Posted By Glyn Phillips This issue was discussed last year with reference to barbers chairs and gym weight lifting equipment. Try, http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...iew&forum=1&thread=16875 I would think that the same principles apply to an operating table. Check it out. Glyn

Posted By John_Webster Correct. As per the previous threads on this, operating tables are not significantly different from hospital beds and dental chairs in this respect. They have a height and orientation adjustment facility, but this is ancillary to their purpose. They come under PUWER, but not LOLER

Posted By Jay Joshi Refer to:- http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/90-4.htm Equipment supporting an elevated platform, such as a hydraulically raised walkway connecting an airport terminal to an aircraft, should not be regarded as covered by LOLER as its primary function is height adjustment rather than the lifting of persons, etc. Machinery, whose primary function is not that of raising or lowering but which includes some integral part performing a lifting function, eg the boom of a mobile concreting pump or a tipper lorry which raises its body to discharge the load, should not be regarded as lifting equipment. This exclusion extends to chains, ropes and lifting tackle forming an integral part of the plant, for example counterbalanced furnace doors or dock gates. Machinery which lifts itself, eg roller shutter doors, is also not considered to be lifting equipment.