Terms and Conditions of Hire
These Terms and Conditions apply to all quotations, bookings and hire agreements entered into with ACTA Crane Hire Ltd (“the Company”). By accepting a quotation or instructing the Company to carry out work, the Hirer agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Quotations
1.1 All quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.
1.2 Quotations are based on the information provided by the Hirer at the time of enquiry.
1.3 Should site conditions, access arrangements or lifting requirements differ from those advised at the time of quotation, ACTA Crane Hire Ltd reserves the right to revise the quotation or refuse to carry out the work if it cannot be completed safely.
1.4 Prices quoted exclude VAT unless otherwise stated.
Customer Responsibilities
The Hirer is responsible for providing accurate information regarding:
- Site access.
- Ground conditions.
- Vehicle access restrictions.
- Overhead obstructions.
- Underground services where applicable.
- Lift weights and dimensions.
- Working radius.
- Any other hazards or restrictions which may affect the lifting operation.
Failure to disclose relevant information may result in additional charges or an abortive attendance charge.
Site Access
The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that the site is suitable for the safe access and operation of the hired vehicle.
Where restricted access, narrow lanes, weak ground, height restrictions or other obstacles exist, these must be disclosed before the booking is confirmed.
ACTA Crane Hire Ltd accepts no responsibility for abortive visits resulting from undisclosed access restrictions or inaccurate site information.
Where necessary, ACTA Crane Hire Ltd may request photographs, videos, dimensions or conduct a site visit prior to confirming the booking.
Insurance Cover
To ensure compliance with BS 7121 (Safe Use of Cranes), insurance responsibilities differ depending upon the type of hire selected.
Crane Hire
Under Crane Hire, the Hirer is responsible for:
- Loss of or damage to our vehicle, crane and associated equipment whilst on site.
- Continuing hire charges whilst equipment is unavailable following damage.
- Injury to our driver/operator caused by site conditions or third parties.
- Injury to third parties or damage to third-party property arising from the lifting operation.
- Loss of or damage to goods being lifted.
- Providing a competent Appointed Person/Lift Supervisor.
- Providing competent Slingers and Signallers under the control of the Lift Supervisor.
Contract Lift
Under a Contract Lift, ACTA Crane Hire Ltd provides the Appointed Person and all lifting personnel necessary to manage the lifting operation.
Insurance cover includes:
- Loss or damage to plant and property caused solely through the negligence of ACTA Crane Hire Ltd during the lifting operation.
- Maximum liability of £75,000 in respect of goods being lifted.
- Maximum liability of £5,000,000 for loss or damage to other property and injury to persons.
Pricing
Hourly rates commence when the vehicle leaves our depot and conclude upon its return unless otherwise agreed.
Fixed-price quotations are based upon:
- Travel time.
- Time on site.
- Information supplied by the Hirer.
Should delays occur due to factors outside ACTA Crane Hire Ltd’s control, additional charges may apply.
Abortive Attendance
Where ACTA Crane Hire Ltd attends site but is unable to undertake the work due to circumstances outside its control, including but not limited to:
- Restricted or unsuitable access.
- Incorrect lifting information.
- Unsuitable ground conditions.
- Site not being ready.
- Lack of competent lifting personnel.
- Unsafe working conditions.
- Cancellation upon arrival.
An abortive attendance charge will apply.
These charges compensate for driver time, fuel, vehicle operating costs and loss of alternative work.
Cancellation
Confirmed bookings cancelled after 12:00 noon on the working day prior to the agreed hire date will be charged at the full agreed hire rate.
Where ACTA Crane Hire Ltd has already mobilised to site, the full hire charge or abortive attendance charge shall remain payable.
Cancellations due to adverse weather, site conditions or circumstances beyond the Company’s control after arrival on site will remain chargeable.
Delays
Delays caused by the Hirer, site readiness, weather, third parties or other circumstances beyond the Company’s control may be chargeable.
Damage to Private Property
Once an ACTA Crane Hire Ltd vehicle leaves the public highway and enters private land, roads or property, the Company accepts no liability for:
- Damage to driveways.
- Soft ground.
- Underground services.
- Grassed areas.
- Landscaping.
- Paving.
- Surface deterioration.
The Hirer is responsible for ensuring adequate access and suitable ground conditions.
Vehicle Recovery
Should any ACTA Crane Hire Ltd vehicle become immobilised whilst operating on private land due to unsuitable ground conditions, inadequate access or circumstances outside the Company’s control, the Hirer shall be responsible for all associated recovery costs.
Health & Safety
The Hirer shall ensure that:
- The site is safe.
- Adequate exclusion zones are established where required.
- Suitable lifting personnel are available (Crane Hire only).
- Instructions from the operator regarding safety are followed at all times.
ACTA Crane Hire Ltd reserves the right to refuse or suspend lifting operations where safety is compromised.
Payment Terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- Payment is due on receipt of invoice.
- All invoices must be paid within 7 days.
- Late payments may incur statutory interest and debt recovery costs under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
Force Majeure
ACTA Crane Hire Ltd shall not be liable for failure to perform its obligations where prevented by events beyond its reasonable control including severe weather, road closures, accidents, industrial action or government restrictions.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.