Safety and Testing

Safety

Our team of engineers undergo specialised training and have to pass a series of tests before they are deemed competent to undertake hoist duties on site. As a company, we actively promote Service Engineer Training within the construction industry.

The company has a fully compliant workforce with all personnel possessing CSCS Safety Training, CSCS (CRO) Occupation Training Cards, CCNSG Safety Passports, and other CITB Skills- related training along with various manufacturers training courses. Training is on-going and is continually reviewed, assessed, and managed accordingly.

Testing

Testing of all hoist installations is required under LOLER regulations following installation, at regular intervals (six months for passenger / goods hoists and 12 months for goods only and beam hoists) or following modification. These tests are undertaken by our qualified Thorough Examiner.

Carrying out a thorough examination of the hoist following installation, partial dismantle, modification or significant mechanical damage is required under LOLER regulations. A visual inspection is made of the complete installation by a competent person trained to carry out the thorough examination, who will also check the integrity of all connections on the mast, superstructure and ties before carrying out a load test.
 
This consists of loading the hoist with 125% of its safe working load and driving the hoist up its full length of travel, stopping the cage near to the tie points to check both the structural integrity of the mast and superstructure as well as the holding ability of the drive motor brakes. When the hoist receives its routine test (at six monthly intervals for passenger goods hoists or 12 monthly intervals for goods only hoists) the load test is carried out with the hoist safe working load weight only.
 
Following a satisfactory load test, the hoist manufacturer’s patented safety device is drop tested with the Safe Working Load of the hoist. This is designed to bring the descent of the hoist to a controlled stop within two metres, if the descent speed is greater than 125% of normal, ensuring the safety of the occupants. Following the load and drop test, the structure is inspected again to ensure that there has been no deterioration from the tests and that all aspects of the hoist operate correctly before we issue a Report of Thorough Examination.