Lift Safety Policy

7.1 Thorough examinations - all lifting equipment, including domestic lifts, will be subject to a thorough examination:

• Before being commissioned into use for the first time (unless the equipment has a Declaration of Conformity less than one year old and the equipment was not assembled on site. If it was assembled on site, it must be examined by a competent person to ensure that the assembly (for example, a platform lift installed in a building) was completed correctly and safely.
• Every 6 months if the lift is being used to carry people.
• Every 12 months if the lift only carries loads.
• In accordance with an examination scheme (as prepared by a competent person) where there is one in place; or
• In accordance with our insurer's specification.

7.2 If the lift is unavailable for inspection, a non-inspection notice will be issued and the responsible person will arrange another inspection.

7.3 All domestic lifts will be subject to a thorough examination before a void property is re-let to ensure it is safe for the next tenant and in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

7.4 Maintenance - All lifting equipment will be subject to routine servicing and maintenance in line with manufacturers' recommendations and/or any examination scheme.

7.5 Stair lifts and hoist platforms - We will maintain residents' own lifting equipment. Usually these are fitted as an adaptation, and Gateshead Council being responsible for the maintenance and servicing. In some circumstances these are fitted by the tenants themselves and may not maintained or serviced. If Gateshead Council is made aware of tenants' own installations, Gateshead Council will provide maintenance to those tenants to enable them to remain mobile within their homes.

7.6 We will ensure there is a robust process in place for the management of any follow-up works required following the completion of a thorough examination or servicing and maintenance inspection (where the work cannot be completed at the time of the examination or servicing/inspection).