A new contract to inspect stairlifts and access lifts used across the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP) has been granted by the local authority.
Members of the contracts and property committee approved the contract worth £548,192 per year to Stannah Lift Services Limited Companies at their meeting on Thursday afternoon.
The service provided by the council will provide a “thorough examination” of stairlifts and access lifts across many local authority areas including but not limited to Glasgow City Council, West Dunbartonshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
A document presented to members shows that “thorough examinations” are a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
In a health and social care setting, it is essential for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of service users and relevant staff.
These regulations can help to prevent injuries by ensuring that lifting equipment is properly maintained, inspected regularly and used correctly by trained personnel in a care environment where many individuals have limited mobility.
READ MORE: Motherwell Civic Centre turned green and purple - here is why
During the meeting, Councillor Ken Andrew said: “You mentioned the LOLER regulations that relate to lifting equipment and the fact that there has to be an element of examination of all lifting equipment.
“I am confused as to why we have described this as the provision of thorough examination, that gets my antenna twitching and wondering if some point was a less than thorough examination contract let.
“It just seems like an odd way to describe it as it’s a regulated activity.”
A council officer confirmed that the wording of “thorough examination” is the correct terminology.
They said: “It is what the HSCP and health and safety regulations refer to in doing a heavy lifting test under LOLER.
“Examinations must be carried out every six months.”
Share