Importance of Statutory Inspection

Statutory inspection is a vital element in ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of equipment used in medical facilities and dental practices in the UK. Under legislation such as the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), and the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), operators have a legal obligation to maintain equipment in a safe and operational condition. Adhering to these regulations is essential to safeguard both staff and patients, as well as to avoid potential legal penalties.

LOLER Compliance
LOLER applies to lifting equipment such as stairlifts and passenger hoists commonly used in medical and dental practices. These devices must be inspected regularly to ensure they can safely handle their intended loads and operate without risk of failure. For instance, a faulty passenger hoist in a medical facility could result in injury to a patient or staff member during a transfer. LOLER mandates that lifting equipment be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every six months (or annually, depending on the equipment's use).

PUWER Compliance
PUWER focuses on the safe use of work equipment, requiring that all equipment provided is suitable, properly maintained, and used safely by trained personnel. For example, dental autoclaves, critical for sterilising instruments, must be inspected to confirm they meet safety standards and operate effectively. If an autoclave fails to function correctly, it could compromise infection control, leading to serious health risks.

PSSR Compliance
Pressure systems, such as dental autoclaves that operate under pressure, are also subject to PSSR. These regulations require that systems have a written scheme of examination and are inspected by a competent person. A failure in a pressure system, such as an over-pressurised autoclave, could result in explosions or other dangerous incidents, posing significant risks to personnel and patients.

Legal Obligations

Operators of medical and dental facilities are legally obligated to comply with LOLER, PUWER, and PSSR. Failure to meet these requirements can result in enforcement actions by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including fines, prosecution, and even closure of facilities. Beyond legal compliance, these inspections ensure that equipment is safe for use, protecting the reputation of the practice and maintaining patient trust.

Role of Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance

At Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance, we specialise in conducting statutory inspections for medical and dental practices to ensure compliance with LOLER, PUWER, and PSSR. Our team of competent and accredited professionals provides thorough examinations, detailed reports, and guidance to address any non-compliance issues.

For stairlifts and passenger hoists, we carry out detailed LOLER inspections, checking load-bearing capacity, wear and tear, and overall functionality. For dental autoclaves, we conduct both working and thorough assessments to evaluate safe operation and PSSR inspections to ensure pressure systems meet regulatory standards. Our proactive approach includes scheduling regular inspections, minimising downtime, and offering maintenance recommendations to keep equipment in optimal condition.

By partnering with Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance, medical and dental practices can confidently meet their statutory obligations, protect their patients and staff, and maintain the highest safety standards.