Examination, Testing & Commissioning
To British and European standards
Commissioning is a fundamental element of the installation process to ensure that the equipment is safe, technically correct and fit for purpose.
During the design phase our design engineers validate through calculation and this is used as part of the design quality assessment and ultimate approval process. Further testing is then undertaken during the manufacturing process with our engineers performing proof load tests and functionality testing so that all equipment supplied for installation is certified and approved to the appropriate lifting capacity and operational function.
Further testing may be required on-site depending on the equipment being installed and it's installation method. If the equipment is to be bolted or mounted onto an existing surface, structure or material then our engineers will need to test the surface and/or fixing to ensure this is suitably safe and fit for purpose before putting the lifting system into service and providing the appropriate documentation and certification for use.
Before your equipment is put into service
Testing and thorough examination of a lifting appliance or lifting gear are required to be conducted by a competent person before it is put into use for the first time. A proof load test may be required by law and is a process that comprises of a thorough examination, a test and then a re-examination, and is required to demonstrate that the lifting solution or equipment is structurally sound, fit for purpose and safe to use. A thorough examination is a legal requirement to allow a piece of equipment to be put into service under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
What is a Proof Load Test?
A proof load test is carried out upon manufacture of a new piece of equipment to verify that the supporting structure the equipment is mounted to is adequate for the loadings of the equipment we install. A proof load test is also carried out when equipment is first installed and before it is put into use. When the test is carried out, our engineers use load test weights with a calibrated load cell, and the equipment is assessed ensuring the equipment is working correctly and safely.
HOIST UK OFFER LOLER INSPECTIONS BY COMPETENT ENGINEERS
How often must lifting equipment and accessories be thoroughly examined?
- Before using it for the first time – unless the equipment has an EC Declaration of Conformity less than one year old and was not assembled on site. If it was assembled on site, it must be examined by a competent person to establish the assembly was correct and safe, e.g. a platform lift installed in a building.
- Always have lifting equipment thoroughly examined following ‘exceptional circumstances’, e.g. if it is damaged or fails, is out of use for long periods, or if there is a major change in how it is used which is likely to affect its integrity.
- Regularly in service if the equipment is exposed to conditions causing deterioration that is likely to result in dangerous situations. If this applies to your equipment you have a choice, you can arrange for the thorough examination to be carried out (a) at regular intervals (either at least every 6 months or 12 months depending on whether the lifting equipment is for lifting people or not); or (b) in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person.
- After assembly and before use at each location for equipment that requires assembly or installation before use, e.g. tower cranes.
When LOLER and PUWER Cross Over
In some cases the LOLER and PUWER inspection procedures can be combined if appropriate and the competent person can undertake the PUWER elements of the inspection under LOLER.
Read our Summary of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).
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UNDERSTANDING LOLER EXAMINATIONS
Under LOLER (Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations) lifting equipment should be examined every 12 months and lifting accessories should be examined every 6 months. Examinations can only be carried out by a competent person and all equipment/accessories that pass the examination will be supplied with a Report of Thorough Examination which should to be retained for your records.