Hire Terms & Conditions

Important information

These Hire Terms and Conditions are intended for business customers hiring equipment from SGL Hire, a trading division of Sultani Gas Ltd.

They provide a clear summary of the principal terms that are expected to apply to an equipment hire. The final contractual terms will consist of:

  • The written quotation
  • The customer’s accepted order or purchase order
  • Any hire schedule or equipment list
  • The signed delivery or collection documentation
  • Any additional written conditions agreed by SGL Hire
  • The full Hire Agreement issued with the booking

Where there is any inconsistency, the specific terms stated in the written quotation or Hire Agreement will take priority.

This page remains subject to review by a solicitor qualified in the law of England and Wales before it is relied upon as final contractual wording.

1. SGL Hire and the customer

“SGL Hire”, “we”, “us” and “our” mean Sultani Gas Ltd, company number 10380350, trading as SGL Hire.

“You”, “your” and “the customer” mean the business, sole trader, partnership, public body or other organisation named in the quotation or Hire Agreement.

The person accepting the quotation or signing the hire documentation confirms that they have authority to enter into the agreement on behalf of the customer.

Unless we expressly agree otherwise in writing, our equipment-hire service is provided on a business-to-business basis.

The named customer remains responsible for:

  • The hired equipment
  • Every authorised operator
  • Anyone permitted to possess or use the equipment
  • All charges arising under the hire
  • Compliance with these terms and applicable law

The customer may not transfer, lend, sub-hire or otherwise part with possession of the equipment without our prior written agreement.

2. Quotations and bookings

A quotation does not reserve equipment unless we confirm the booking in writing.

A booking is confirmed only when:

  1. We have completed any necessary customer, credit and identity checks.
  2. The quotation has been accepted.
  3. We have received any required purchase order, payment or deposit.
  4. The equipment remains available.
  5. We have issued written booking confirmation.

All equipment is subject to availability.

We may withdraw or amend a quotation before acceptance where there has been:

  • A pricing error
  • A specification error
  • A change in availability
  • A change in transport requirements
  • A material change in the proposed use or hire location

The customer must provide accurate information about the intended application, working environment, required output, electrical supply, fuel, gases, accessories and operating conditions.

3. Hire period

The hire period begins at the time stated in the Hire Agreement, delivery note or collection documentation.

Where no separate time is stated, the hire begins when the equipment:

  • Leaves our depot for delivery; or
  • Is collected by the customer or its representative

The hire continues until the equipment and all supplied accessories are:

  • Returned to our depot and accepted by us; or
  • Collected by us and returned to our control

Requesting collection does not automatically end the hire period. Hire charges may continue until the agreed collection date, provided the equipment is ready and safely accessible for collection.

Our normal minimum hire period is one week, unless a different period is agreed in writing.

Partial weeks, extensions and late periods may be charged at the applicable daily or weekly rate stated in the quotation.

4. Hire charges and VAT

Unless stated otherwise:

  • All prices exclude VAT.
  • Delivery and collection are charged separately.
  • Accessories and optional equipment may carry additional charges.
  • Welding gas, fuel and consumables are not included.
  • Damage, loss, cleaning, late return and recovery charges are additional where applicable.

Website prices are guide prices only and do not constitute a binding offer.

The final price will be confirmed in the written quotation.

The customer must pay all sums due under the agreed payment terms. Approved trade-account customers will normally be invoiced on their agreed account terms. Other customers may be required to pay before delivery or collection.

Where legally applicable, SGL Hire may claim interest and recovery costs on overdue commercial debts. UK rules currently permit statutory interest and fixed recovery compensation in qualifying business-to-business transactions, although any final clause should be checked against the payment terms stated in the contract.

5. Delivery

Standard delivery is subject to postcode, equipment size, vehicle availability and safe site access.

The customer must provide:

  • A correct delivery address
  • A safe and suitable access route
  • Any necessary access instructions or permits
  • A named authorised representative
  • Suitable unloading assistance where required
  • Any forklift, lifting equipment or personnel advised before delivery

The customer is responsible for checking that the delivery location can safely accommodate our vehicle and the hired equipment.

We may refuse delivery where access, unloading or site conditions appear unsafe.

A signature or other recorded acceptance may be required at handover. The person accepting delivery is treated as authorised by the customer.

Equipment will not normally be left unattended.

Where delivery cannot be completed because:

  • The site is closed
  • No authorised person is present
  • Safe access is unavailable
  • Suitable unloading has not been arranged
  • Information supplied by the customer is incorrect

the customer may be charged for the failed delivery and any redelivery.

6. Customer collection

Customers collecting equipment must attend our hire depot during the agreed collection hours.

The person collecting may be required to provide:

  • A valid driving licence or other acceptable identification
  • The company name and order reference
  • Proof that they are authorised to collect
  • A suitable and roadworthy vehicle

The customer is responsible for ensuring that its vehicle is suitable for the size and weight of the equipment.

Our staff may assist with loading where practical, but the customer remains responsible for:

  • Load security
  • Vehicle capacity
  • Weight limits
  • Restraints
  • Safe transportation after leaving our premises

7. Handover and equipment condition

At handover, SGL Hire may record:

  • The equipment supplied
  • Serial numbers
  • Accessories and leads
  • Fuel level
  • Visible condition
  • Meter readings
  • Safety information
  • Existing damage

The customer must inspect the equipment promptly.

Any visible shortage, damage or discrepancy must be reported before use or as soon as reasonably possible after delivery.

Unless a problem is reported promptly, the equipment may be treated as having been supplied in the condition recorded on the handover documentation.

SGL Hire has responsibilities in relation to the condition and safety of equipment it hires out. HSE guidance explains that hire businesses must maintain equipment, provide appropriate user information and, where relevant, ensure required examinations or inspections have taken place.

8. Permitted use

The equipment may only be used:

  • For the agreed purpose
  • At the agreed location
  • Within its rated capacity
  • In accordance with the manufacturer’s manual
  • In accordance with supplied instructions
  • By competent and authorised operators
  • In compliance with applicable health and safety law

The customer must not:

  • Alter or modify the equipment
  • Remove guards, labels or safety devices
  • Override safety systems
  • Carry out unauthorised repairs
  • Use unsuitable fuel, gas, power supplies or consumables
  • Exceed the machine’s rated duty cycle or capacity
  • Use the equipment outside the United Kingdom
  • Use the equipment in an unsafe or unsuitable environment

The customer must obtain our written approval before moving the equipment to another site.

Businesses using hired work equipment remain subject to relevant workplace-equipment duties. PUWER applies to businesses whose employees use work equipment whether they own it or not, and users and supervisors must be sufficiently competent to operate it safely.

9. Electrical supplies, generators and site power

Before using electrical equipment, the customer must confirm that the available supply is suitable for the machine.

This includes checking:

  • Voltage
  • Phase
  • Frequency
  • Plug and socket type
  • Circuit capacity
  • Earthing arrangements
  • Generator suitability
  • Extension leads and cable size

The customer must not connect equipment to an unsuitable, unstable or incorrectly configured supply.

Damage caused by an unsuitable supply, generator, extension lead, phase arrangement or electrical connection may be charged to the customer.

Portable electrical equipment should be visually checked before use, maintained appropriately and removed from service where a defect is suspected.

10. Inspection and care during the hire

The customer must:

  • Carry out appropriate pre-use checks
  • Carry out any required daily checks
  • Keep the equipment clean and reasonably maintained
  • Protect it from weather, contamination and impact
  • Keep vents and cooling passages clear
  • Use only suitable accessories and consumables
  • Store the equipment securely when unattended
  • Follow all supplied operating and maintenance instructions

The customer must not dismantle or repair the equipment unless we have expressly authorised the work in writing.

HSE guidance states that inspections should identify whether equipment can be operated, adjusted and maintained safely and whether deterioration needs to be corrected before it creates a safety risk.

11. Faults and breakdowns

The customer must stop using equipment immediately where:

  • A fault develops
  • A warning or error message appears
  • Damage is discovered
  • Operation becomes abnormal
  • Continuing use may be unsafe

The customer must contact SGL Hire as soon as possible on 01622 910075 or by email at helpdesk@sglhire.co.uk.

The customer must not continue using defective equipment.

We will investigate reported faults and use reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance, repair or replacement equipment.

Replacement equipment is:

  • Subject to availability
  • Subject to delivery access
  • Not guaranteed to be the identical model
  • Not available where the fault results from misuse, damage or unsuitable operating conditions

Where a genuine equipment fault is not caused by the customer, hire charges for the affected period will be reviewed reasonably.

Where the problem results from misuse, negligence, contamination, unsuitable supplies, incorrect operation or unauthorised repair, the customer may be charged for:

  • Inspection
  • Labour
  • Parts
  • Collection and redelivery
  • Lost hire
  • Repair or replacement

12. Extensions

The customer must request an extension before the agreed return date.

An extension is valid only after written approval from SGL Hire.

Approval is subject to:

  • Equipment availability
  • The customer’s payment status
  • Any existing onward booking
  • Updated insurance where required
  • Payment of additional charges

Continuing to hold equipment without written approval does not create an automatic extension.

Unauthorised late hire may be charged at the applicable daily rate and may also result in reasonable recovery charges or losses where the equipment was committed to another customer.

13. Returning equipment

The customer must return the equipment:

  • At the agreed time
  • To the agreed location
  • In a reasonably clean condition
  • With all accessories, leads, cases, keys and documents
  • With fuel restored to the agreed level where applicable
  • In the condition in which it was supplied, allowing for fair wear and tear

The customer must notify us when equipment is ready for collection.

Equipment must be:

  • Switched off
  • Disconnected
  • Safe to handle
  • Free from hazardous contamination
  • Accessible for loading
  • Accompanied by all accessories

Where equipment is not ready, inaccessible or unsafe to collect, a failed-collection or additional transport charge may apply.

14. Cleaning and contamination

Ordinary cleaning resulting from proper use is normally included.

Additional charges may apply where equipment is returned with:

  • Paint
  • Concrete
  • Oil
  • Chemicals
  • Corrosive substances
  • Hazardous dust
  • Biological contamination
  • Excessive grinding or welding residue
  • Materials requiring specialist cleaning

The customer must notify us before return if equipment has been exposed to any substance that could create a health, safety or environmental risk.

15. Loss, theft and damage

The customer is responsible for the equipment throughout the hire period.

The customer is liable for:

  • Loss
  • Theft
  • Deliberate damage
  • Accidental damage beyond fair wear and tear
  • Misuse
  • Missing accessories
  • Unauthorised repairs or modifications
  • Damage caused by unsuitable power, fuel, gas or consumables

Where equipment is damaged, we may charge the reasonable cost of:

  • Inspection
  • Transport
  • Labour
  • Manufacturer parts
  • External repair
  • Testing
  • Lost hire
  • Full replacement where repair is not economic or possible

Replacement charges will normally be based on the cost of supplying an equivalent replacement item, together with reasonable associated costs.

Missing accessories may be charged at their current replacement price.

Fair wear and tear does not include damage caused by misuse, impact, neglect, overloading, burning, incorrect connection or failure to follow instructions.

16. Theft and security

The customer must take reasonable precautions to prevent theft.

Equipment should be:

  • Kept in a secure building or compound where possible
  • Removed from unattended vehicles overnight
  • Secured using appropriate locks or restraints
  • Kept out of public view
  • Stored in accordance with any insurer requirements

The customer must report theft:

  1. To SGL Hire as soon as possible.
  2. To the police promptly.
  3. To its insurer.
  4. With a police crime-reference number supplied to SGL Hire.

The customer remains liable for continuing hire charges and replacement costs unless otherwise agreed or covered by an applicable written damage or theft-waiver arrangement.

17. Insurance

The customer must maintain adequate insurance throughout the hire period.

This should include, where appropriate:

  • Full replacement value of the equipment
  • Theft
  • Accidental damage
  • Public liability
  • Employer’s liability
  • Hired-in plant or hired equipment cover

We may request evidence of insurance before releasing equipment or at any time during the hire.

Any insurance arranged by the customer does not reduce the customer’s contractual responsibility to SGL Hire.

Optional damage or theft cover is only effective where it is expressly stated in the quotation or Hire Agreement.

18. Cancellation

The customer must notify SGL Hire as soon as possible if it wishes to cancel.

Cancellation charges may reflect:

  • Equipment reserved and unavailable to other customers
  • Preparation and testing
  • Transport planning
  • Labour
  • Accessories prepared
  • Delivery already dispatched
  • Specially sourced equipment

Where cancellation is received before preparation or dispatch, we may waive or reduce the charge at our discretion.

Where equipment has already been dispatched, the customer may be charged the full initial hire charge and all transport costs.

Any cancellation arrangement stated in the written quotation will take priority over this general section.

19. Customer indemnity

Subject to applicable law and the final solicitor-approved wording, the customer may be required to indemnify SGL Hire against reasonable losses, claims, costs and expenses resulting from:

  • Misuse of equipment
  • Breach of these terms
  • Use by an unauthorised or incompetent operator
  • Unsafe site conditions
  • Damage to third-party property
  • Injury caused by the customer’s acts or omissions
  • Unauthorised modification or sub-hire

This clause should be professionally reviewed because unreasonable indemnity clauses and liability restrictions may be controlled by the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977.

20. Liability

Nothing in the final Hire Agreement should exclude or restrict liability where exclusion is prohibited by law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

Any limitation of SGL Hire’s liability must be drafted so that it is reasonable, proportionate and enforceable.

Subject to the final solicitor-approved wording, SGL Hire would normally seek to exclude liability for:

  • Indirect or consequential loss
  • Loss of profit
  • Loss of revenue
  • Loss of contracts
  • Loss of production
  • Loss of business opportunity
  • Delays caused by events outside our reasonable control

Any financial cap on liability should be stated clearly in the final Hire Agreement.

Under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence cannot be excluded, while other negligence exclusions or restrictions are generally subject to a reasonableness requirement.

21. Suspension and termination

SGL Hire may suspend the hire, terminate the agreement or require the immediate return of equipment where:

  • Payment is overdue
  • The customer materially breaches the agreement
  • Equipment is being used unsafely
  • Equipment is at risk of loss or damage
  • The customer supplied false or misleading information
  • Insurance is inadequate or has expired
  • The customer becomes insolvent
  • The customer ceases trading
  • Continued hire presents an unacceptable commercial or safety risk

Termination does not remove the customer’s responsibility for charges or liabilities already incurred.

22. Recovery of equipment

Following termination or expiry, the customer must make the equipment available for immediate return or collection.

Subject to lawful access and the final legal wording, the customer may be required to allow SGL Hire or its authorised representative reasonable access to recover equipment belonging to SGL Hire.

The customer may be charged reasonable recovery costs where equipment is:

  • Withheld
  • Concealed
  • Inaccessible
  • Moved without permission
  • Not returned when required

Any right of entry or recovery must be professionally drafted to avoid authorising unlawful entry, trespass or unsafe recovery activity.

23. Events outside our control

SGL Hire will not be responsible for delay or failure caused by events outside our reasonable control, including:

  • Severe weather
  • Road closures
  • Fire
  • Flood
  • Industrial action
  • Utility failure
  • Transport disruption
  • Government restrictions
  • Supplier failure
  • Manufacturer delays
  • Civil emergency

We will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and communicate with the customer.

24. Notices and communications

Formal notices should be sent to:

SGL Hire
Sultani Gas Ltd
Unit 5 Underlyn Industrial Estate
Marden
Kent
TN12 9AT

Email: helpdesk@sglhire.co.uk
Telephone: 01622 910075

Email communications may be treated as written communications where receipt can reasonably be demonstrated.

25. Data protection

Customer and contact information will be handled in accordance with the SGL Hire Privacy Policy.

Information may be used for:

  • Customer checks
  • Quotations
  • Hire administration
  • Delivery
  • Invoicing
  • Credit control
  • Fraud prevention
  • Insurance
  • Legal and regulatory compliance

The website Privacy Policy should explain the lawful basis, retention periods, third-party processors and customer rights in more detail.

26. General provisions

If any provision of the Hire Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in force.

A failure or delay by SGL Hire in enforcing a right does not automatically waive that right.

No variation is effective unless agreed in writing by an authorised representative of SGL Hire.

The customer may not assign or transfer the Hire Agreement without prior written approval.

A person who is not a party to the Hire Agreement will not normally have the right to enforce it, subject to the final legal wording.

27. Governing law and jurisdiction

The Hire Agreement is intended to be governed by the law of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales are intended to have jurisdiction over disputes arising from the Hire Agreement, subject to any mandatory legal requirements and the final wording approved by a solicitor.

Contact SGL Hire

Questions about our hire terms, equipment availability or account requirements can be discussed with our team before booking.

Telephone: 01622 910075
Email: helpdesk@sglhire.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm