1.4.1 General

Throughout the world there are numerous national legislative requirements concerning the supply and use of lifting equipment. This code is based upon industry best practice or legislation offering the highest level of safety that either meets or exceeds the minimum requirements globally. This has been done to set a minimum benchmark for safety and a level playing field for LEEA members and ensure that they and this guidance is compliant. Much of the legislation emphasizes subjects like planning and supervision of lifting operations. The following is a summary of the legal requirements which reflects the spirit of the legislation where everyone has a legal responsibility for safety, i.e. manufacturers, designers, suppliers, employers, employees, etc. For the full details, you should always refer to the legislation, its associated Approved

Code of Practice (ACoP) and guidance. In the context of lifting operations and lifting equipment, the following eight requirements must be considered:

  1. The equipment must be safe and suitable for the intended purpose.

  2. Manufacturers and suppliers must provide information on the use including any incorrect use of their equipment, including information and inspection/rejection criteria.

  3. Those obtaining equipment for others to use at work must ensure that it is safe and suitable for the intended purpose.

  4. The lifting operation must be adequately planned, supervised and carried out in a safe manner.

  5. The personnel who use the equipment must be suitably trained.

  6. The equipment must be maintained in a safe condition.

  7. The equipment must be inspected and thoroughly examined to check whether it is safe to use.

  8. Records of conformity, test and examination need to be kept in accordance with national regulations.