LOLER and the LAW

[Big 'Ammer]

We check our own kit and then have it independently examined 6 monthly for climbing and 12 monthly for rigging.

 

In the grand scheme of things its not expensive and keeps LA's and others who run approved contractor systems etc happy.

 

Also, my staff know that I am looking after them.

[Arbocop]

hi all an interesting thread hear

 

I train LOLER inspectors and have spent many hours with my arm deep in the bags of many tree folk LOL

 

lets deal with the first question, the answer to can you test your own kit, the answer is a residing YES, but......

 

the HSE are keen for the periodic detailed inspections to take place, and statistics bear out the affectivness of this in reducuing reported incidents of kit failure. the phrase fear of favour has been used a bit, a few years back the arb assosiation sort clarity from the hse over the in house inspector, in short, for employed staff ensure their contract states that they act with impunity from the boss, and also have a staff agreed appeals process so if the in house guy/gal fails something and the staff disagree you can sent the stuff to your appointed appeals person and stick to their decision. for further clarity periodically have an external person in to look at your gear. easy.

 

what is a competent person well the ACOP say they must have theoretical knowlege of the kit being looked at, practical experiance of its use etc, confidence and competence with the kit act without fear of favour and be able to down rate were appropriate

 

well thats all as clear as mud if you want to know moor go on a cource

 

on a final not i never cease to be amased at the gear people keep in there bags or miss match and think will be ok, the problem is not in the kits genneral use but at the time when you need it the most in a fall when it would be most likley to fail

 

hope that helps

[Lancstree]

Good stuff Arbocop, our Zurich inspector is not experienced in the use of our gear so I've got a pretty good argument for my bosses to pay for my LOLER inspector course. What is the ACOP by the way?

[bob]

approved code of practice

[Lancstree]

cheers bob