Overview
Our ramps, docks, and other loading accessories are built to last. However, even the most durable equipment requires regular service and after sale inspections to ensure safe and efficient usage.
The key legislation that governs the inspection of Thorworld equipment within the UK is The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). This regulation applies to the vast majority of our products and is intended to ensure that equipment is suitable for its intended purpose, safe to use, and maintained in a safe condition.
Understanding Your PUWER Obligations
PUWER requires that all work equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safety. For equipment such as loading docks and ramps, this involves checking for wear, damage, or other factors that could compromise their safe operation. These inspections must be carried out by a competent person at suitable intervals, typically once per year, although this can vary depending on equipment type, and amount of use.
It’s important to distinguish between inspection and service:
- Inspection: A legal requirement under PUWER, similar to an MOT for a vehicle. It involves a thorough examination of the equipment to confirm it’s safe for use and to identify any necessary repairs or actions.
- Service: While not legally required, regular servicing is good practice. It involves preventative maintenance to keep your loading equipment running smoothly. This approach can prevent faults and failures, ensuring your operations continue without any potentially costly interruptions.
Thorworld Inspections and Servicing
Some companies opt for third-party inspectors, often through their insurance providers, to handle the inspection of various equipment, including ramps and loading docks.
While this may seem cost-effective initially, these inspectors often lack the specialised knowledge required for our products. They may also be unable to perform immediate repairs due to a lack of parts, leading to costly downtime and further expenses.
At Thorworld, our engineers provide a comprehensive solution. During a combined service and inspection visit, we not only inspect your equipment to ensure PUWER compliance but also service it to prevent potential issues. Our vans are stocked with a range of spare parts, often allowing us to perform necessary repairs on the spot. This approach minimises downtime and ensures your loading and unloading operations remain efficient and safe.
Stay Compliant with Thorworld
With Thorworld’s service/inspection visits, you can rest assured that your equipment will not only remain compliant with regulatory standards but also be kept in top working condition.
Our expert engineers are equipped to handle all aspects of inspection & servicing in a single visit, and potentially perform repairs at the same time; offering you peace of mind and uninterrupted operations.
To learn more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Health & Safety
Our service/installation staff are all suitably qualified in their field; most of whom are members of the Construction Skill Certification Scheme (CSCS), holders of the Client/Contractor National Safety Group Safety Passort (CCNSG), and are all heavily experienced in their fields. We also achieved SAFEcontractor approval in 2010 for the first time, and have remained approved since.
