Posted By andrew bryan Dear All, We are a distribution warehouse and are currently having a few problems with a number of our suppliers who send in boxes / parts which weigh over 25 kgs. We have requested that they supply weight warning labels to the outside of the product. They are stating that there is no legal requirement to supply any such label and because none of their other customers / suppliers have asked for the same they are refusing to comply to our request. Could anyone please advise me or direct me in the right direction to any relevant legislation. Kind Regards Andy p.s. Ideally we would like to stop using the supplier, but they are the only ones who supply this type of product.

Posted By A Campbell Andrew, Without getting into a tennis match quoting legislation, best practice etc from all your suppliers... If you are aware that the consignments arriving are expected to be over 25kg could you not place a system at your goods in end to treat all deliveries from bla bla company as heavy? Can the items be split on arrival? Apart from the obvious.... review handling and consider alternative material handling equipment Last resort... offer labels to your suppliers indicating warning of weight?

Posted By steve e ashton Andrew: Para 175 of the Guidance to the Manual Handling Operations regs points out that suppliers have duties under section 3 or 6 of the HaSaWA for the health and safety of other people (i.e. other than their own employees...). It goes on the say that suppliers should make loads as easy to grasp and handle as possible AND MARK LOADS CLEARLY WITH THEIR WEIGHT and where appropriate an indication of their heaviest side. Para 152 of the guidance is more explicit, but only applies to articles handled by your own workforce... So you have to ask... how does your supplier load the vehicles? Also- if the 'goods' being supplied are machinery, then the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992require machinery to be capable of being handled safely. If manual handling is involved, the machinery and component parts must be easily movable or equipped for picking up, for example with hand grips. Machinery and component parts not suitable for manual handling must be fitted with attachments for lifting gear or designed so that standard lifting gear can be easily attached..... So if they won't fit labels, start insisting on lifting eyes or other attachments for lifting gear....!!! If you get no joy after talking tactfully to your supplier regarding his responsibilities, you may get some response by involving the HSE. Good luck. Steve

Posted By Swis there's a difference between duties on employers towards their employees and Supplier vs Custtomer. Manual Handling Regs???

Posted By andrew bryan All, Thank you very much to all who contributed, I think the way forward is to work with our supplier to find the a solution that suits both of our requirements. In hindsight we should have included something in our T&C at the begining of the contract. Sincere thanks Andy B