These Terms and Conditions apply to the rental of ground protection mats from AZ MATS (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) by any person or entity (hereinafter referred to as “the Hirer”). By placing an order for the rental of ground protection mats, the Hirer agrees to the following terms:
1. Definitions
1.1. “Mats” refer to the ground protection mats provided by the Company.
1.2. “Rental Period” refers to the duration agreed upon by the Company and the Hirer for the rental of the Mats.
1.3. “Delivery Date” refers to the date on which the Mats are delivered to the Hirer.
1.4. “Collection Date” refers to the date on which the Mats are collected by the Company or returned to the Company by the Hirer.
1.5. “Site” refers to the location where the Mats will be used as specified by the Hirer.
2. Conditions of Hire
2.1. All Mats and equipment are provided under the standard terms and conditions of the Company, as detailed in the hire agreement. These terms will prevail over any conflicting terms from the Hirer.
2.2. The Hirer is responsible for assessing the load-bearing capacity of the Site and using the Mats within safe operational limits. The Company disclaims any liability for damages or losses arising from improper use. The Mats are not designed for use as bridges.
2.3. The Hirer must regularly check the Mats for secure placement, cleanliness, and undamaged condition. If relocation is necessary, only Company-provided pallets and ratchet straps must be used.
2.4. The Hirer will incur charges for any damage or loss beyond normal wear and tear. The use of steel-tracked vehicles on the Mats or damage caused by improper handling will result in replacement costs (£100 per mat) being charged.
2.5. The Hirer must immediately report any damage or loss to the Company. Continued use of damaged equipment may result in further charges.
2.6. Equipment rental is calculated on a weekly basis, with a minimum one-week hire period. Extensions beyond the initial Rental Period will incur additional charges as specified in the hire agreement.
2.7. The Hirer is responsible for insuring and safeguarding the equipment during the Rental Period until it is retrieved by the Company’s designated transporter or returned to the Company by the Hirer as agreed by both parties in the hire agreement.
2.8. Hire start and end dates are specified in the hire agreement. Early termination will still result in charges for the full agreed-upon period. Termination of hire requires confirmation from the Company.
3. Delivery and Collection
3.1. The Company will only deliver the Mats to the Site; the Hirer is responsible for laying out and positioning the Mats.
3.2. Delivery and collection fees will be calculated based on the distance to the Site and will be
quoted to the Hirer before the hire agreement is finalised.
3.3. Delivery and collection will occur at the Site on the dates agreed upon between the Company and the Hirer. Any delays due to restricted access or unpreparedness of the Site will incur additional charges.
3.4. For collection, the Mats must be stacked and strapped on the provided pallets in a reachable location. If the Mats are not properly prepared for collection, additional charges may apply.
4. Rental Period
4.1. The minimum Rental Period is one week, with additional hire fees applied on a weekly basis thereafter.
4.2. The Rental Period will commence on the Delivery Date and end on the Collection Date unless extended by mutual agreement.
4.3. Early termination of the rental does not entitle the Hirer to a refund for the unused period.
5. Hirer’s Responsibilities
5.1. The Mats will be delivered in a clean condition.
5.2. The Hirer is responsible for returning the Mats in a clean condition. A cleaning fee of £2.50 per mat will be charged for Mats returned unclean.
5.3. Mats returned with hardened concrete or other non-removable materials will be charged at the full replacement value, rather than the standard cleaning rate.
5.4. The Hirer is responsible for inspecting the Mats upon delivery and must report any defects or issues within 24 hours. Failure to do so will imply that the Mats were delivered in good working condition.
5.5. The Hirer may not modify or alter the Mats in any way and is responsible for any damage, loss, or theft during the Rental Period.
5.6. The Hirer is strictly prohibited from sub-hiring, leasing, or otherwise transferring the Mats to any third party without the prior written consent of the Company.
5.7. The Mats must be returned in the same condition as they were delivered, subject to normal wear and tear.
6. Rental Charges and Payment
6.1. The Hirer agrees to pay the rental charges as specified in the hire agreement.
6.2. A deposit may be required before delivery. The amount will be determined by the Company and will be refunded upon the satisfactory return of the Mats, less any deductions for damages or cleaning fees.
6.3. Full payment must be received by the Company prior to shipment of the Mats. Orders will not be shipped or delivered until the payment has been cleared.
6.4. All prices quoted are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise specified.
7. Insurance
7.1. The Hirer is responsible for ensuring the Mats are adequately insured against all risks (including damage, loss, and theft) during the Rental Period.
8. Liability
8.1. The Company is not liable for any damages, losses, or injuries arising from the use of the Mats.
8.2. The Hirer indemnifies the Company against any claims arising out of the use of the Mats by the Hirer or third parties during the Rental Period.
9. Force Majeure
9.1. The Company is not liable for delays or failure to perform obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, strikes, or government actions.
10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
10.1. These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
10.2. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.