3.0 Hiring Policy

3.1 Eligibility and suitability

Hirers must be at least 18 under our business policy and have authority to enter the agreement. Age does not establish competence. We may ask for proportionate identity and address verification, disclosed before ordering. We explain any refusal based on safety, inability to verify identity or availability, and refund payments for any approved hire request which we may not process further. We will communicate our reasons clearly. We do not impose unnecessary discriminatory conditions; part of our core values is inclusiveness. Tell us the intended task so we can identify relevant specifications and limitations. Check power supply, dimensions, capacity and compatibility before booking. If you rely on our advice about a particular purpose, tell us clearly. You remain entitled to tools, equipment or machinery that meet the description and any purpose we agree. Higher-risk equipment may require evidence of training or competence identified before the order.

3.2 Hire period and payment

The hire record specifies each item and accessory, the start and end date and time, weekly rate, any minimum period, VAT, transport charges, deposit and permitted use. Hire starts when the equipment is made available at the agreed handover, subject to any delay for which we are responsible. Charges follow the agreed period and do not change retrospectively. Hire fees are payable within 3days when the hire request is approved. The security deposit or card pre-authorisation will be clearly indicated in the hire approval notice. A deposit is security, not an automatic penalty or a substitute for a damage assessment. We explain whether funds are taken or merely reserved and identify the payment provider’s release process. There is no automatic renewal. Request an extension before the return time. We confirm availability, revised charges and the new return time in writing before it takes effect. However, if an extension is requested after the return time, the new arrangement will be backdated to take effect from the return time previously agreed.

3.3 Handover and our duties

We supply tools, equipment or machinery that is suitable for its described use, maintained and checked as required, with necessary guards, instructions and safety information. Relevant inspection or examination evidence accompanies tools, equipment or machinery where required. We record condition, serial or asset numbers and supplied accessories at handover. You may record an existing defect or disagreement before use. Ask for an explanation if any instruction is unclear. We do not transfer our legal duties as supplier to you. Where equipment is used at work, the employer and user also retain their own duties for safe selection, training, inspection and use.

3.4 Safe use and care

Use tools, equipment, or machinery only for their intended purpose, within the manufacturer’s limits and by competent users. Follow instructions, wear suitable protective equipment and keep other people clear. Do not remove guards, alter safety devices, modify equipment or attempt unauthorised repairs. Stop and seek advice if the tool, equipment, or machinery, location or task appears unsafe. Keep tools, equipment or machinery secure and reasonably protected from weather, theft and unauthorised use. Do not sell, pledge, lend or sub-hire it, or take it outside the agreed UK location, without permission. Keep the supplied bag and accessories together. It is your responsibility to take good care of the item. Tell us promptly about loss, theft, accident or damage; contact emergency services where needed. A police reference may help a theft investigation but is not an automatic condition of every claim.

3.5 Breakdown or unsafe equipment

Stop using the item, isolate it safely and contact Support@safetools.co.uk or call or WhatsApp: 07493020012. Do not continue because a hire period is running. We assess the problem and arrange a suitable repair, replacement or other legal remedy. You are not charged for a defect, normal wear or maintenance for which we are responsible. Where the equipment cannot be used because of our failure, we adjust or refund the affected hire charge and necessary transport costs. These remedies do not exclude other rights or recoverable loss.

3.6 Return and late return

Return the equipment at the agreed place and time, with all reusable accessories and packaging listed in the record, reasonably clean and other expected conditions as expressly agreed. Consumables and any replenishment rate are specified in advance. Allow cooling time and follow safety instructions for packing batteries, blades, fuel and chemicals; ask us before posting restricted goods. If we arrange collection, make the equipment available at the agreed time. Hire charges stop at that time if you have complied and our collector is late. If you return late for a reason within your control, additional hire is calculated at the rate and billing unit disclosed in the hire record, proportionately and without punitive rounding. Contact us promptly if you cannot return on time. There is no undisclosed late fee or indefinite automatic renewal. Our hiring charge is 7days minimum. Voluntary early return outside a cancellation right does not automatically entitle you to a full refund of a reserved fixed period. We consider saving costs and re-hire income and apply any more generous written offer. We do not charge twice for the same loss.

3.7 Fair assessment of damage and loss

You are responsible for reasonable loss caused by your breach of the hire agreement or failure to take reasonable care. You are not automatically responsible for every defect or theft, and normal wear and tear is not chargeable. We compare the recorded condition at handover and return, investigate the cause and invite your explanation. Any charge is supported by photographs, inspection notes, invoices or a reasonable estimate. Repair costs must be reasonable. If replacement is justified, we take account of the item’s age, condition and remaining value, rather than routinely charging the full new retail price. We reduce claims by relevant insurance recoveries, recovering equipment and costs avoided. Any claimed lost hire income must be lawful, reasonably foreseeable, evidenced and reduced where possible. Abnormal cleaning or missing accessories may be charged only on the disclosed basis and for a reasonable actual cost. The deposit is not forfeited automatically. We provide an itemised proposed deduction and a reasonable opportunity to challenge it before taking a disputed additional payment. A stored card through our payment gateway provider is not authority for unspecified charges.

3.8 Deposit release

We aim to inspect returned items within two working days and return the undisputed deposit balance or request release of a card hold within five working days of return. If a specialist inspection is reasonably needed, we explain why, identify the amount temporarily retained and give an expected decision date. We release the undisputed balance without unnecessary delay. Your bank may take additional processing time to show a released hold.

3.9 Ending hire and recovering equipment

We may end hire for a serious breach, unsafe use or non-payment after reasonable notice and an opportunity to remedy where appropriate. Immediate cessation may be required for safety. We explain the reason and arrange lawful return or collection. We will not enter a home or private premises without consent or other lawful authority. Any charge following termination must be fair and reflect actual obligations and loss.

3.10 Liability and insurance

We remain responsible for loss caused by our breach where the law requires it. Nothing excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. Consumer remedies are not capped at the hire price or deposit. We do not impose a blanket customer indemnity for our own fault. Insurance or a damage waiver is included only if expressly identified with its scope, price, excess and exclusions before booking. Otherwise, no such cover is promised. Consider appropriate cover for your circumstances, but any insurance requirement must be clearly agreed. A waiver cannot remove statutory rights or our safety duties.