3. Working at height is never without risk and according to the Health & Safety
Executive’s (HSE) latest figures for 2013/14, falls from height were the most
common cause of fatality, accounting for 29% of all workplace deaths.
Of course, the risk to health and safety can be reduced by adopting sensible
precautions. These include ensuring a proper risk assessment has been carried out
before work begins, using appropriate safety protection, (including where necessary
a harness), training those working at height in proper procedures, and making sure
that any lifting equipment is in full working order.
5. To help ensure the safety of those working at height when using lifting equipment, LOLER
(Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 98) is in place. With LOLER,
operators and employers/ owners are obliged to ensure the lifting equipment in use is:
● appropriate for the task ahead
● in good working order
● that the person using the equipment is competent.
What’s more, owner/ operators are required to prove their equipment meets these
standards with a six-monthly ‘Thorough Inspection’ which must be documented and
retained.
7. As part of LOLER, lifting equipment, such as cherry pickers, boom lifts, MEWP’s and
scissor lifts, must undergo a Thorough Examination every six months (or more
frequently if used in an ‘hostile’ environment). This inspection is an important aspect
of owning and operating lifting equipment and records of all inspections must be
kept. Following an examination, any defects found are to be reported to the
enforcing authority, such as the HSE or local authority. Should your lifting
equipment fail its Thorough Inspection, don’t worry, here at PSR we can carry out
the necessary repairs, ensuring your lift equipment is safe to use and then re-issue
the Report of Thorough Examination.
9. As well as six-monthly Thorough Examinations, the equipment
must also be examined before first use, when installed on site
and when exposed to conditions that could cause
deterioration. The Thorough Examination process includes a
range of checks and inspections including a visual, operation
and mechanical examination.
11. Here at at PSR our team of qualified field service engineers are experts in lifting equipment assessments and
maintenance and can work with your business to help ensure you comply with LOLER regulations. Our
engineers are CAP trained and are able to guide you through the LOLER process. With national coverage,
our engineers can visit your place of work or undertake the Thorough Examination at one of our workshops.
In addition to Thorough Examinations, we also offer;
repair and refurbishment of a wide range of access platforms
tailored maintenance plans to ensure your equipment is kept in tip-top condition
regular servicing emergency call-out service free LOLER reminder service.
12. PSR
For further advice on LOLER compliance
or to arrange a Thorough Inspection, call
the team on 0845 108 4000 or email,
service@iapsgroup.com.
Or visit our website at
http://www.platformservicerepair.co.uk/