Posted By RP
Key critiera here is, Is your organisation 'approved' to carry out LOLER throrough examination and testing?

If it is not, then it would be a problem as you would not have a QA system in place.

Posted By David123
James, a chara,

Regarding the inspection of MEWPs, the fundamental issue regarding inspection of same is the competence of the individual conducting the inspections. For this, you must refer to the definition of a competent person under the Act which deems a person to be competent where "having regard to the task he or she is required to perform and taking account of the size or hazards (or both of them) of the undertaking or establishment in which he or she undertakes work, the person possesses sufficient
training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work to be undertaken"

That said, you should take account of the mechanics existing training, experience and knowledge of these machines. They may be competent already. If your enquiries show a lack of understanding beyond the working mechanics of the equipment, then the course you mention may well suit. You should note that the legal information which will be imparted will differ from the Construction Regs 2001. Perhaps if you talk to the trainers directly, they could facilitate a course specific to Irish regulations?

You should also note that inspections required under the 2006 Work at Height reg's have extra requirements. I haven't had a chance to look at them in any great detail, so I can't be more specific than that.

Is mise le meas,

David.


Folks, A quick question for this Friday evening. We have currently approximately 40 MEWPs that we utilise on our sites. As you are aware, certification is required every 6 months (The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2001 S.I. No. 481 of 2001. Report of results of six-monthly thorough examination of MEWP) I am wondering if one of our mechanics could complete these forms? I have identified a course in the UK (from www.pac.co.uk) that is detailed as follows: The course explains the requirements of LOLER & Thorough Examinations with respect to MEWPs. Candidates experience and knowledge are assessed, leading to Competent Person certification being issued. Can anyone enlighten me as whether this course plus the experience of our mechanic would qualify him to complete the forms?

A long winded question I know.

Cheers. Jim

Posted By James K
Thanks David / RP.
I have spoken directly to the HSA inspector that is responsible for drafting the new WAH regs. A very helpful response from him I must say.
He outlined to me near enough what you stated Daid. Well done. There are now extra checks that must be completed. These checks must be carried out every 7 days.(simmilar to the CR8s for scaffolding.
I dont know yet if the current CR4B would suffice for these 7-day checks but he did state that the queries to be answered on the 7-day form are asked on the new WAH regs Schedule 7
I suppose his definite answer was that an in-house person could complete the 6 monthly checks once competent.