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Posted By Ian Axford-Hawkes
We have just taken delivery of a "typical" hospital bed for a client, which has up and down adjustment.
Does it require a six-monthly thorough exam (as a people lifter) or is an annual inspection sufficient.
Or does PUWER just apply?
Regards
Ian
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Posted By Raymond Rapp
Ian
I do not believe the bed is lifting equipment per se and therefore LOLER does not apply. PUWER would apply as per work equipment for employees and an annual inspection, unless manufacturer's instructions differ, should suffice.
If I am wrong I am sure someone will correct me.
Ray
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Posted By D H
PUWER applies - not LOLER.
Dave
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Posted By Peter Still
Ian,
Is the up and down adjustment manual or powered?
What does the manufacturer state?
Whichever regulations apply you'll need an effective regime to ensure the bed is correctly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
I used to work for a manufacturer of powered beds some years ago, and maintenance was a real issue, so we preferred to lease them rather than selling so we could retain control of inspection and maintenance.
Peter
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Posted By CRT
Ian,
agree with others, PUWER not LOLER as principal function is that of a bed (with an added function to adjust height) and not as a device to lift or lower.
Regards
CT
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Posted By ITK
Definitely NOT LOLER.
PUWER.
ITK.
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Posted By Bill Elliott
Ian
I suppose the question really is - what is a "typical" hospital bed. Certainly some beds of the profiling type certainly do qualify under LOLER for 6 monthly examination etc as they do "lift" the occupant. As a general rule, I would imagine that if the bed has no hydraulic or powered lifting mechanism then only PUWER would apply. The beds manufacturer will be able to confirm for you whether or not LOLER applies. Regards
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Posted By TonyB
Ian,
Let's get specific. According the LOLER ACOP :-
"In most cases LOLER will not apply to work equipment which does not have as its principal function a use for lifting or lowering of the type associated with ‘traditional’ lifting equipment"
However if it did apply then Reg 8(3) states:-
"Subject to paragraph (6), every employer shall ensure that lifting equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is -
(a) thoroughly examined -"
As failure of the lifting equipment within the bed will not result in a dangerous situation then it still be exempt from LOLER thorough examinations. It's like push along low rising pallets trucks don't need a thorough examination.
Summary - Exempt from LOLER.
If anybody disagrees and believes LOLER applies then - Exempt from Thorough Examination by virtue of the 'safe' failure mode!
All the best,
TonyB
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Posted By sylvia
But is such a bed, or similar item of support equipment, when owned by an individual needing this type of equipment in a domestic setting, actually 'work equipment' at all?
Care workers employed by a council or agency may attend and assist such an individual, who owns and relies on the bed, with their personal needs. Does that make it 'work equipment'? And for how long - until they leave the room? Who should be paying for maintenance or (if it were required) LOLER checks? If the owner chose not to maintain (they have no duty to do so), what then?
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Posted By D H
Hi Sylvia - work equipment is classed as any equipment used in any way as part of work duties. Therefore the care workers are at work and the equipment comes under PUWER.
Dave
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Posted By Ian Axford-Hawkes
Thank you all for your timely responses. Many of your answers are in line with our thinking. The bed is supplied by our local PCT, we're sending in care workers to look after the client.
Ian
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Posted By MGF
Imagine the process in place to 'lift' is similar to the many chairs we now sit on, press a button/lever to raise seat up or down. This lifts/lowers us but are all the chairs tested as per LOLER, I imagine not, PUWER unless maufacturer is stating something different, then maybe ask further questions if it is LOLER as to why they think it such.
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