Revised Lift Guidelines launched at IMechE Event
The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed), in conjunction with both The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), has updated its Guidelines on the Supplementary Testing of Lifts document. The revised guidance document, previously referred to as LG1, was officially unveiled at a special event hosted by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in London on Wednesday 8th March 2006.
In addition to bringing the old LG1 guidelines in line with current standards and legislation, the updated document places a greater emphasis on the role of the competent person. The revision also includes some changes in technical details to recognise more modern lift technology and maintenance techniques.
Richard Hulmes, SAFed's Chief Executive commented.
"The revised guidance adopts a more risk-based approach to the timing of supplementary testing in support of the thorough examination, rather than following a prescriptive testing timetable as is currently the case. Under the new regime it will be up to the ‘competent person’ to justify periodicity of the assessment by considering all aspects of each lift’s operation, such as its frequency of use, workload and operating environment. Tailoring the timing of each inspection to a lift’s usage profile ensures that a more appropriate inspection regime is created. This not only increases the overall level of health and safety, but can bring major cost savings to lift owners."
The remit of the revised document has been widened to include guidance on non-workplace lifts, which are not covered by the regulations but are often given a thorough examination in line with best practice principles. To ensure that the revised guidelines were as authorative and practicable as possible the LG1 review committee was made up of leading lifting industry experts from SAFed, LEIA, major lift owners, local authorities, professional institutions and industry organisations. The review committee was chaired by the HSE which, for the first time, has formerly endorsed SAFed guidance by placing its logo on the front.
SAFed LG tests superceeded by new testing regime
