Do you use lifting equipment?
If you use lifting equipment then you could pay a hefty price
for not carrying out statutory thorough examinations and
inspections - this warning comes from the Lifting Equipment
Engineers Association (LEEA).
There have been two recent cases which have highlighted the need
to carry out these tests on lifting equipment. One was a pub which
failed to make necessary checks on cellar lifting gear. The second
was a charity set up to help the blind who were prosecuted after a
sling failed as an elderly resident was being lifted out of bed.
This led to the elderly person's death.
LEEA Chief Executive, Geoff Holden, believes that these cases
highlight the importance of complying with the Lifting Operations
and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998-LOLER, which require lifting
equipment to be subjected to thorough periodic examinations. He
said, "These cases emphasise the potential consequences if
employers do not respect their legal obligations when it comes to
lifting equipment. Under LOLER, even simple items, such as manual
hoists and slings must be subject to regular checks. It must be
done by a genuinely independent and competent person, and a written
report of the thorough examination kept on file by the
employer."
The LEEA recently began issuing 'TEAM' (Test, Examination and
Maintain) identity cards to engineers who have passed industry
recognised diploma examinations. The Association is urging
employers to see their cards before allowing them to test, examine,
or maintain lifting equipment