Rank: Forum user 
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Hi all
We have a static swing arm jib crane with a chain hoist and vacuum lifter attached. Although the vacuum lifter is removable; it never is. The guy who does our LOLER has drawn up a written scheme of examination justifying a yearly period for a TE on this particular bit of kit.
My problem is; our H&S Consultancy are causing me a headache saying we have to do it every 6 months. I've read LOLER and the ACOP and can find no reason why the written scheme is not acceptable. Am I missing something here?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Instruct your consultant to provide their rationale for 6 months. Put this to the LOLER engineer and see what falls out.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I think your consultant is wrong.
6 monthly inspections are only required when lifting equipment is used to lift people.
As you don't appear to be doing this, it is acceptable to follow engineering advice, in which case 12mths is acceptable if the working conditions are not detrimental to the lifting equipment.
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Rank: Forum user
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As JJ said, lifting equipment only needs a thorough examination every 12 months unless it is used for lifting people (in which case it would have to be designed to do so) or there is a good reason to do it more frequently such as constant use, harsh environment etc.
It would be interesting to find out why the consultant believes it should be done every 6 months.
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Rank: Super forum user
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But is the vacuum lifter an accessory? If so, it needs six-monthly thorough examinations, doesn't it?
LB
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the reply's so far. Our consultant believes the vacuum lifter is classed as a lifting accessory as it is removable. Our engineer believes as we never do remove it (we don't even own anything else to attach) it can be classed as a permanent piece of lifting equipment. I have shown our written scheme to our consultant who didn't read it and continued to tell me the vacuum lifter is an accessory.
Obviously 12 monthly is cheaper for us so my Directors are more inclined to listen to the engineer; I'm more concerned with not hurting anyone or having the company fined...
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Rank: Forum user
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Could be wothwhile asking your local HSE inspector for clarifycation?
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Rank: Super forum user
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DOn't think you need to ask the HSE
LOLER Reg 9(3)(a)(i)(ii) is quite clear and specific.
Lift people - examination every 6mths
Other lifting equipment at least every 12mths, subject to engineering judgement as regards harsh conditions etc
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Rank: Forum user
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I believe its still a lifting accessory as its not apart of the static swing arm jib crane, therefore 6 months examination.
Is there any previous caselaw regarding an accident with regarding to inspection schedules, to see what the judge's verdict was.
Bit deep, I know, but this thread will probably run and run.
Phil
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Rank: Forum user
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Sorry JJ but if it is classed as an accessory for lifting then the inspection is every 6 months.
(3) Subject to paragraph (6), every employer shall ensure that lifting equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is—
(a)thoroughly examined— .
(i)in the case of lifting equipment for lifting persons or an accessory for lifting, at least every 6 months.
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Rank: New forum user
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The vacuume lift is an accessory. The machine wasn't constructed with this item. The vacuume can be removed therefore an accessory, so every 6 months.
The crane is the lifting equipment which falls under a 12 month TE.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Agree with carlt and Phil John. The fact that you do not remove it does not mean that you cannot remove it and, therefore, it has to be classed as an accessory in the same way as any item that was not a fundamental part of the manufacture
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Rank: Super forum user
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Just because the vacuum lifter is removable, doesn't make it an accessory.
Depends upon the design intent of the item.
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Rank: New forum user
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Sorry JJ, but the vacuum will always be classed as a accessory.
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Rank: Forum user
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So it seems as it is possible to remove the vacuum lifter it must be classed as an accessory in terms of LOLER. Thanks for all of the advice!
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