Lifts and pressure systems
If you are a lift owner or someone responsible for the safe operation of a lift used at work, such as a facilities manager or supervisor, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that the lift is thoroughly examined and that it is safe to use
Th council receives reports each year from lift examiners which identify defects which either do present or could present a serious risk of injury to persons. The identification of these defects could suggest an inadequate maintenance regime and, in the past, a number of fatal and major injury accidents associated with the operation, maintenance and inspection of lifts have been investigated by the council.
The Law
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended)
What do I need to do?
If you are a lift owner or someone responsible for the safe operation of a lift used at work, such as a facilities manager or supervisor, you are a ‘dutyholder’ under LOLER. This means that you are legally responsible for ensuring that the lift is safe to use and that it is thoroughly examined.
These responsibilities include:
- maintaining the lift so that it is safe to use.
- selecting and instructing the competent person.
- ensuring that the lift is examined at statutory intervals (every 6 or 12 months) or in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person.
- keeping the competent person informed of any changes in the lift operating conditions which may affect the risk assessment.
- making relevant documentation available to the competent person, eg manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance records.
- acting promptly to remedy any defects.
- ensuring that all documentation complies with the Regulations.
- record-keeping.
Further reading
- Thorough examination and testing of lifts – simple guidance for lift owners
- Lifting equipment at work – a brief guide
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance
- Using contractors - a brief guide
- Protecting lone workers – how to manage the risks of working alone
Pressure systems
Every employer or self-employed person has a duty to provide a safe workplace and safe work equipment, including pressure systems. If pressure equipment fails in use, it can seriously injure or kill people nearby and cause serious damage to property. Pressure related incidents may be caused by poor equipment, poor installation, lack of maintenance of equipment, inadequate repairs, an unsafe system of work, operator error, and poor training or supervision.
Examples of pressure systems include:
- commercial coffee boilers incorporating a pressure vessel (for example cappucino makers)
- boilers and steam heating systems
- pressure cookers, autoclaves and retorts
- heat exchangers and refrigeration plant
- valves, steam traps and filters
- pressure gauges and level indicators
Thee council receives reports of examination for pressure systems when the competent person identifies that the pressure system or part of the pressure system will give rise to imminent danger.
The Law
Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
What do I need to do?
Employers with pressure systems in their workplaces must:
- provide safe and suitable equipment
- know the operating conditions
- fit suitable protective devices and ensure they function properly
- carry out suitable maintenance
- make provision for suitable training
- have the equipment examined
- choose a competent person
Further reading
- Pressure systems - a brief guide to safety
- Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. Approved Code of Practice and guidance on Regulations