These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all medical, rescue and access equipment hire agreements (“Agreement”) between Square Knot Ltd (“the Owner”, “we”, “our”, “us”) and any customer (“the Hirer”, “you”, “your”).
By hiring medical or rescue equipment from us, you agree to these Terms in full.
1. Definitions
- Equipment means all medical, rescue, and associated equipment hired under this Agreement, including accessories, consumables, cases, and packaging.
- Hire Period means the time between delivery or collection of the Equipment and its return or collection by the Owner.
- Hire Charge means the total charge payable for the hire, including delivery, collection, deposit, and any additional fees.
- Deposit means any sum required as security against loss or damage.
- End User means the individual(s) who will operate, handle, or otherwise use the Equipment.
2. Ownership
All Equipment remains the sole property of Square Knot Ltd.
The Hirer has no right, title, or interest in the Equipment other than as a temporary Hirer under this Agreement.
3. Hire Period
3.1 The Hire Period begins upon delivery or collection of the Equipment and ends upon its safe return and inspection by the Owner.
3.2 Any extension of the Hire Period must be agreed in writing.
3.3 Late return may incur additional daily charges above the standard hire rate.
4. Hire Charges and Payment
4.1 Hire Charges are as quoted at the time of booking.
4.2 Payment terms are full payment in advance.
4.3 Deposits will be refunded following inspection, less any deductions for loss, damage, or cleaning.
5. Delivery and Collection
5.1 Delivery and collection services may be provided at an additional charge.
5.2 The Hirer must ensure suitable access and handling facilities for delivery and collection.
5.3 The Owner is not responsible for delays or non-delivery caused by circumstances beyond its control.
6. Hirer’s Responsibilities
The Hirer accepts full responsibility for the following:
a. Selection and suitability – The Hirer is solely responsible for selecting Equipment appropriate for its intended medical or rescue application. The Owner does not provide clinical or operational advice regarding suitability or compatibility.
b. Correct use – The Hirer must ensure that all Equipment is used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, user manuals, and any applicable UK regulations or standards (e.g., MHRA guidance, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974).
c. Training and competence – The Hirer must ensure that all End Users are adequately trained, competent, and authorised to operate the Equipment safely and effectively.
d. Inspection – The Hirer must inspect the Equipment upon receipt and immediately report any missing parts, damage, or defects.
e. Care and security – The Hirer must keep the Equipment secure, protected from environmental damage, and used only for its intended purpose.
f. Alterations – The Hirer must not alter, repair, service, or modify the Equipment without written consent from the Owner.
g. Regulatory compliance – The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that all use of the Equipment complies with relevant laws, regulations, and clinical governance standards.
7. Damage, Loss, or Theft
7.1 The Hirer is responsible for all loss, theft, or damage to the Equipment from delivery/collection until return.
7.2 The Hirer must immediately notify the Owner of any incident involving the Equipment, including damage, malfunction, or patient-related adverse events.
7.3 If the Equipment is lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged, the Hirer must pay the full replacement value.
7.4 The Owner may deduct repair or replacement costs from any Deposit.
8. Insurance
8.1 The Hirer must maintain suitable insurance to cover loss, theft, damage, and liability arising from the Equipment’s use during the Hire Period.
8.2 Proof of insurance may be required before hire.
8.3 The Owner’s insurance does not cover the Hirer’s misuse, negligence, or unauthorised use of the Equipment.
9. Limitations of Liability
9.1 The Owner supplies Equipment in good working order, having been checked and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
9.2 The Owner gives no warranty as to the Equipment’s fitness for a particular clinical or rescue purpose.
9.3 The Owner accepts no liability for:
- Any injury, loss, or damage arising from incorrect operation, misuse, or inappropriate selection of Equipment by the Hirer or End User;
- Any failure of the Hirer or End User to follow proper clinical or operational protocols;
- Any indirect, consequential, or economic loss.
9.4 Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by the Owner’s negligence or for fraud.
10. Return of Equipment
10.1 The Equipment must be returned clean, disinfected (where applicable), and in the same condition as supplied.
10.2 Any Equipment returned contaminated with biological or hazardous material may incur additional decontamination charges.
11. Termination
11.1 The Owner may terminate the hire immediately if:
- The Hirer breaches any of these Terms;
- The Hirer becomes insolvent; or
- The Owner reasonably believes the Equipment is at risk.
11.2 Upon termination, the Hirer must immediately return all Equipment or permit the Owner access to recover it.
12. Cancellation
12.1 Cancellations must be made in writing at least 48 hours before the agreed start date.
12.2 Late cancellations may incur a charge of of the Hire Charge.
13. Force Majeure
The Owner is not liable for any failure or delay in performance due to events beyond its reasonable control, including emergencies, accidents, equipment shortages, strikes, or transport delays.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Square Knot 