Afternoon all, 

We are looking at using a crane for installation of some Silo's, the only way we can prevent a fall is by clipping to the crane hook by inertia/restraint... LOLER would require a 6 monthly for items lifting people, but if we're using it as a restraint then lifting wouldnt be taking place, the Crane we have has just had its 12 monthly test and will be onsite for around for around 8 months. Will we need to have a 6 monthly test in these circumstances?

Thanks in advance. 

crane I assume here is mobile equipment...the restraining bit is just trying to get around a requirement that nobody thought of when the project started by the limited information available  :)  follow the hierachy and then see if you actually need it for the job or it is just convenient...

Thanks all, 

Ive not seen or visited site, but have been asked the question by my site team the other side of the country! Access is via a pre fab staircase attached to the silo, which is approx 35m high, no designed clip on points on the silo as its been manufactured by the client (CDM issue of designing out risk!), I have asked all the relevant heirachy questions and it does eem this is the only viabole solution.

Again LOLER is lifting, which will be done for the items, but clipping to a hook would mean no lifting of people, just as a restraint.

Originally Posted by: dan_ellis

Again LOLER is lifting, which will be done for the items, but clipping to a hook would mean no lifting of people, just as a restraint.

Dan,

Be a bit cautious of the statement ‘LOLER is lifting’ although it generally is, however, there are some specifics relating as to what equipment is or is not covered under the legislation.

Example 1, a handheld pallet truck ‘lifts’ pallets but is not included as lifting equipment.

Example 2, all motor vehicle ramps (lifts) must be inspected every six months with no exception. Apart from four-poster lifts used for MOT inspections, most vehicle lifts do not lift people only the vehicle, but all vehicle lifts are are subject to 6 monthly inspections.

Example 3, in the healthcare profession there are many pieces of equipment used to lift/lower patients, some of this equipment is covered, and some aren’t, for example, a hospital profile bed lifts and lowers the occupant, but this equipment is not covered under LOLER.

Over the years, I have had some interesting conversation as to what is lifting equipment. A recent discussion with our insures was whether a ‘tip skip’ was a lifting accessory or an item being lifted.

The spirit of the legislation is to ensure the safety of the lifting operation and the people involved. If you apply this spirit to ensure that the equipment is safe, then maybe six-monthly inspections would be the best option. Have you run the proposal by your insures?