-The use of access platforms in the UK is subject to regulation. Companies must comply with the law for access platforms to ensure safety. Two key regulations apply: LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations). Both set strict standards for operation, maintenance, and inspections.
There are two pieces of current legislation that govern the maintenance of powered access platforms. Here is a brief outline of the key pieces of law for access platforms:
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
LOLER has the following requirements for servicing access equipment:
– Equipment used for lifting people should be safe to use and all necessary precautions must be taken to eliminate or reduce any risk
– Access equipment should be thoroughly examined before it is used for the first time
– Examinations should be carried out in use every six months for access platforms lifting people and 12 months for all other equipment
– Inspections and servicing should be carried out by a qualified person who submits a full report to the owner/employer
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
The servicing requirements of PUWER for work equipment are:
– It should be suitable for use
– It is in a safe condition for use so that people’s health and safety is not at risk
– Inspected regularly to ensure that it is safe for use
– A competent person should carry our inspections and a record kept until the next inspection
– Mobile access platforms for carrying people will be fit for purpose with measures to reduce the risks to anyone using it or in the vicinity
The law for access platforms states that they must be tested and thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a qualified person. Consequently, this means every six months for any machine that lifts people and 12 months for machines lifting just equipment.Using non-compliant equipment puts workers at risk. The law for access platforms ensures safety through strict inspections and maintenance. Companies must choose reputable providers like Promax Access. Their machines meet the highest industry standards, offering peace of mind to operators and businesses.
Accredited training is also a requirement for anyone using access platforms. Training is a requirement for commercial and private use and will give a more full outline of LOLER and PUWER. The key to machine safety is a regular schedule of maintenance. Documenting this is a legal requirement. These requirements maximises the functionality and safety of the equipment. This will also ensure a high resale value of the access platform.
It makes sense that any machine used to work at height is in prime working condition. There are large penalties for not complying with the law for access platforms. Especially in the case of serious injury as a result of mechanical failure. Getting your powered access platforms inspected and serviced regularly is not only a legal requirement. It is a way to guarantee not only peak performance, but als to avoid any unnecessary accidents.
Following the law for access platforms is not optional. It is a legal duty that protects lives. Choosing Promax Access means working with a company that prioritizes safety and compliance. With their expertise, businesses can confidently use spider lifts without legal concerns. Promax Access is a leader in the spider lift market. Their machines comply with all legal requirements. They provide customers with fully certified and regularly inspected platforms. Their reputation for safety and reliability makes them a trusted name in the industry.