Tail-lifts are going up
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• Tail-lifts are due to become safer but more expensive next year when new EC regulations come into force.
From 1 January 1997 all newtail lifts must have CH marking. To qualify the tail-lift must conform to a number of regulations designed to reduce trade barriers across member states, which will also improve safety.
The cost of a tail-lift is likely to go up by around £120. says Vic Martin, sales director for Ratcliff Tail Lifts.
Typical features will include a changeover switch where there is an internal and external control; two-hand controls for power-deployed lifts; and safety gates on platforms travelling above two metres. Tail-lifts fitted before 1997 will not require a CH mark retrospectively unless they undergo a significant rebuild.
The regulations are laid out in document SoM REGS, but as this is a general machinery document, an interpretive document (prEN1756) has been written in "tail lift" language. This interpretation is endorsed by the trade association MEM.
Compliance with the interpretation is voluntary but counts as complying with the legally binding EC document. Flouting the regulations will be a criminal offence.
Ratcliff Tail Lifts is the sole UK distributor for French made Erhel Hydris cantilever lifts and Hydris replacement parts.