HEALTH AND SAFETY ALERT
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued a Safety Bulletin today in relation to them being aware of a number of incidents involving tampering with safety devices or inappropriate maintenance.
Within the Bulletin the HSE state –
“Tampering with safety devices may allow the doors to open when the platform/lift car is not at the landing. This could result in a significant risk to the users of falling from height or being crushed.”
The HSE have confirmed that at least Three incidents occurred on early model Nami-lift 400 platform lifts (pictured below).
You can find the full bulletin here – http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/platform-lifts.htm
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
Make sure any person required to undertake any checks, maintenance, examination or inspection on the platform lift is competent to do so.
Ensure your platform lifts are subject to the required thorough examination and inspection at least every 6 months under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
Include in your platform lift checks that –
- Landing doors cannot open if the platform is not at the same level.
- The platform cannot travel without the doors being both closed and locked
