The law
I have a vehicle with a tail lift, what does the law require me to do?
· You should decide and record how you are to use the tail lift safely.
· You should train the people who are to operate the tail lift in its safe use.
· You should maintain the tail lift so it is always safe to use. Following your manufacturer’s maintenance instructions is considered best practice.
· You should have regular thorough examinations performed by a competent person and keep the reports for two years.
· You should keep records.
These are all legal requirements.
What records should I keep?
Enforcement authorities may ask for any of the following records:
· The manufacturer’s handbook including the Declaration of Conformity.
· Maintenance work and any repairs, including the weight test certificate.
· A record of the past two years’ thorough examinations.
· Records of any staff training.
You should also keep your risk assessments and any other documentation including your Safe System of Work.
What is my legal responsibility?
If you are an employer or self-employed person providing lifting equipment for use at work, or you have control of the use of lifting equipment, then the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) will apply to you.
LOLER requires lifting equipment, including tail lifts, provided for use at work to be strong and stable enough for the particular use and marked to indicate safe working loads, as well as being installed and positioned to minimise any risks. The work should be planned, organised and performed by properly trained people. Tail lifts should be subject to ongoing through examination by a competent person. Records should be kept.
Which laws apply to me?
· Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA)
· Management of Health and Safety At Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR)
· Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
· Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
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