The HSE have recently put out a safety alert around platform lifts (the type that are primarily used for those with impaired mobility). It has been noted that occasions of door locks / latches are inadequate or have been tampered with leading to a risk of falling from height as the lift is able to operate with the door not being secured properly. There is also a concern over unauthorised access to lift shafts which can lead to endangering the safety of the lift operation and potentially put people at risk of crushing.
Some of these issues were found to be caused by door locking pins that are too short to engage properly and therefore the door is able to be opened, poor maintenance leading to damaged components not allowing doors to align properly, and deliberate acts such as door contacts being tampered with to allow the lift to operate with the pin only partially engaged.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSAWA) 1974 places a duty on employers under S3 to, so far as reasonably practicable, not expose those not in their employment (the public etc. for example) to risks to their health and safety.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 places many duties on employers to take precautions to protect people at work. Although it isn’t technically applicable for the general public, it is often used as a guide for what to do to comply with requirements for protecting non employees / the public under S3 of HSAWA 1974. The requirements will often be required by insurers.
Elevator Safety Tips
- Ensure equipment is maintained properly by competent persons.
- Ensure thorough inspection by competent persons routines are adhered to – typically:
- 6 Monthly for equipment that lifts people and lifting accessories.
- 12 Monthly for other lifting equipment.
- Not make any modifications to keep a lift operating that may result in an unsafe condition.
- Conduct a daily check that door locks engage properly, and the door cannot be opened unless the lift is at the floor level.
- Ensure lift is levelling properly before doors open.
- Ensure the lift does not start to travel while doors are open.
- If applicable a weekly check of the alarm should take place to ensure it is operational and can summon assistance if required.
- Ensure access is always restricted to lift machinery rooms / shafts.
Quest can come to your premises and conduct an audit on site to identify gaps in your safety management system and provide practical and helpful advice / support to help you be compliant.
We also offer a range of training courses designed to equip you and your people with the knowledge to work safer and stay compliant with the law.
Get in touch so we can start supporting you.
