Loler for Arb kit

[Leyburn Lad]

Hi Guys,

 

A while back I worked for a Large company (fountains) as a manager, I was ask to go and do a LOLER course it was not NPTC it was with the National Access and Rescure centre (NARC) most of the guys were single rope access and firemen. My cert says: Inpection of PPE- Competent person, .........has attended a course inspecting and assessing the condition of PEE for working @ height. the company I worked for said this is ok to carry out LOLER on our climbing Equipment.

I am not so sure I have been a climber for over 5 years etc...

what do you think.

 

Been on the same one myself at Kendal in the lakes, probably one of the better courses ive been on for LOLER, did you get to use the test bed downstairs and the drop test in the mill tower, we did this the second time I went certainly opened your eyes to whats what in strength and safe to carrry on using.

How long were you at fountains, i served with them from 98 to 07, worked lakes, leeds, bedale, bletchingly, scotland, blackburn.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

This came up in a different thread but rather de-rail I'll start here. It was mentioned that some are taking their kits to non-arb inspectors for Loler checks.

Now I was wondering, if they are deemed suitable to test inspect lifting gear worthy of 100's of tonnes in other industries, why are they not suitable to inspect a piddly bit of rope?

The reason for my asking is not that I personally have done this, but someone I know put it to me and I didnt have a definitive answer. Surely a Loler inspector is just that, trained to know what defects to look for in any aspect of Lifting, lowering etc. Are we not being maybe a little bit precious about our own tiny little niche market?

 

I expect to be shot down, pilloried, lambasted and even shot at dawn for this outrageous query. Make it a clean kill.

 

APOLOGIES all as I haven't gone through all the posts so this is probably a repeat!

 

The LOLER ACOP describes the competent person, for 'through examination', is someone expereinced with a good understanding in the use and applictaion of the equipment, amongst other things, and it is here many 'none Arb LOLER' inspectors may fall down.

 

Perhaps if they've done the NPTC LOLER inspectors course, and passed the stringent exams, they may meet the requirements better but it still doesn't fully embrace the spirit of the ACOP (thank you Mr Moore for that classic phrase!)

 

Thanks all..

Paul

[eddiegts]

Been on the same one myself at Kendal in the lakes, probably one of the better courses ive been on for LOLER, did you get to use the test bed downstairs and the drop test in the mill tower, we did this the second time I went certainly opened your eyes to whats what in strength and safe to carrry on using.

How long were you at fountains, i served with them from 98 to 07, worked lakes, leeds, bedale, bletchingly, scotland, blackburn.

 

I was there for a year helping run the EDF contract but left because I did not like the way they treated there staff and mainly the sub-contractors (not paying them for 90 + days)

 

As for the LOLER yer I did go down onto the test bed was very intresting, So do you think that the ticket I have Is vaild for carrying out LOLER on Arb kit?

[MattyF]

Last time I had a harness loler inspected it failed but was told I could still use it if I made a new bridge connected to the side d's ..... Yeah nice one I thought!! Really would make such a pleasure to climb in being crushed by point that are not meant to be loaded like that..... Some people should not be lolering Arb gear most post's on this thread show this, I don't get mine lolered because I usually replace most ropes after 6 months because it's probably cheaper,I hammer my lowering gear and IMO am quite capable of making a decision on if my harness is fit to climb in.

[High Scale]

I was asked by one of my clients to drop some kit in to a large nationwide hire company, who offer loler inspection services.

 

I included an old Marlow climbing line, with the (factory) eye splice hanging half out, clearly not fit for use.

 

They passed it, but failed a perfectly good harness because they couldn't find a SWL marked on it.

 

I certainly wouldn't trust them with my kit.

 

I passed a new harness with no CE mark on it when I did my LOLER course, I passed the course.

 

 

Hahahah.

 

Hold on...was that a knock on the door?

Edited February 28, 2011 by High Scale
Fear of the Securitate.

[john dawson]

I believe the wording is

Theoretical knowledge of the equipment being used (ie have you read and UNDERSTOOD the bumpf that comes with the item?)

Practical knowledge of the equipment being used (ie have you actualy got your butt up a tree and USED the item?)

 

Generally this used to be defined in the course entry requirements as a working climber, minimum of five years holding a CS41.

Exceptions to the rule can include people not necessarly climbing but working with items on a daily basis, ie - a dealer.

 

Ive seen several times LOLER inspectors from a mewp/crane background trying to check Arb kit, and making a hash of it. Personnaly we could check mewps and cranes, but this was not covered on our course, and we wouldnt have the foggiest on how to do it or where to start. As principle i will not test such items.

 

A LOLER test forms part of the safety procedure (however you choose to look at it) and as such, any problems on ARB kit checked by a mewp/crane inspector could render your LOLER test invalid and consiquently your insurance.

 

JUst be safe and use an ARB trained LOLER inspector.

[bob]

couple of points to throw out

LOLER is not just about a 6 Monthly inspection

Also the loler inspector can recomend different user written inspections than weekly to allow for infrequent users checking it for the sake of it when either not used or barely

Still need to do a daily one but most of us do that as we get it out.

 

Though on that note it is recomended to take all crabs ect of your harness at the end of a day and put em back on so that way you would actually be checking them:thumbup:rather than leave em on till needed:confused1:

[ArbjobsNick]

I'm pleased to see so many of you are as concerned as I am regarding Arb LOLER inspections.

 

Having read the thread there are a few points you are bringing up some of you are obviously very experianced in using your equipment but do you really understand its manufacturing and tollerances ? I thought I did but have learned quite a loads since working with the manufacturers, it worryingly proved I didn't know as much as I thought I did and still am learning.

 

Crane and high access LOLER inspectors are I am sure very experianced in their specialist sectors but as others have pointed out I wouldn't want them inspecting my kit.

 

I am also concerned that UK Arb LOLER inspectors are not given very stong guideline as to what they should pass or fail. Pirate copy products that should be category 3 CE marked products are being regularly passed.

 

Another thing that concerns me is how the hell can an apparent "Experianced" Arb LOLER inspector can collect carry out a detailed visual and tactile check record his findings and return a climbers kit for £40 ???

 

I spoke to a national LOLER trainer tonight who has the same concerns I do. Every year we are seeing fatalities following equipment failure.

 

We have all felt for the families of the dead lads killed by failed equipment. I don't want to see any more of you as remorial posts on here. As experianced as you may be a good Arb LOLER inspection that may help raise your awareness of a potential issue you may not have noticed has to be worth it. If it stops just one fall from height in your working carrier isn't it worth it?

 

I personaly know a lad who fell thirty foot. Luckily he survived but broke his leg ribs collar bone. Six months off work and lots of rehabilitation how much did that cost him compared to an Arb LOLER test every six months?

 

Swallow your pride and get your kit inspected by a good Arb LOLER inspector your life's got to be worth it, hasn't it?