Posted By Andrew Carr Firstly, I'm an impatient sod! I've already dropped the HSE a line and also LEEA. But they take time to get back to you. :) We have a debate here over the requirements for Thorough Examinations for Vehicle Lifts. We have always instructed Thorough Examinations on these on a 6 monthly basis, in accordance with LOLER 9(3) a) i). This is being challenged on the basis that as Regulation 9 (3) specifically says “for lifting persons”, then, as that is not the design intent of a vehicle lift, then the Thorough Examination should be Annual. I've done a bit of research and can find nothing. I have guidance docs from the HSE that says I'm right, and it appears from looking at the HSE website it appears current too. But the person challenging me is quoting the LEEA and saying this is now industry guidance and the HSE is yet to catch up. I have written to the LEEA for their views (we have to get everything in writing), but as I said earlier, I'm impatient! Wondering if anyone has seen anything on this.

Posted By Rob W Hi Andrew A similar situation arises with FLT's which are on occasion used to lift a FLT platform cage. You would normally examine FLT at least anually, but the FLT's used with the platforms must be examined every at least every 6 months. The intent of LOLER is to ensure that lifting equipment that is used to lift people is more reguarly examined than equipment used to lift "stuff", whether the equipment was originally designed to lift people or not seems irrelevant to me. Regards : Rob

Posted By TonyB The last reply is correct. It any lifting equipment is used to lift people then it must be examined either at 6 monthly intervals OR in accordance with a written scheme of examination drawn up by a competent person. To date no competent person has ever extended the inspection period beyond the default position. They have shortened it, due to adverse conditions etc. As for the next examination : it has be be on or before the date of next examination on the last certificate. You can't change that and its legal binding. However, it is down to your competent person to state the date of the subsequent examination. If it is possible that a person may be lifted by the equipment you must make the competent person aware of this and as a result they will be unwilling to extend the examination period to 12 months. With regards to the LOLER Regulations and any other guidance - the Law will always win! If you follow LOLER the HSE can't use enforcement against you. (However, they may what to talk to your competent person!) Hope it helps

Posted By Toe PS, If vehicle lifts are not designed for lifting people! Then we cannot carry out MOT's ?

Posted By David A Cooper Our inspection division advise me that they should be done 6 monthly where they are used to carry passengers and on the basis that someone would work underneath the lift anyway we recommend 6 monthly rather than annually because of the risk of crushing. Dave

Posted By nheathsiae Nothing to do with vehicle lifts but working in the mobile phone industry we lift loads of half a ton to heights of 300m. All of our lifting "equiment" has always been checked/inspected by an external company at 12 monthly intervals for the past 5/6 years. We were told in January 2009 (this year) that our insurance company needs (must have) inspections every 6 months, WHY, because we are lifting with people underneath the task. Under no circumstance would we ever lift "people" but now subject to a six month inspection because we have people under the lift? Refusal to give insurance if we do not comply, inspection company, rubbing their hands all the way to the bank!!! HSE stating "we cannot change or comment on private company insurance" GREAT!!! Nick

Posted By Robert K Lewis Nick Competent persons setting a scheme of examination - sic !!! Bob