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#1 Posted : 15 February 2007 09:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By holmezy


Morning all,

as a result of a visit, I need to write written schemes of examination for my pressure systems and lifting equipment. The pressure systems we have are 2 compressors, each relatively small and supply air to a small workshop and machine demonstration area respectively. The main lifting equipment are 3 overhead gantry cranes. I have guidance from the HSE that says what I need to consider, I have spoken to my insurance inspectors who promised to send me some information 2 weeks ago (and now seem to be not very helpful at all), but havent as yet. Has anyone got an example of a scheme that I could base mine on. Dont want to copy, but would like some idea of the layout, content etc.
In the meantime, going to continue to chase the insurance inspectors, but not holding my breathe.

Thanks

Holmezy
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#2 Posted : 15 February 2007 09:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jim Walker
change your insurers?
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#3 Posted : 15 February 2007 09:55:00(UTC)
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Posted By holmezy

Jim,
yes, its an option. I could recommend that the compnay considers another insurer, however, that is a board decsision at my small company and usually £££ dependant so dont think thats going to happen this week so that doesnt get me a written schemein the time that I require it.

Holmezy
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#4 Posted : 15 February 2007 10:13:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert.
I reckon you will have had this by now, http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg178.pdf

Without questioning your expertise, the doc does refer to competent persons able to carry out the examination.
If you have OH gantry cranes, aren't they already subject to a WSE---------6 monthly visual I believe, and also load tested which includes beams, chains,snap hooks, swivels etc

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#5 Posted : 15 February 2007 10:50:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Holmzey

I do not know your competency personally but unless you can demonstrate the same level of competency in each area as the relevant insurance/engineering inspectors then I would change them immediately. The pressure system one should have been done at least six years ago or on installation/purchase, and I would expect your insurers to have already picked this up and offered the service.

I am puzzled why you would move away from the 12 monthly for the cranes and 6 monthly for the lifting equipment. Most people only opt for a scheme of examination under LOLER if the use is occasional and there is a case to extend the examinations beyond 12 months; or the service environment is so severe as to suggest a shorter period.

Without much more information there cannot be a more positive answer I am afraid.

Bob
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#6 Posted : 15 February 2007 10:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Clare Gabriel
Dont you do it unless you are a trained engineer - if you are insured with the likes of Zurich, Allainz Cornhill they will normally provide the service, often not even doing it themselves but engaging the services of specialists. OOO I'd steer well clear of doing that myself - as said chase those insurers
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#7 Posted : 15 February 2007 10:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Bannister
"Here Here" (or is it hear hear?) to Bob & Clare.

If you've had a visit then there is a likelihood of a follow up soon. Don't let the insurers put you off. Chase them hard, keep written records which may partially placate the enforcement agency, use your brokers to chase too. Ask both of them why they haven't advised you on this before.

If necessary, sack them both and get better advice.
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#8 Posted : 15 February 2007 11:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mitch
Holmezy,

Our insurance company send their own appointed surveyor twice a year to inspect all our lifting gear and pressure systems, in fact the lifting is being done next Monday and Tuesday. If you want I can send you a copy of the schedule next week? The surveyor uses a schedule based upon an equipment register I supply to him and is very straightforward.

regards

Mitch
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#9 Posted : 15 February 2007 11:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Mitch

You are talking in terms of examinations as specified in LOLER - Not the written scheme which is an entirely different animal. The engineer will have to make, and justify, decisions on what parts and how the equipment will be tested, setting an appropriate cycle of point in time to ensure the standards required under LOLER etc are met.

Bob
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#10 Posted : 15 February 2007 12:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phil Grace
Just a thought... are we all talking about the same insurers.

Those insurers who provide Employers' & Public Liability cover generally do not offer Engineering Insurance. My employer sold off its engineering arm many years ago. Engineering insurance - as previous replies have indicated - consists of a small amount of insurance and all the inspection service that you need. In essence you are buying the inspections rather than insurance.

I agree with comments about using an engineering insurer rather than doing it yourself.
Phil
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#11 Posted : 15 February 2007 13:13:00(UTC)
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Posted By holmezy


Update..

I don't realy want to write a schedule as I don't know enough about cranes and pressure systems.
I do have them all inspected on a regular basis in line with requirements, some of the cranes more often due to use, environment etc

Finally got the insurance company to help a little. Got a number to ring on Monday to arrange for schemes to be provided, probably at a cost, but getting there finally....

See what happens on Monday.

Thanks for the help.

Holmezy
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#12 Posted : 15 February 2007 22:47:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew Rushton
Zurich do all of our pressure systems and cranes. Leave it to the experts. From your own admissions you are not the competent person as required by the regulations.
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