Legal & Safety Framework

Legal Compliance: All users must agree to the platform's Terms of Service and rental agreements, which are governed by South African contract law and are recognized as binding under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) . Equipt Earthworld ensures that all contracts are fair, transparent, and comply with the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) . The platform also adheres to international standards like the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) . 

Data Protection: The platform prioritizes user data protection, complying with laws such as South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) . Equipt Earthworld collects only necessary information, provides a clear Privacy Policy, and uses security measures to protect data from unauthorized access . 

• Safety Standards: Equipt Earthworld requires all listed equipment to meet high safety standards Owners must maintain their machinery in good working condition and ensure it complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and other relevant regulations . The platform may require regular maintenance records or safety certifications for high-risk equipment .

• Insurance & Liability: Both equipment owners and renters are expected to carry adequate insurance . Owners should have comprehensive and liability coverage, while renters need insurance that covers them when operating rented equipment . The platform's Terms of Service limit its liability for the actions of users and the condition of equipment, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the platform .

 Platform Operations

Listings & Verification: Equipment owners must provide accurate and detailed information for their listings . Equipt Earthworld implements a verification process for both users and equipment to build trust and prevent fraud . The platform reserves the right to remove listings that do not meet its safety and content standards . 

• Transactions: The platform provides a secure system for bookings and payments . A digital rental agreement is generated once a booking is confirmed, outlining key details like the rental period, fees, and pickup/delivery terms . Payments are typically held in an escrow-like manner and released to the owner after the rental is completed .

• Maintenance & Inspections: Owners are responsible for routine maintenance and inspecting equipment before each rental . Both owners and renters should conduct a joint inspection at the beginning and end of a rental to document the equipment's condition and meter readings, which helps prevent disputes over damages .

• Customer Support: A dedicated support team is available to assist with inquiries, booking issues, and emergencies . Users are encouraged to first attempt to resolve issues directly with each other, but can escalate complaints to the support team, which will act as a neutral intermediary .

   

 Dispute Resolution

 Equipt Earthworld provides a clear process for handling disputes .

• Internal Resolution: Users should first try to resolve issues directly . If that fails, the platform's support team will review the case and facilitate a fair resolution . The platform's decision in these cases is documented and binding unless there is evidence of fraud or serious misconduct   
• Mediation & Arbitration: For complex disputes, the platform encourages mediation . If mediation is unsuccessful, the Terms of Service typically require disputes to be resolved through arbitration, a private and more cost-effective alternative to court.
• Legal Recourse: While litigation is not completely excluded, the platform strongly encourages using its internal dispute resolution and arbitration processes first . If a user believes there has been illegal activity (such as fraud or theft), they can report it to the authorities .