Elevating safety standards

THE ASSOCIATION of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers is celebrating a successful partnership with DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) in delivering a Level 2 Award in Dock Leveller Safety. This initiative also highlights the importance of updating EN1398, the standard for Dock Levellers, to reflect current safety needs.

ALEM has long been the voice for UK manufacturers and suppliers of loading bay equipment, including dock levellers, scissor lifts, loading ramps, and vehicle restraints. The association works closely with the UK government, the Health and Safety Executive, BSI, and other key organisations. It remains dedicated to improving safety standards across the full product lifecycle, from design and installation to maintenance.

Since October 2023, ALEM and DHF have jointly offered the Level 2 Award in Dock Leveller Safety. Ten courses have been held so far, and 130 participants have completed the one-day programme. Feedback has praised the training's comprehensive approach and relevance to real-world applications.

Commenting on the success of the course, ALEM president, Richard Spinks, says: “ALEM identified the need for a dock leveller safety training course and, together with the DHF, we have collaborated to develop and deliver this extremely successful one-day course. We recognised DHF’s unrivalled experience in course development and delivery of training courses associated with industrial doors, so the synergy between dock levellers and industrial doors made it the natural choice to form a long-standing relationship.”

Participants shared positive responses, including remarks such as:

“I feel that I now have a better understanding of what to look for when next servicing a dock leveller.” 

“Very helpful course, I learned a lot. Good amount of detail and everything explained clearly.” 

“Very informative and everything well explained throughout the course.”

Course bookings are available on the DHF website - dhfonline.org.uk

LOLER

Safety is very much connected with proper inspection and maintenance of equipment. A LOLER thorough examination is a complete and thorough check of the equipment and safety-critical parts, carried out at specified intervals by a competent person and concluded with a written report. The report must include the date of the thorough examination and the date the next one is due. It should also specify any defects that are / are about to become a danger to people. Where serious defects are identified, the competent person carrying out the examination must report this verbally to the dutyholder and then provide this information in a written report. A copy of the report must also be sent to the relevant enforcing authority. 

A Thorough Examination must be carried out in all cases, taking place every 12 months; or every 6 months when used to lift people, or for any lifting accessory. The examination intervals may differ, where there is a written scheme drawn up by a competent person, which may specify other intervals that may be shorter or exceptionally longer.

If your service included the fitting of any new parts covered by LOLER then a thorough examination must also be carried out before use. Thorough examination may also be required following any: Accident or dangerous occurrence; Significant change in conditions of use; Long periods of inaction.

EN1398:2009

ALEM’s working group has been active in the ongoing review of EN1398:2009. The group, which includes representatives from Fenbay, Loading Systems, Thorworld, Stertil, and Dock Solutions, has engaged with BSI to provide insights into necessary updates for the standard. This review period concluded on 18 October 2024, with the CEN deadline on 2nd December 2024.

Initiatives for 2025

In the coming year, ALEM will continue monitoring the review of EN1398:2009, ready to provide expertise if revisions are implemented. Additionally, following the citation of EN1570-1:2024 for lifting tables, ALEM will support its members through any adjustments required to comply by 16th March 2026.

ALEM members are committed to supplying compliant, high-quality products that ensure customer confidence.

Expert guidance

As a member of the BMHF (British Materials Handling Federation) and the UK national member of the European FEM (Federation of Materials Handling and Storage Equipment), ALEM plays an instrumental role in setting industry standards. These include EN1570-1 and EN1570-2 for lift tables, alongside a Level 2 NVQ for loading bay equipment required for site access under the CSCS card scheme. Guidance documents are available on the FEM website.

By participating actively in both BMHF and FEM, ALEM ensures it remains up-to-date on any changes to standards within the sector across Europe. A core goal of ALEM is to raise awareness among industry professionals and end-users of the regulations that need to be followed to meet current legislation in the UK and Europe. Armed with this understanding and supported by the Health and Safety Executive, ALEM members are well-positioned to counter various risks, such as substandard equipment from non-EU countries and from UK sources not adhering to regulations.