TERMS AND CONDITIONS – revised edition dated [01/07/2026]
Terms and General Conditions for the Hire of Plant, Tools and Equipment
- Definitions and General
“Owner” or “SLA” means SLA Tools & Site Services Ltd, its successors and assigns.
“Hirer” means the company, firm, person or public authority taking Equipment on hire and includes successors and personal representatives.
“Equipment” means any plant, machinery, tools or associated items hired by SLA.
“Owner’s Employee” means any employee of SLA engaged in delivery, operation, maintenance or provision of services relating to Equipment.
Hire rates are SLA’s standard rates unless otherwise agreed in writing.
These Terms and Conditions apply to all Equipment hired by SLA and shall override any alternative terms proposed by the Hirer unless expressly agreed in writing by a Director of SLA.
No variation shall be effective unless agreed in writing by a Director of SLA.
Acceptance of Equipment on site or delivery in accordance with the Hirer’s instructions constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Nothing in these Terms affects statutory rights where the Hirer acts as a consumer.
- Basis of Charging
Hire charges commence when Equipment is delivered or collected and continue until Equipment is returned to SLA or collected by SLA and formally off-hired.
Off-hire requests must be submitted by email only and shall take effect only once acknowledged in writing by SLA.
- Other Charges
Hire charges relate solely to the hire of Equipment.
Charges for fuel, carriage, delivery, collection, consumables, operator services, Owner’s Employees and any associated costs are additional.
Consumables may include but are not limited to:
- blades
- drill bits
- points
- chisels
- oils
- fuels
- wear items
Delivery and collection charges will be quoted at commencement of hire.
- Payment Terms
Unless otherwise agreed, all charges are payable on collection or delivery.
Authorised account customers shall pay invoices within 30 days from invoice date.
SLA reserves the right to charge interest on overdue accounts at 2% per month above Bank of England base rate, calculated daily until payment is received in full.
Failure to settle invoices may result in all outstanding balances becoming immediately due.
The Hirer agrees to indemnify SLA against all reasonable legal costs, debt recovery charges and administrative costs incurred recovering overdue sums.
- Deposits
SLA may require a deposit and may require credit or debit card details before hire. Deposits may be applied against:
- unpaid charges
- additional charges
- repair costs
- replacement costs
- losses arising from damage
The Hirer authorises SLA to offset deposits against outstanding liabilities.
Deposits remaining after inspection of returned Equipment shall be refunded using the original payment method.
- Ownership of Equipment
Equipment remains the sole property of SLA at all times.
The Hirer acquires no ownership rights and only receives temporary rights of use during the hire period.
- Loading and Unloading
The Hirer is responsible for loading and unloading Equipment at both SLA premises and site locations.
Any Owner’s Employee assisting with loading or unloading shall be deemed under the Hirer’s direction and control during such activity.
- Responsibility for Owner’s Employees
Where an Owner’s Employee is supplied with Equipment, the individual remains under the Hirer’s operational direction and supervision.
The Hirer assumes responsibility for claims arising from operation or use while under their instruction.
- Advice
Advice provided by SLA or its employees is offered for guidance purposes only.
The Hirer is solely responsible for assessing suitability and application.
No liability shall attach to SLA arising from reliance upon such advice.
- Equipment Inspection and Condition
The Hirer shall inspect Equipment immediately upon delivery
Any defects, shortages or damage must be reported within 24 hours and confirmed in writing within 72 hours.
Failure to notify SLA constitutes acceptance that Equipment was supplied in good condition.
- Loss, Theft, Damage or Non-Return
The Hirer must immediately notify SLA and the Police of theft or loss.
A Police Crime Reference Number must be supplied within 24 hours.
The Hirer remains liable until:
Equipment is returned in satisfactory condition; or
replacement cost has been paid.
Replacement cost shall be manufacturer list price or SLA current replacement value.
Repair, cleaning and rectification costs remain chargeable to the Hirer.
Hire charges continue until repairs are completed.
- Maintenance and Breakdown Procedure
The Hirer shall maintain Equipment in safe and clean condition.
Breakdowns or defects must be immediately reported.
The Hirer shall not repair, alter or modify Equipment without written approval.
Unauthorised repairs are entirely at the Hirer’s cost and risk.
- Safe Use of Equipment
The Hirer confirms competence in Equipment use.
The Hirer shall:
- ensure trained operators only use Equipment
- comply with Health & Safety legislation
- use Equipment only for intended purposes
- not overload or misuse Equipment
- not remove identification labels
- not sub-hire Equipment without written permission
Electrical Equipment must be connected by competent persons using appropriate supplies.
- Security of Equipment
The Hirer shall not sell, transfer, pledge or part with possession of Equipment.
Equipment shall remain secure and remain at the notified site location unless SLA grants written consent.
- Access and Ground Conditions
The Hirer shall provide suitable access and ground conditions.
The Hirer remains responsible for:
- protection of surfaces
- removal of obstructions
- reinstatement works
- site suitability
SLA accepts no liability for surface damage.
- Hirer Responsibility to Third Parties
The Hirer shall indemnify SLA against all claims, losses, damages, liabilities and costs arising from use of Equipment.
- Consequential Loss
SLA shall not be liable for consequential or indirect loss including:
- loss of profits
- business interruption
- delay costs
- contractual losses
- Insurance
The Hirer shall maintain adequate insurance including:
- third-party liability
- accidental damage
- theft
- loss
Insurance documentation shall be supplied upon request.
- Accident Notification
Accidents involving Equipment must be reported immediately by telephone and confirmed in writing.
The Hirer shall not admit liability without SLA written consent.
- Period and Termination of Hire
SLA reserves the right to terminate hire and repossess Equipment where:
- terms are breached
- payment is overdue
- Equipment is at risk
- Right of Access
The Hirer shall allow SLA reasonable access for inspection, maintenance or repossession.
- Force Majeure
SLA shall not be liable for delays or failures caused by events outside reasonable control including weather conditions, transport delays, labour disputes, shortages or acts of God.
- Data Protection
Personal information and payment information shall be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation.
- Severability
Should any provision be deemed unenforceable or invalid, remaining provisions shall remain fully effective.
- Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of England and Wales.