Hi Caroline
This was the subject of some discussion on lis-link about 18 months ago.
I recall that some institutions had been advised that kick-stools were
now regarded as unsafe, on two possible grounds:
- falling from the stool
- tripping over it
But I don't know if anyone found a definitive answer to this, and I
suspect these stools are still in use in a very large number of
libraries (not to mention bookshops). Many people working in libraries
would probably agree with your reasons for preferring them, and the risk
involved seems relatively slight.
As with all these things, however, it's a matter of risk assessment and
individual judgement. It might be advisable if you do have kickstools to
ensure that you also have a set of short steps with hand-grip so that an
alternative is available.
Regards
Mike Sharrocks
______________
Mike Sharrocks
Centre Manager
Paul Hamlyn Learning Resource Centre
Thames Valley University
Wellington Street
Slough SL1 1YG
01753 697525
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A general Library and Information Science list for news
> and discussion. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
> Caroline Brick
> Sent: 12 October 2005 11:05
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Health and safety query
>
>
> Dear Lislinkers,
>
> A health and safety query for you all: can anyone refer me to
> evidence or assessments of the safety or otherwise of kick
> stools in a library context?
>
> We are keen to obtain one as we think that they would proffer
> the following advantages:
> * They can be moved around in a hands-free manner -
> useful when one's arms are full of books.
> * They provide a larger, and therefore more stable,
> platform than a ladder rung.
> * They can be used as a seat when accessing low shelves.
>
> We have been advised that kick stools are unsafe, but as we
> are keen to acquire one for the above reasons, we should be
> glad to have evidence (either of safeness or unsafeness) with
> which to consider our case.
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Ms Caroline Brick, Assistant Librarian
> Horniman Museum
> Tel: +44 (0)20 8699 1872 ext 109
> Fax: +44 (0)20 8291 5506
> http://www.horniman.ac.uk
>
> Horniman Public Museum & Public Park Trust. Registered Office
> 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ, UK. Company
> Registration 2456393. Registered Charity No. 802725
>
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