Posted By chrissie I need some help on hoist inspection and what is required if we were to carry out the inspections ourselves internally. We would like to get an external company to check the hoists annually using weights and then to do the other inspection/s in between ourselves. I know the regulations state the person needs to be competent but has anyone got any more specific advice in terms of what they need to check etc.? Is their any training out there which facilitates competency? Our hoists are used for transporting service users to and from wheelchairs etc. Any help is musch appreciated. Thank you Chrissie

Posted By Fornhelper Hi Chrissie, If this is the approach that you are going to take then you will need to develop a 'scheme of examination' (developed by a competent person !!!). It was something that we considered as we felt that the six monthly examination required was overkill but after talks with specialists in the field and much discussion we eventually came to the conclusion that it was better 'left to the experts' and the six monthly inspection regime. The contract we eventually agreed, aside from the thorough examinations, also includes free servicing and repairs (parts extra) and a 24 hour call out. On balance we felt possibly half a dozen repairs / call outs from a 'non contracted firm' would probably cost as much as what we are paying overall. (Obviously depending on size but as a guide we cover 7 Residential Units and 4 Daycare Centres) We are developing simple checklists that our staff can use to carry out 'user inspections' but it wasn't felt practical to train our staff to a level that would allow them to be deemed 'competent persons' in respect of LOLER Hope this is of some help FH