applies where the equipments principal function is lifting or lowering the load...not simply that it has the capability to. It then excludes trolley beds on that basis in the annex.
So is the principal purpose to transport on the level with lifting and lowering being ancillary to that. Or is the principal function to lift and lower the casualty. Feels rather 50/50.
Using one of their other parameters, failure of the stretcher would likely lead to further injury. And yet...like you...I instinctively don't think that LOLER should apply here.
Sorry, not really helped! But it's a good test of the definitions.
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1 user thanked Xavier123 for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user 
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I recall going round in circles on this one some time ago. Think in the end I spoke to someone in the NHS to see what they did. From what I remember; if the lift is done by people (not mechanical), and it is for transporting people from a-b, then PUWER alone (stretchers, body boards, including the type used by our ambulance crews, etc.)
After that if starts getting complicated, and is more likely to come into the realms of LOLER when it's sole purpose is to adjust height (rather than distance), and uses mechanics (motors, hydraulics, air, etc.).
Another way to look at it, if it goes wrong, is it just down to people or structural failure (PUWER), or has it failed because of something mechanical (LOLER).
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1 user thanked James Robinson for this useful post.
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jwk
Have you tried contacting HM Coast Guard - as they use this type of equipment for helicopter rescues
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Rank: Super forum user
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Xavier, James, thanks for the posts. I think I am of a similar mind-set to the NHS people; stretchers aren't actually lifting gear, the lifting is done by people, the stretcher is just a platform... But it's not clear-cut, as I do think scoops and spine boards should be included, and the same principle would apply. Carry-chairs are also definitely included in LOLER, and they're lifted purely by muscle power as well. But I've made a decision and I think I'll stick to it.
Thanks to all for the help,
John
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