Saw this today in a scrap metal dealer - This is an old crane (40-50 yrs old) that is no longer being used for lifting operations. The jib is in a raised position and a CCTV camera has been mounted on a pole at the top of the jib. The support cables were replaced 2-3 yrs ago but have not been inspected since. To my mind this is unsafe because the jib itself is being lifted by the cables - but no routine inspections are being carried out. Client is adamant that inspection not needed as no lifting ops. Cannot find any specific mentions in the LOLER regs or guides. On a similar note, client operates a scrap yard with other similar cranes of similar age (but no CCTV camera). Client regards these as stock. They have the jib raised but often only held by original cables, several years old. Does LOLER apply to stock stored in this way?

Dear Stevie, LOLER states that the requirements imposed by the Regulations apply in relation to lifting equipment provided for use or used by an employee of his at work. It defines “lifting equipment" as meaning work equipment for lifting or lowering loads and includes its attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it. Consequently LOLER does not apply if the item is not used for lifting or lowering loads. It is in a sence are akin to a flagpole in that the cables are being used as stays for the jib. Hoeveer, as it is used for mounting a CCTV camera it is work equipment that is covered by PUWER. As such it must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. It also must be inspected at regular intervals and after each time that exceptional circumstances which are liable to jeopardise the safety of the work equipment have occurred. e.g. high winds, storms, cable breaks. Regards Adrian

Thanks for the replies so far. This is just one of a number of issues arising on this site and I think the improvement list is going to run to 20 or so items. I did give serious consideration to walking off site and cancelling the policy at one point. Needless to say, documentation was non-existent.

Morning Steve, What is your actual role in this saga? I have seen metal hawsers/crane ropes snap and it is terrifying, they sort of sing before they go then they part and snake away slicing through almost anything in their way. My old company recently had a failure of a gantry rope which was used to move a cab backwards & forwards (not lifting so came under PUWER not LOLER), this rope was 3 years old and had failed because the internal core had rotted. The rope had been inspected 10 weeks previously by a competent inspector who had made no comment because he could not see the internal corrosion. After analysis the one of the root causes was the type & amount of grease used on the rope. So even if the rope is inspected there is no guarantee that it is safe but the effort has been made and it is recorded. If you are making recommendations then you may wish to consider if a secondary method of maintaining the jib(s) in a raised position can be employed as lowering them may bring even more problems. You may also wish to consider the work at height implications for the the cctv maintainer. Scrap/dismantle with a thought out safe system of work is best option but cannot see this being acceptable to the owner. Good Luck