Quick guide to required actions

For equipment used to lift people - please read the whole guide for definitions and context

Thorough examination

A thorough examination is needed, with a given regularity, by a specified person, and records kept, as follows:

Before use for the first time | once, unless the equipment has an EC Declaration of Conformity, less than one year old and it was not assembled on site | by a competent person | with records kept for the whole time the equipment is in service
After being moved to a new location (this does not apply to different areas of the same site) | once | by a competent person | kept for the whole time equipment is in service
Regularly, while in service | every 6 months or in line with an examination scheme put in place by a competent person | competent person | Until the next report is made or for two years, whichever is later
Following an incident or exceptional circumstances | as required after damage or failure, if out of use for long periods, or if major changes happen – e.g. modifications | by a competent person
A load test as part of the thorough examination | if deemed necessary by a competent person | carried out by a competent person | with records kept until the next report is mode or for two years, whichever is later

A pre use check is needed, with a given regularity, by a specified person, and records kept, as follows:

Before the start of each session or prior to each shift change or change in staff / volunteers operating the equipment | by someone who has been trained to carry out these checks but not the same as the organisation's competent person | there is no requirement for these checks to be recorded

Maintenance is needed, with a given regularity, by a specified person, and records kept, as follows:

Routine maintenance | determined by risk assessment and manufacturer guidance | by someone trained to carry out this work | with record keeping not required but recommended

All operators need to, with a given regularity, by a specified person, and records kept, as follows:

Be trained | periodically for all and always after any concerns raised about an individual's competency |by someone trained to provide this training | with training records maintained for all operators
Have access to manufacturers written guides | available at all times
Have appropriate personal protective equipment | available at all times
Have access to policies and procedures relating to reporting issues, and to individuals' handling plans

Equipment users need with a given regularity, by a specified person, and records kept, as follows:

An individual handling plan | annually or if there is any change in the user's needs or any concern has been raised | by someone trained to carry out these plans | with records kept indefinitely