Equipment Rental Policy

This Policy governs the hire of heavy plant and equipment arranged through the Platform. It forms part of every Booking.

1. Booking and confirmation

• A Booking is confirmed once the Owner accepts it and any required deposit or advance is received.
• The hire period, rate, delivery/collection arrangements and operator provision (if any) must be recorded in the Booking.
• Rates may be quoted per hour, day, week or month, plus mobilisation and fuel where applicable.

2. Deposits and security

The Owner may require a refundable security deposit before release of equipment. The deposit covers damage, loss, excessive wear or unpaid charges and is refunded after satisfactory return and inspection.

3. Condition, inspection and handover

• Equipment is handed over in good working order with a condition/handover record signed by both parties.
• The Hirer must inspect the equipment at handover and note any pre-existing defects.
• The Hirer must return the equipment in the same condition, fair wear and tear excepted.

4. Use of equipment

• Equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and operated by competent, licensed operators.
• The Hirer must comply with all applicable safety and traffic laws and site regulations.
• The equipment may not be sub-hired, moved out of the agreed area, or used unlawfully without written consent.

5. Operator, fuel and maintenance

• Where an operator is supplied, the operator remains under the Owner's employ but works to the Hirer's reasonable site instructions.
• Unless agreed otherwise, the Hirer is responsible for fuel and daily checks; the Owner is responsible for major mechanical maintenance.
• Breakdowns not caused by Hirer misuse must be reported immediately; the Owner will repair or replace within a reasonable time.

6. Risk, damage and insurance

• Risk in the equipment passes to the Hirer from handover until return.
• The Hirer is liable for loss, theft or damage occurring during the hire, other than fair wear and tear or Owner-caused faults.
• The Hirer is responsible for adequate insurance for the hire period unless the Owner confirms cover in writing.

7. Late return and overrun

Equipment returned after the agreed period is charged at the applicable rate for each additional period commenced, plus any loss caused to the Owner by the delay.

8. Liability during hire

The Owner is not liable for loss of profit, site delays or consequential loss arising from equipment condition or availability, save to the extent caused by the Owner's gross negligence. BLC, as marketplace operator, is not a party to the hire and bears no liability for the equipment.

Safety first

Heavy plant is dangerous. Both parties must ensure operators are trained and that a site-specific risk assessment is in place before work begins.