Rank: New forum user 
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I work in an engineering environment where we have 18 inch to 2 foot height step boxes for staff to work on underneath a vehicle in a pit. These were locally manufactured years ago and very solid and sturdy. We've been told byan outside contractor who inspects our staging, ladders and lifting equipment etc, that we can't use them as there is no certificate of compliance and no plate stating maximum weight limit. To replace these we will end up either having to get something else locally manufactured (who say they dont provide maximum weight limits etc) or buy off the shelf foldable steps, which are less stable and really not fit for purpose. I havent found anything in the HSE documents that states this, only about staing requiring handrails etc, but this is basically 18 inches off the ground, so that doesnt ally. Anyone else had these problems?
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Rank: Super forum user
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JK, lots of other people have had similar problems. Box ticker looks at something that hasn't been bought from a reputable supplier and immediately says "it hasn't got certification. Ergo STOP using it". In this case the most obvious bit of legislation to apply is the Work at Height Regulations 2005. WAH 2005 is sprinkled with repeated references to the qualification of having to do what is "reasonably practicable". ....but is not sprinkled with any reference to e.g. BS EN standards. So, it is up to you to decide whether this equipment is suitable for the use AND (if they want repeat business!) up to this outside consultant to explain why their reasoning for why THEY think that you are in breach of legislation, setting out chapter and verse. Part of YOUR assessment is about concluding why you don't need edge protection even with a potential fall distance of only 18 inches - people can and do sustain very serious injuries with such small falls but it is less likely than from a greater height. I am not going to comment either way as I can't see the specific circumstances.
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 2 users thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
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