When it comes to ensuring safety, compliance and efficiency in lift operations, particularly within healthcare environments, understanding the legislative landscape is non-negotiable. Our HTM 08-02 Authorised Person training course equips delegates with essential knowledge, ensuring they remain compliant and confident in managing lift systems. In this blog, we’ll break down the key legislations and regulations covered in the course, explaining their role and why they are critical to safe lift operation
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR)
MHOR is designed to protect staff from injury caused by manual handling tasks. It is the responsibility of employers to assess the risk of manual handling activities and put in place appropriate controls to reduce the potential for injury. In the context of lift operations, this regulation ensures that safe systems of work are in place, reducing the need for hazardous manual handling when lifts are unavailable or during maintenance.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
PUWER focuses on ensuring that any equipment provided in the workplace is:
- Safe for use and suitable for the intended task.
- Used by trained individuals.
- Properly maintained and inspected regularly.
In lift operations, this covers everything from lift components to tools used during maintenance. Compliance is achieved through routine servicing, ensuring lifts and associated equipment are stable, clearly marked and supported with appropriate safety measures.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
RIDDOR requires prompt reporting of specific incidents, including injuries or dangerous occurrences involving lift systems. Any significant incident involving ventilation or lift equipment in healthcare buildings must be documented and reported, with relevant records and plant logbooks available for inspection. This regulation ensures transparency and accountability when incidents occur.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
LOLER governs the use and inspection of lifting equipment, including lifts. Key requirements include:
Thorough examinations every six months for passenger lifts, or 12 months for goods-only lifts.
Inspections following installation, major repairs or unusual circumstances (e.g., damage or long periods out of use).
Defects that could pose a danger must be reported immediately.
LOLER ensures lifts are safe for continued use, with clear documentation of inspections and repairs.
The Lifts Regulations 2016
This regulation applies specifically to the design, installation and certification of new lifts. Installers must:
- Ensure compliance with essential health and safety requirements.
- Complete conformity assessments.
- Provide a declaration of conformity and affix the UKCA marking.
The regulation also mandates technical documentation retention for 10 years, ensuring traceability and accountability throughout the lift’s lifecycle.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSAWA)
HSAWA is the foundation of workplace safety law in the UK. It imposes a duty of care on employers, designers, suppliers and contractors to provide and maintain a safe working environment. For lift systems, this includes ensuring safe design, installation and maintenance practices to protect staff, patients and visitors.
British Standards for Lifts
Several British Standards apply to lift safety, design, and maintenance, including:
- BS EN 81-20: Safety rules for lift construction and installation.
- BS EN 81-70: Accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- BS EN 81-71/72/73: Standards addressing vandal resistance, firefighter lifts and behaviour during fire.
- BS EN 81-80: Recommendations for improving safety in older lifts.
- BS EN 13015: Maintenance rules for lifts and escalators.
- BS EN 13411-5: Safety standards for wire rope terminations.
These standards ensure uniformity and safety across different lift types and environments, particularly in healthcare settings.
SAFed Guidance Notes
The SAFed guidelines provide best practices for supplementary testing during lift examinations, supporting the requirements of LOLER. Following the 2022 SAFed guidance ensures your processes meet modern safety expectations, particularly for in-service passenger and goods lifts.
HTM 08-02 – 2016 Lifts
Finally, HTM 08-02 is specific to healthcare environments. It offers comprehensive advice on:
- Planning, designing and installing lifts.
- Commissioning and testing procedures.
- Maintenance and operational best practices.
This document ensures that healthcare lifts meet the highest safety and performance standards, tailored to the unique needs of healthcare facilities.
Compliance with lift legislation isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s about safeguarding lives, ensuring efficient operations and reducing risks. Our HTM 08-02 Authorised Person training course thoroughly covers these regulations, providing participants with the expertise to maintain compliance and high safety standards.
If you’re ready to strengthen your knowledge and responsibilities around lift safety, get in touch today to book your on-site training.