LOLER help

[Bath_tree_man]

Hi all

 

I've ordered a load of gear ahead of cs38 in the summer but intending to get a head start before then and try out my gear.

 

I will need it all LOLERing at some point, but not trading yet.

 

Anything I should know before starting out? I don't want to invalidate the gear accidentally or anything. The shop (Sorbus) took down all the serial numbers and I've seen people talking about marking their equipment for LOLER, but assume that's prior to getting it tested.

 

Any advice appreciated. (I'll obviously try not to fall out of a tree and break my head on first attempt)

 

Cheers

 

Dan

[andrew]

Dan

 

The serial number is all the marking you should need, unless you start cutting up ropes or making your own prussic cords.

 

Sorbus probably gave you a certificate of conformity or if not the invoice should double as one, KEEP this - it will do instead of a LOLER test for the first 6 months (or even a year if you only climb occasionally).

Also it will allow you to prove how long you have had the kit as some items have a fixed service life.

 

You are also supposed to keep some records of when you use kit, but will learn that when you do a climbing course.

 

Have fun, but don't try to run before you can walk.....

 

Andrew

[Bath_tree_man]

That's really helpful thanks Andrew.

[Stoatally]

What if stuff is off eBay or elsewhere? No history or dates? Is it then at the mercy of the loler inspector?

 

Similarly, with bits of friction cord tied into loops, I guess they don't get put in for loler? How do you prove where / when they were cut from the original reel?

Edited April 18, 2016 by Stoatally
Forgot a bit

[markieg31]

Stoat ally. Friction cord in general terms is a consumable so some people replace them at loler time anyway.

If you have second hanf kit that has no history then it can be lolered as most of the gear will be familiar, as in the examiner will know that the item conforms. Problems arise with the date of expiry as they will have to er on the side of caution.

You don't need the serial number on the rope it just needs to be identifiable, can be anything ie mb1 or mb2.

[treequip]

If it's brand new equipment then it won't need a LOLER examination until six months time and every six months after that.

 

Any kit only needs a current inspection if you are going to use it for lifting operations.

 

There is no foul or penalty for owning kit that's "out of inspection" as long as its not used for lifting operations.

 

Kit used for lowering would be out of inspection after 12 months and kit used to support a person (read PPE) would be out of inspection after 6 months.