HSE Report: Thorough examination and inspection of particular items of lifting equipment (crr02429), explains the requirements for a thorough examination of particular items.  From what I can see, a Thorough Examination is a visual and functional examination.

Manufacturers instructions will include details on a suitable examination scheme, daily checks, servicing periods, routine maintenance, testing requirements etc.

My query is regarding testing requirements:  For routine testing, would an independent CP (ie not a company employee and possibly provided by the insurer) be expeted to carry out testing that is part of the manufacturers requirements or carry out the examination as referenced in crr02429?  My interpretation is that he could ask to see recent test results and include actions in the Thorough Examination report (LOLER Schedule 1 format).  I have not personally seen an insurance backed Specialist Engineer carry out any "tests" when performing Thorough Examinations in the field, but I am being told by one company that HSE require testing to be carried out as part of a Thorough Examination.

Can someone offer clarification: if an examination scheme is up to date, would a Specialist Engineer need to carry out tesing, if they were insurance backed, would they necisarily have the competence to understand specific tests and is a visual and function Thorough Examination enough to issue a report?

Thanks Ron, so is the answer to my question "would a Specialist Engineer need to carry out testing": not every Thorough Inspection will require a test, although if it did that would be at the discretion of the CP carrying out the Thorough Examination based in the previous test data he has available at the time?

I totally understand the the difference between Thorough Examination and Maintenance and do not knowingly mix them up and always subscribe to the "don't mark your own work" rule with regards impartiality, but your response still leaves me with questions as to whether a visiting CP would be routinely expected to put equipment under a stress/load test as part of a Thorough Examination.  The research paper is obviously to be read in conjunction with the ACOP, but where the ACOP is quite wooly on specifics, the research paper states "what needs to be taken into account in any scheme of thorough examination", but does not go into detail of testing.

Edited by user 26 April 2017 14:56:28(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I don't think lack of detail is a factor in the report, testing is just not covered in the abstract.  

This thread has not been produced because of overload testing or NDT, my query is in relation to in service testing that is carried out every 6 months with respect to lifting accessories.  

I deem the answer to my question "would a Specialist Engineer need to carry out testing" to be not every Thorough Inspection will require a test, although if it did that would be at the discretion of the CP carrying out the Thorough Examination based in the previous test data he has available at the time? Would you agree?

Here is an excerpt for an Operational Load Test for a specific lifting accessory.

Operational Tests  • Perform the VACUUM TEST to follow.  • Test all features and functions of the lifter (see OPERATING FEATURES, OPERATION and  MAINTENANCE).  Load Test  Prove that the lifter can lift 100% of its Maximum Load Capacity (see SPECIFICATIONS), using an  actual load or an equivalent simulation. 8   Employ the following method to test with an actual  load:  1)  Place a test load with appropriate LOAD CHARACTERISTICS (see INTENDED USE) on a stable  support.  Make sure the load is oriented in the upright position. 9   2)  Apply the vacuum pads to the load as previously directed.  3)  After the vacuum pump stops running, disconnect the electrical connector uniting the battery  with the vacuum generating system.    Note:  After the test is completed, move the valve handle to the “release” ( ) position  (power  off ) before reconnecting the battery.  4)  Raise the load a minimal distance, to assure that it is supported by the lifter.  5)  Hold the load for 5 minutes.  The load must not slip or fall during this time period.  If it does,  conduct a VACUUM TEST and inspect each vacuum pad as indicated under VACUUM PAD  MAINTENANCE: Inspection (see sections to follow).  Correct any deficiency that is found and  retest the lifter. 

Here is another

LOAD TESTING A FITTED LIFT 1. S.W.L. to vehicle floor. a) Load platform with 300Kgs and attach pressure gauge to ‘test point’ on pump unit. b) Power the lift FULLY UP to vehicle floor height. c) Visually check mounting brackets for movement and strength. d) Leave lift for 10 minutes (at full floor height) and check for creep. Should be NO more than 15mm down. e) Lower lift to ground and add weight to 125% (i.e. 375Kgs for a 300Kgs badged lift). The lift MUST NOT be able to power UP with this load on! If lift rises turn the lifting pressure DOWN. Turn valve (fitted on pump face) clockwise to increase power and anti-clockwise to decrease. NOTE: Valve must NEVER be fully tightened IN. Minimum one full turn back. f) Remove overload weight and raise lift to vehicle floor height. Check the full UP and DOWN stroke 5 times. Check that the lift raises ‘smoothly’ towards the top of stroke and does not struggle. If lift is ‘sluggish’ increase the relief valve pressure. g) Remove weight. 2. Check hand pump operation and lowering ‘DOWN’ valve. 3. Check that all ‘manual handling’ components are free and easy to operate (i.e. handrails and platform). 4. Check roll-off ramp operates ‘smoothly’ with NO trip hazards present. 5. Check bridge plate operation. With full S.W.L. weight on the platform the bridge plate should land correctly (flush) with the vehicle floor. If it does not lay flat the actuator rod should be adjusted (see page 1.20). 6. Fill in LOLER certificate (page 5.15). 7. Fill in Weight Test certificate (page 5.16).

Both tests are part of maintenance and service, but are to be carried out 6 monthly and are tied in to the examination scheme and therefore the requirements of LOLER.

For me a Thorough Examination is visual and functional, unless the CP in carrying out the examination finds cause for concern, in which case he could request that these tests be carried out.  Would the CP carry out these types of tests as part of a Thorough Examination and Inspection under the heading: Load Testing?

In the context of that additional scenario information, provided the engineer conducting the tests you detail has sufficient authority and degree of autonomy (i.e. to take machine out of use if failed) then he would be undertaking sufficient examination to satisfy LOLER thorough exam requirements.

An independent /third party insurer's engineer wouldn't be adding value. That said, if your Insurers insist on exam. by their representative then the tests should be coordinated to avoid any duplication of effort on the employer's part.

6 monthly interval for load testing of vehicle lifts seems excessive though?

Originally Posted by: Ron Hunter

6 monthly interval for load testing of vehicle lifts seems excessive though?

I pulled manufacturers guidance at random Ron, this is what was written in the OMM as part of a maintenance and service requirement.  I would expect any service engineer to follow this instruction unless there is confirmation from the manufacturer to the contrary.