Treatment couch servicing and PUWER: what clinics need to know

If your staff use a treatment couch at work, the couch counts as work equipment. That brings it under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, known as PUWER.

What PUWER requires

PUWER places the duty on the employer. Work equipment must be "maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair". Equipment that can deteriorate in a way that affects safety must be inspected at suitable intervals, and the results recorded.

PUWER does not set a fixed interval. The employer decides it, based on how the equipment is used and how quickly it is likely to wear. For a treatment couch in daily clinical use, many clinics book a service at least once a year, plus a check after any damage or fault. Follow the manufacturer's guidance too.

Why servicing matters for couches

• Couches carry patients' full weight and move while loaded.
• Lifting mechanisms, gas struts, castors and electrics wear with use.
• A fault can cause a fall or trap a hand or foot.
• A service record shows you have met your duty if anything goes wrong.

What a couch service covers

A typical service checks the frame and welds, the lifting mechanism, gas struts and locking, castors and brakes, levelling feet, upholstery, and, on electric couches, the motor, cables and controls. Electric couches may also need portable appliance testing as part of your electrical safety checks.

Between services

• Check the couch visually before use for damage, wobble or worn upholstery.
• Clean the upholstery after each use with an antibacterial spray and a soft cloth. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Take a couch out of use if it moves unexpectedly or makes unusual noises, and report it.

Book a service

We service treatment couches of all brands. To book, call 0121 629 0330 or email orders@physioworldshop.co.uk. Looking to replace an old couch? Browse our treatment couches. We can take away your old couch for an extra fee.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. See the HSE's guidance on PUWER for full details.