We have a lift in our care home where the door no longer stays open when it is fully opened like it used to. Part of the door closer needs replacing. We have contacted the manufacturers of the lift and they will not send us a new part that our maintenance man is capable of fitting.They are saying we have to contact the company that services our lift and they need to order and fit the part, which will see us paying a huge call out charge for about 15 mins work. I would understand if it was a major part of the lift operating equipment but its part of the outside of the door. Is our maintenance aloud to fit the part? Is the manufacuring company just being awkward? Any ideas anyone?

The "guarantee" against your lift will involve clauses about who, what and how either issued by the manufacturer, installer or the maintenance contractor.

We normally have several debates a year on these forums about "competence".

Whilst you may think your maintenance are competent for the task (it only involves a screw driver) it is invariably a court of law will make such a determination in the event of any incident where for example your staff fail to conduct vital post repair safety checks.

But then if you want to be the one in the dock on a charge of Gross Negligence feel free - do not presume others involved with supplying and maintaining the lift will ruin their reputation for your defence.