Posted By Dave Merchant
An inspection pit would be simple Work at Height Regulations territory as it's a part of the building rather than a "product". Covers or edge protection would be required when not in use, and exclusion measures (hazard tape barriers etc. set farther back) when it's open. No specific requirement to erect signs when not in use unless there's another hazard such as a load limit on the covers, but most people paint the edges yellow. It's not a replacement for barriers but helps stop those inside the hazard area from failing to see where they're walking.

There's a Confined Space Regs issue too, as inspection pits without adequate ventilation can easily fill with fumes and suffocate people.. it happens regularly when someone's working under a vehicle with an engine running or vents the gas in an aircon system.

There's a chunk on the HSE website about this, such as their example RA:-

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/casestudies/pdf/mvr.pdf

Posted By DRB
I agree with Ron. I used to work in the bus industry and they are gradually coming around to the idea of vehicle lifts rather than pits.

If you've got to live with the pit contact the manufacturer, assuming its a steel pit, and ask about covers. You can get powered telescopic covers for them. Alternatively try nets which can easily be pulled across when the pit is not in use. They are not ideal but they are more likely to get used than barriers.

Do the usual risk assessments and make sure training, tool box talks, etc take place. That may help to placate the HSE. If they do complain remind them its up to you to decide what's reasonably practicable and filling in the pit isn't.

Good luck

Posted By Pete Sutton
I too was faced with this dilemma a few months back and after consultation with my learned friends, i decided to overrule management and scrap the pit idea. As a result we are now installing hydraulic lifts after a little rerouting of electric conduit and a light fitting which works out cheaper (and safer) than the pit idea anyway. Mail me if you need any info as i have a fair bit collected..pete

Posted By Graham Bullough
During my years as a HSE inspector I visited numerous garage workshops and can readily echo previous responders with the advice that pits may appear to be cheaper than hoists but pose various significant risks and problems.

The obvious problem is one of stopping people from falling into pits. Vehicle workshop people are usually too busy to use pit covers or barriers for pits which are not in use. Allied to this is the fact that if a pit is only going to be left un-used for a short period of time, most people will think - quite understandably - that it's not worth going to the effort of making it safe for such a period.

Over the years some people have been killed or seriously burned in pits by fires/explosions stemming from the accidental ignition of petrol or LPG which has leaked into their pits from vehicles and other sources. Related to this is the fact that rapid egress from a pit, especially when part covered by a vehicle, can be difficult. Think of the pit as a "confined space". This aspect may be less critical for a workshop with foundations built on a slope which may allow one end of a pit to be open and thus permit easier egress to outside and also the outward movement of heavier-than-air highly flammable liquids and vapours.

Also, it is harder for workers to move tools, equipment and vehicle parts into and out of a pit compared with on a flat floor beneath a vehicle hoist. Also debris tends to accumulate in pits and is harder to remove than from a floor beneath a hoist.

Thus, though vehicle hoists are costly to buy and install, and thereafter need regular maintenance and checks, they will prove to be far better than inspection pits.

Posted By Martin Gray
The HSE are currently reviewing HSG67 in particular vehicle inspection pits. This section is larger than previous.

Posted By lewes
As others have already stated.

Pits are a pain and should certainly be avoided in a new build workshop. Although I am led to believe that it does take some courage to get used to working under a HGV on a ramp !!!!

We have a depot inside the M25 and frequently have LPG powered vehicles in for inspection. These vehicle nor petrol should be placed over a pit owing to the chemical properties of the fuel.

Another thing to consider is that no two people are the same height and some will have to permantly duck whilst some will have to use height aids when working.

Posted By Graham Bullough
It's over 20 years since I had direct involvement with vehicle hoists, but it may be useful to point out that each make and type usually incorporates some sort of ratchet or other mechanical device by which the part/s which support a vehicle are locked in place on their supports when resting in an elevated position. This would prevent any unexpected descent of the hoist in the event of any failure of wire ropes and/or hydraulic components comprising the lifting system.

However, from time to time, when I used to visit garages I did see a design of hoist which had corner posts consisting of giant screws. The corners of the vehicle support assembly incorporated giant nuts which fitted the screws and could travel up and down them when turned simultaneously by means of a motorised chain or other system. By its nature this design struck me as inherently safe, and probably avoided the need for any safety locking system. Perhaps the design also avoided the need for such hoists to be regularly examined, or at least reduced the frequency and complexity of examinations. If I've managed to effectively describe this design, please can anyone say if it is still being made or at least continues in use?