Posted By DAVE TOMPSETT I have been asked by a company supervisor for advice regarding the testing of blocks/tackle/slings under LOLER. His works manager has insisted that one of the guys out of the machine shop is the competent person to do the testing, he then completes a basic report every 6/12 months on his findings and logs. I understand no training has been given for this role, other than 30 years in engineering. The works manager states that he is not going to spend money when it can be done in-house, and fully complying with schedule 1 of the LOLER Regs. I am of the understanding that most companies out-source this activity, usually by their insurance company. Any advise please.

Posted By Dave Daniel There are risks and of course you need to demonstrate competence, but then I think you'll find that insurance companies tend to recruit from engineers who have worked for crane manufacturers etc. The HSE used to try and make out that there should be independence between the inspection service and commercial/production operations but of course your insurance contract is itself commercial. I certainly could not assert that insurance surveyors were always that competent. One I came across recently had located and "thoroughly examined" 35 fork trucks at a large warehouse in about 6-7 hours (his total recorded time on site).... that's about 1 every 12 minutes.