LOLER Testing for stair lifts and bath hoists

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment regulations (LOLER) of 1998 are in place as part of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The regulations state that any lifting equipment must be strong and stable enough for its intended use and must also be marked with the maximum intended load. Equipment should also be installed in the correct way to ensure that risk to users and patients is at a minimum. It is the responsibility of the individuals who have responsibility, either directly or indirectly for lifting equipment to ensure that it is installed and maintained correctly and that any staff or individuals operating that equipment are adequately trained in its use. This covers employees, the self-employed and basically anyone that will be in place to operate lifting equipment either in a client’s own home or in a care setting.

What does this mean and who does LOLER apply to?

Basically, the LOLER regulations are there to protect users and handlers of lifting equipment and the regulations apply to any establishment with such equipment. The regulations are not prescriptive as to exactly which equipment would fall under these regulations but would most definitely cover hoists- mobile hoists and patient slings, stairlifts, standing and raising aids, ceiling track hoists, bath lift chairs and all slings used for lifting or moving patients which attach to lifting devices.

What are the requirements for my lifting equipment?

The requirements state that all equipment must be examined before it is put into place for use for the first time or moved to another location. the equipment must then be maintained and reported upon by users- it is the responsibility of users to immediately report any problems or wear and tear to equipment. Products should be inspected by a competent person every six months and maximum load tested every 12 months. Records and examination reports must be kept by the employer so that any accident investigation by the HSE is fully supplied.

How can we help you be fully compliant?

Here at My Mobility Repair we can help you ensure that all your lifting equipment is fully compliant and safe for your clients and employees in a care setting or indeed in a client’s own home. We are able to offer servicing on all mobile patient lifting hoists and stand aid hoists, ceiling track hoists, bath lifters and bath hoists, hi- lo care baths and all lifting accessories with your lifting equipment. This will ensure that you are fully compliant with LOLER regulations. Our fully trained engineers will ensure that your equipment is fully safe, operational and fit for purpose and this along with your own staff training on using equipment and moving and handling will make sure your care business is totally compliant.

To ensure nothing gets missed, we offer a web-based tracking system for repairs and printable certificates on equipment maintenance and compliance. Most minor repairs can be resolved immediately after testing, but if this is not the case, we offer a free hoist loan service so that you are not without this valuable piece of equipment. We believe this offers total peace of mind to our customers. We pride ourselves on our customer service and therefore hold a large stock of spare parts for most types of lifting equipment so that we can endeavour to diagnose, repair and get your equipment operational again within one visit. Vitally important if you have clients and staff relying on their lifting equipment. We will ensure your equipment meets the LOLER regulations and also is compliant under the standards set by the Care Quality Commission- so give us a call today for a no obligation quote.