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#1 Posted : 06 May 2005 15:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Tyler
Good Afternoon to all the health and safety experts out there.

My question is:

Do electric beds (as commonly found in care homes) come under any legislation such as PUWER (probably) or LOLER?

As the beds are used to move the patients to another position and effectively to lift / raise them up does this need to be regularly inspected (6 monthly) as per the LOLER regulations?

Thanks in advance.


Tyler
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#2 Posted : 06 May 2005 15:50:00(UTC)
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Posted By Bill Elliott
Yes
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#3 Posted : 06 May 2005 15:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert (Rod) Douglas
Yep, afraid so..

Aye,

Rod D
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#4 Posted : 06 May 2005 16:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By Kevin West
It is my opinion that electric beds used in care homes and hospitals etc. which can raise and lower a patient do not fall under the remit of LOLER as it is not considered to be lifting a load, rather supporting it. The same would apply to dentists chairs and beds used by beauticians.

However, such beds/chairs would be subject to PUWER when used in a workplace or work activity so will require periodic safety checks and maintenance. The manufacturer can advise on what checks should be made and recommend a frequency. Such advice may be provided within the instruction manual supplied with the bed. Their insurance company may also set their own requirements for insurance purposes.

I hope this helps

Kev
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#5 Posted : 06 May 2005 16:50:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Webster
I recently contacted HSE over this very point. Hospital beds, beautician's and dentists chairs etc are specifically exempted from LOLER. I was told this is because their primary function is not lifting.
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#6 Posted : 06 May 2005 19:26:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter Lee
Spot on John, the answer is NO, beds do not come under LOLER.

Regards.
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#7 Posted : 09 May 2005 12:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By J Knight
Having also spoken to HSE recently I was informed, with a slight touch of humour, that HSE regards beds as equipment for sleeping in, and they don't therefore come under LOLER. Where I think people have got confused is that when I asked the same question a half-dozen or so years ago I was told that they were equipment for lifting people; HSE have evidently arrived at a much more practical and realistic position in the intervening years.

They are covered by PUWER though, and may need PAT,

John
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