Health and safety policy

Effective Date: 14/12/2024

At NP Plant and Tool Hire, we are committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of the tools and equipment we provide. This policy outlines our safety practices and the responsibilities of our customers when hiring and using our equipment.

1. Equipment Safety

  1. Safety Inspections:
    • All tools and equipment are thoroughly inspected before each hire to ensure they are in a safe and usable condition.
    • Regular maintenance is performed on all equipment, with records kept for compliance and accountability.
  2. Regulatory Compliance:
    • Our equipment and practices comply with relevant UK regulations, including:
      • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): Ensuring all equipment is safe, maintained, and suitable for its intended use.
      • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Ensuring that risks to customers and users are minimized through safe practices.
      • Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992: Recommending PPE where appropriate and ensuring its availability for purchase.

2. Customer Responsibilities

  1. Competency:
    • It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all users of the equipment are competent and have the necessary skills to operate it safely.
  2. Safe Operation:
    • Customers are responsible for using equipment as intended and following all manufacturer guidelines or instructions provided at the time of hire.
  3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • PPE is not provided with hire equipment but is available for purchase separately.
    • For certain tools, PPE may be recommended (e.g., safety goggles for cutting tools or gloves for heavy machinery). Customers are responsible for ensuring appropriate PPE is used.
  4. Incident Reporting:
    • Any equipment malfunctions, damage, or safety incidents must be reported to NP Plant and Tool Hire immediately for appropriate action.

3. Our Commitments

  1. Regular Maintenance:
    • We perform routine checks and maintenance on all equipment to ensure it meets safety standards and is in optimal working condition.
  2. Records:
    • We maintain detailed records of all inspections, maintenance, and servicing for transparency and compliance with UK regulations.
  3. Clear Communication:
    • We provide clear guidelines and recommendations for safe equipment use and PPE requirements.

4. Limitations of Liability

While NP Plant and Tool Hire ensures that all equipment is inspected and maintained to the highest safety standards, the following limitations apply to our liability:

  1. No Liability for Misuse:
    • We are not liable for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the misuse of equipment or failure to follow manufacturer guidelines or safety recommendations.
  2. No Liability for Incompetent Use:
    • It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all users of the equipment are competent. We are not liable for accidents caused by a lack of proper knowledge, skills, or training in operating the equipment.
  3. No Liability for Third-Party Damage:
    • We are not responsible for damages or injuries caused to third parties due to the customer’s use of the equipment.
  4. No Liability for Incidents During Transport by the Customer:
    • Once equipment is collected by the customer or delivered to the customer’s location, the responsibility for its safe transport, operation, and storage lies solely with the customer.
  5. No Liability for Improper Maintenance:
    • Customers are responsible for maintaining and cleaning equipment during the hire period. We are not liable for incidents resulting from improper maintenance or neglect.
  6. No Liability for Environmental Damage:
    • We are not responsible for any damage caused to the customer’s property, environment, or surroundings during the use of the equipment (e.g., ground damage caused by heavy machinery).
  7. Force Majeure:
    • We are not liable for delays, non-performance, or damage arising from events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
      • Extreme weather conditions.
      • Road closures or transport delays.
      • Natural disasters or other emergencies.
  8. PPE Use:
    • We strongly recommend the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for certain tools. Customers are fully responsible for sourcing and using PPE when required. We are not liable for injuries resulting from failure to use PPE.
  9. No Liability for Delays or Loss of Productivity:
    • We are not responsible for any delays, financial losses, or productivity issues arising from equipment availability, delivery delays, or equipment failure during the hire period.
  10. No Warranty of Suitability:
    • While we maintain all equipment in working order, we make no guarantees that the equipment will be suitable for the customer’s specific needs. It is the customer’s responsibility to assess suitability before hire.
  11. Customer’s Own Insurance:
    • Customers are required to ensure appropriate insurance coverage for high-value items and heavy machinery (e.g., mini diggers). We are not liable for losses or damages covered under the customer’s insurance policy or resulting from a lack of insurance coverage.
  12. Maximum Liability:
    • In all cases, our maximum liability is limited to the total hire cost paid by the customer, excluding any delivery charges or deposits.
  13. Inspection at Collection:
    • Customers are responsible for inspecting equipment upon delivery or collection. Claims regarding the condition of the equipment must be made immediately. We are not liable for faults reported after delivery/collection unless resulting from normal wear and tear.
  14. No Consequential Damages:
    • We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to:
      • Loss of earnings.
      • Loss of contracts or business opportunities.
      • Damage to personal or business property.
  15. Exclusions by Law:
    • Nothing in this policy excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or other liabilities that cannot be excluded under UK law.

5. Standards and Regulations

Our business adheres to the following UK regulations:

  1. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974:
    • Requires equipment to be safe and risks minimized for users.
  2. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER):
    • Ensures tools and equipment are maintained in safe working order and inspected regularly.
  3. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992:
    • Sets standards for the correct use and availability of PPE.
  4. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992:
    • Recommends safe practices for handling heavy or awkward equipment.

Contact Us

For any questions or to report a safety concern, please contact us:
NP Plant and Tool Hire
Unit 22, Beacon Court, Ollerton, Newark, Notts, NG22 9QL
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07356075981

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