A registration programme has been launched by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), which is designed to ensure that only qualified engineers are permitted to test, examine and maintain overhead lifting equipment.
Under this new scheme, 'TEAM' (Test, Examine and Maintain) cards will be issued to engineers who have passed its industry-recognised Diploma examination. Employers are being encouraged to insist that the card is shown by anyone proposing to work on overhead lifting equipment.
The Chief Executive for LEEA, Geoff Holden, said: "Clearly it is vital that overhead lifting equipment remains safe to operate at all times, and this demands a range of specialist skills. Employers must also bear in mind that UK law demands all lifting equipment is subject to periodic thorough examination by a competent person. It is therefore vital that they take all the necessary steps to ensure that only properly qualified engineers are allowed to work on their lifting gear." Geoff added: "The TEAM card is modelled on successful schemes such as the CITB's Construction Skills Certification programme and the International Powered Access Federation's PAL card. It is a simple and effective way of helping employers stay on the right side of the law."
The TEAM card will prove that the holder has passed the LEEA's Diploma examination, which is the recognised qualification in the industry for lifting equipment engineers. Each TEAM card will:
Geoff Holden continued: "All too often, overhead lifting is overlooked when it comes to implementing effective health and safety programmes. As a result, lifting-related accidents remain a significant cause of death and serious injury in workplaces across the UK and worldwide. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) rightly demand that periodic thorough examination of lifting equipment is undertaken by a competent person. By demonstrating the holder's competence, the TEAM card represents an extremely valuable tool for any employer looking to meet legal obligations and reduce the risk of potentially lethal equipment being used for overhead lifting."
Under this new scheme, 'TEAM' (Test, Examine and Maintain) cards will be issued to engineers who have passed its industry-recognised Diploma examination. Employers are being encouraged to insist that the card is shown by anyone proposing to work on overhead lifting equipment.
The Chief Executive for LEEA, Geoff Holden, said: "Clearly it is vital that overhead lifting equipment remains safe to operate at all times, and this demands a range of specialist skills. Employers must also bear in mind that UK law demands all lifting equipment is subject to periodic thorough examination by a competent person. It is therefore vital that they take all the necessary steps to ensure that only properly qualified engineers are allowed to work on their lifting gear." Geoff added: "The TEAM card is modelled on successful schemes such as the CITB's Construction Skills Certification programme and the International Powered Access Federation's PAL card. It is a simple and effective way of helping employers stay on the right side of the law."
The TEAM card will prove that the holder has passed the LEEA's Diploma examination, which is the recognised qualification in the industry for lifting equipment engineers. Each TEAM card will:
- List the holder's qualification;
- Precisely identify the types of lifting equipment they are competent to work on;
- Be valid for 5 years;
- Will prove the identity of the holder and their employer.
Geoff Holden continued: "All too often, overhead lifting is overlooked when it comes to implementing effective health and safety programmes. As a result, lifting-related accidents remain a significant cause of death and serious injury in workplaces across the UK and worldwide. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) rightly demand that periodic thorough examination of lifting equipment is undertaken by a competent person. By demonstrating the holder's competence, the TEAM card represents an extremely valuable tool for any employer looking to meet legal obligations and reduce the risk of potentially lethal equipment being used for overhead lifting."
No comments:
Post a Comment