Elevated training

AS INDUSTRY replaces muscle power with machine power, the need to pay people low wages to move goods and loads manually reduces. In warehouses for example, there will be ever more machine and robot lifting joining the inventory of ubiquitous lifting equipment. You will already find a variety of cranes, hoists, platforms, cradles and their associated chains, ropes, slings and other tackle keeping warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, ports and maritime operations flowing smoothly. All of this equipment will require pre-use checks, inspection, maintenance and Thorough Examination.

This is not just to ensure reliability, which will minimise downtime and boost efficiency but, and more importantly, it will ensure the safety of lifting tasks. This needs to be foremost in the minds of operators and, in particular, management. Failure to take the proper action can all too easily result in an accident, a visit from health and safety inspectors and punishment. Severe consequences such as these are entirely avoidable provided everyone in the chain of responsibility understands that lifting equipment has to be looked after. 

Inspection of lifting equipment is usually required by legislation. It is the responsibility of the relevant competent person to assess the risk and conditions of particular situations and to determine whether all conditions are met to guarantee the safe use of the equipment. 

Lifting Inspectors and service engineers ensure the safety and suitability of the equipment used for lifting loads in order to meet regulatory requirements. Their task is increasingly being helped by new and emerging technologies – from Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and mobile applications, to ever more advanced robotics. Inspection administration will be made easier with the help of the IoT, RFID, QR codes and cloud-based asset management systems that are instantly accessible to any authorised engineer, user or third party such as an insurer or the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Certifications of compliance with rules can be submitted effortlessly, and if blockchain principals are used, with no fear of fake or forgery or indeed of mis-keying data. Machine Learning may also have a role in working out inspection and maintenance programmes that ensures compliance but minimises disruption and downtime.

Whether they are in-house or a service provider that is brought in, the Lifting Inspector’s competency will be based on practical and theoretical knowledge, experience, skill, behaviour and training. As the industry innovates and moves forward, new techniques and improvements to practices through investment in those technologies described above demand appropriate training. In fact, at all levels training plays an essential role in improving excellence, productivity and safe practice for LEEA members.

Elevated training for inspection

To ensure best practice is conducted by its members, LEEA offers a range of training courses on the inspection and examination of lifting equipment, with delivery methods to suit the needs of a trainee/ employer. The training continues to evolve, with work commencing on our new ‘Academy 3’ curriculum and training course design.

It is estimated that over 90% of all accidents are resultant of human error, with the major contributors being carelessness, ignorance and incompetence. In the Academy 3 Foundation Certificate, our knowledge, skills and behaviours focus on ethical actions that support our vision of a lifting industry with zero accidents, zero injuries and zero fatalities.

The Foundation Certificate covers three areas with the first being ‘Safety’ to ensure trainees can look after themselves, follow their training and speak up when necessary. ‘Competence’ is the second area and is all about knowing what you can do, what you cannot do and keeping yourself up to date. Third is ‘Professionalism’, which includes diligence, leading by example and communication. Outcomes for each new module of learning will feature these ethical behaviours in addition to the knowledge and skills from the key learning points.

The TEAM card, which incorporates NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, makes it easier for members to present their qualifications: a tap against any smart phone will instantly provide verified live data, which is instantly updated by the LEEA team as changes occur such as when new qualifications are achieved, to provide evidence of qualifications and identity. LEEA supports continual professional development (CPD) through refresher training courses, which TEAM card holders are required to take every three years.

To further drive development of our training, we are surveying our members and other stakeholders. It is of utmost importance that our training suite meets the changing needs of our membership and LEEA’s extended footprint. 

For lifting equipment owners and end users, LEEA offers a 1-day End User Guidance CPD (Continuous Professional Development) Course which provides an essential insight to general legal responsibilities. The Association also continues to support the Lifting Equipment Technician apprenticeship and our military service leavers and veterans, providing employment and learning pathways for these talented individuals and skilled employees for our members. 

Training is a culture that should spread and one that LEEA will continue to encourage. We are confident that it plays an essential role in improving the excellence, productivity and safe practices of our members. 

As a safety organisation with zero accidents and injuries being our prime goal, LEEA wants to remind end users how important it is to use expert Lifting Inspectors with expertise and high-quality training, and who routinely develop innovative solutions. Always look for the LEEA logo carried exclusively by our members. To attain this badge they will have undergone a rigorous auditing process to uphold LEEA’s ‘gold standard’. This provides customers with the assurance of excellence and compliance not just to standards and legislation, but to best practice. 

Ross Moloney, CEO, Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA)

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