10.1 PUWER and LOLER contain several legal requirements for employers – please see appendix 5. These requirements are met through the roles and responsibilities described in section 6.
10.2 Where bedrails are prescribed, provided, used, maintained or fitted by an employee of Gloucestershire County Council, they must follow the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bed-rails-management-and-safe-use.
In-House staff
10.3 Staff are responsible for ensuring onsite equipment is well maintained, clean and safe for use.
10.4 Staff must only use equipment for which they are suitably trained and competent – any concerns should be raised with their line managers.
10.5 When a person attending the service brings equipment with them, all staff have a responsibility to carry out appropriate pre-use checks and ensure that the equipment is clean and in good working order before using it. If the equipment is not suitable for use, it must not be used and staff must report all faults and failures to the person, their carers, family and friends for resolution.
Occupational Therapists
10.6 Where an Occupational Therapist (OT) is involved, they will support with determining the most appropriate moving and handling techniques and equipment when prescribed.
10.7 Based on the assessment, OTs will recommend suitable moving and handling equipment, such as hoists, transfer aids, and mobility devices, tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
10.8 OTs will arrange for the person to be provided with the equipment they have assessed as required, either through Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service, or an alternative supplier.
10.9 OTs are expected to have required training in using and prescribing equipment.
Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service
10.10 For the purpose of this policy, equipment loaned out will be considered as work equipment and the principles of LOLER and PUWER will be followed.
10.11 The Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service (GELS) loans equipment to Gloucestershire residents to support in their own home to achieve or maintain their independence, and/or to support their carers.
10.12 When equipment is returned and refurbished (if applicable) GELS will ensure manufacturers specifications are maintained, the item is serviced, and equipment is clean and safe to refuse.
10.13 Equipment loaned by GELS will be for the exclusive use of the person for whom it was prescribed. If other people use the equipment and an incident occurs, the equipment provider GELS cannot be held liable.
10.14 Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service accepts no responsibility if the equipment is moved, used, cleaned or adapted in any way other than instructed.
10.15 Residents issued with loaned/hired equipment will make it available for repair in the event of breakdown and for routine servicing. Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service accepts no responsibility for the failure of equipment if access for routine servicing is not made available or declined.
