Customer Guides
The DarkSide Customer Guide to Proof Load Testing and Inspections of Lifting Equipment
As Rigging Supply Specialists, one of the questions we are asked above all is “Why do I need Test & Inspection doing?”
Hopefully, this guide will clear up some of the myths regarding Testing, Inspection and servicing of Lifting Equipment, helping you to make a clear choice about what is possibly the most important decision you can make regarding your hoists and equipment.
Why should I have my equipment tested?
As part of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), it is advised that you should have your equipment visually inspected every six months (tackle such as shackles, roundslings etc) and every twelve months (Hoists and lifting machines). Different timescales can be implemented by qualified persons. For instance if the equipment is under heavy use perhaps a monthly inspection would be required.
Why is Test & Inspection important?
If one of your pieces of equipment fails in service, you could be legally liable. So you must be able to show that you have a test and inspection programme in place, and that you keep your equipment in a good working condition. In short, it’s the law - but it’s also important for your own peace of mind.
Who should inspect my equipment?
In our opinion you should have your Lifting Equipment inspected by a competent Lifting Inspector who is independent of your company.
I’ve been told I can inspect my own equipment
At DarkSide, we strongly advise against this unless you can prove your competence.
If you are carrying out your own inspections, you may have to prove yourself competent in the eyes of the law in the event of equipment failure. Unless you can prove your competence with relevant credentials or qualifications, we would always advise that you think very hard before carrying out your own inspections.
I’ve been told I can do a one day course so I can self-certify my equipment
Being a competent Inspector is not something you can learn overnight. Think about the above, and whether you can prove yourself competent in the eyes of the law.
Our Test Engineers are like plumbers and electricians - they are time served in the Entertainment industry, and work with Rigging equipment every day. They have years of experience in what is acceptable wear and tear, and what needs replacing urgently. DarkSide always recommends that any Test & Inspection work is carried out by an Engineer who has qualifications from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).
Why LEEA qualifications?
Because the LEEA are the only body dedicated to Lifting Equipment, and have dedicated training programmes that actually test the knowledge of the people who sit them.
It takes years to pass the examinations and they are relevant to all types of lifting equipment.
I have been on a motor school, can I inspect my own hoists?
At DarkSide, we strongly advise against this.
Motor schools are excellent for gaining knowledge on how hoists work and how to know when there is something wrong.
What they don’t give you is the years of knowledge and experience that are required to make a competent Inspector. They also don’t always tell you acceptable wear for chain and load bearing parts, so you could end up failing a chain that is perfectly usable.
What if I only have a small budget?
A good testing and inspection programme coupled with regular servicing of your equipment actually saves you money:
- A good tester will save you money because they will advise you on equipment that is perhaps worn but still usable. A bad inspector will just fail it, and then you will have to pay for a replacement.
- A good tester will advise you on the causes of wear, so if for example a chain is not lubricated correctly they will advise you what you need to do to maximise the life of your equipment.
- A good tester will ensure your lifting operations are undertaken in the right manner. For instance, if they see damaged equipment they would be able to advise you how to avoid it in the future (if possible).
In short, a good inspection and testing regime should save you money on replacements, and extend the life of your equipment.
Questions to ask before you employ a Tester/Inspector:
What am I getting for my money?
It might sound obvious, but ask what the Inspector is going to do during the test, and what checks they will be carrying out.
For example, at DarkSide our Inspector physically tests Lifting Machines with an overload. While you don’t have to do this, how will you know if the brake is working on your hoist if the Inspector doesn’t test it?
What qualifications/experience does my Inspector have?
If they have the qualifications, your Inspector will be happy to tell you what they are. If they don't have any, how do you know if they can undertake the job correctly? Have they been doing this long?
What other jobs have they undertaken? Never be afraid to ask.
As the saying goes, "A bad inspector either passes everything, or fails everything". Experience and qualifications can make all the difference in getting your equipment tested properly and efficiently. A good inspector has the experience to find the middle ground, and can give you valuable advice too.
With DarkSide’s Test & Inspection service, you get an inspector who has passed LEEA examinations, has years of experience, and undertakes Testing and Inspection for a living.
Other things to think about - On Site or Off Site Test & Inspection ?
Consider what you need before booking your Tester, and how much downtime you can afford for your equipment.
On-Site Test & Inspection:
- The Tester comes to you
- Usually charged on a daily rate
- Your equipment never leaves your premises – saving you valuable downtime and carriage costs
- If you choose an on-site service, the Tester should have a mobile test rig
- You may need to hire in test weights
- You will need to clear sufficient floor space for your testing to be carried out
Off-Site Test & Inspection
- You send your equipment away for testing
- Depending on the number of items, may be charged on a daily rate or a piece rate – ask your Tester
- Longer downtime on your equipment
- Carriage costs can be high, especially if you have a large number of items to send for test
DarkSide offers both on-site and off-site Testing and Inspection – call us for more details and FREE advice.
How long will my equipment be out of use for?
Your equipment cannot be used:
- while it is being inspected
- if it fails inspection
How many items can be tested in a day?
For guidance, at DarkSide, one of our Testers can test and inspect up to 12 electric chain hoists (1t) in a day. It takes physical time to get the hoist onto the rig and apply the test weight – so if someone says they can do more hoists in a day with one man, you need to consider how thorough their inspection is going to be.
In Summary
- Testing and Inspection is a critical part of your business. It isn’t a case of whether you should or shouldn’t do it – it’s more a case of how and when
- As part of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), you should have a regular Test & Inspection programme in place
- If one of your pieces of equipment fails in service, you could be legally liable
- The right inspection regime maximises the efficiency of your equipment and saves you money in the long run
- It takes qualifications and years of experience to become a competent Test & Inspection Engineer
If you have any questions about Testing and Inspection, call DarkSide Industries on 01274 772117.
Our advice is FREE * and our Inspectors are qualified and time served within the Entertainment industry
© DarkSide Industries Ltd 2008. May not be copied or reproduced in any way without the express permission of the authors.
* Advice given without charge is done so in good faith and without legal liability.
Intended for information only. DarkSide Industries Ltd accepts no legal responsibility for anyone acting upon the information contained herein.
Call DarkSide NOW for more details on 01274 772117