Introducing the
Lifting Equipment Engineers Association
Background
The Association was formed in 1944 in London but soon after expanded to become the Chain Testers
Association of Great Britain. The present name was adopted in 1988 as a more accurate reflection of the
current activities of the members. In the United Kingdom there are over 140 member companies operating
from over 400 locations. Large users of lifting equipment have associate status and there are also over
100 overseas associates.
Essentially a technically orientated Association, it aims to provide members with a source of technical
information and a means of authoritative representation. Its objectives are:
1.
To establish and maintain the Association as the reputable and recognised body in the field of Lifting
Equipment.
2.
To promote the association of those specialists engaged in any or all of the following related to lifting
equipment: design, manufacture, test, examination, verification, inspection, supply, service, repair,
hire and training of personnel; with the object of ensuring, so far as is practicable, that lifting
equipment conforms to the standard of safety required by all relevant legislation.
3.
To promote the development of efficient methods and processes in the industry and the adoption of
good standards and safety in the design, manufacture and use of lifting equipment.
4.
To provide authoritative representation of the Association at standards institutions, with government
departments, public bodies, professional and technical institutions and similar bodies.
5.
To provide for common action in administrative, professional, research, legal and commercial
matters such as insurance schemes, standardised forms of contract and the like.
6.
To provide, within the resources of the Association, advice to members on the implementation of
statutory requirements and on technical matters.
7.
To provide schemes for training and qualifying members personnel and conducting technical audits
of members.
8.
To publish information relevant to the lifting equipment industry.
It should be recognised that the Lifting Engineers has a wide range of organisations amongst its members.
Between them they are daily involved in the design, manufacture, hire, repair, refurbishment, maintenance
and use of lifting and load bearing equipment.
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Quality
All members are required to conform to documented technical requirements which set stringent standards
for equipment, personnel, procedures and records. Applicants for membership are subjected to technical
audit and must conform with the requirements before being accepted into full membership. A continuing
programme of audits of the facilities of members is carried out annually.
Safety
Besides setting high standards of quality in lifting equipment and its servicing, the Association is also keen
to ensure safety in use. Thus, close liaison with the Health and Safety Executive and other safety
organisations is evident in the activities of the Association. The Associations Code of Practice for the
Safe Use of Lifting Equipment, is aimed at the user organisation. It has been sold worldwide and is the
most up to date and authoritative source of information and advice available anywhere. Also available is
Lifting Equipment - A Users Pocket Guide aimed at the individual rigger and the Lifting Engineers
Handbook aimed at the tester and examiner. All publications may be purchased through members or
direct from the Association.
Standards
Throughout its existence, the Association has been deeply involved in the preparation and implementation
of British, International and European Standards through membership of the British Standards Institution
committees and similar bodies. It is also active in the legislative field.
The Lifting Engineers Technical Committee meetings provide each member with the opportunity of
expressing his views and seeking advice. The knowledge and experience gained by each of the members
is therefore brought together for the benefit of all.
Training and Qualifications
UK legislation has long required lifting equipment to be tested and examined before first use and
examined periodically throughout its life by a competent person and there are similar requirements in the
new generation of legislation based on European Directives. In the absence of an official licensing system
the Association developed its own examination qualifications for the Tester and Examiner and these have
run for some 50 years. There is also a Registration Scheme for qualified personnel.
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association provides training courses for member personnel in general
lifting gear, manual and power operated lifting machines, runways and light crane structures, and covers
all aspects from evaluating design, through manufacture, assembly, testing, examination and certification.
The courses also include safety in use and legal requirements. Successful entrants in the Association's
specialist examinations qualify for a diploma.
The Registration Scheme is a more broadly based scheme for Testers and Examiners and provides an
overall view of competence. Account is taken of their qualifications in national public examinations,
recognised apprenticeships and other training and experience in the trade, as well as diplomas awarded
by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association. Registered persons are entitled to carry an Association
Registration Card which identifies them and states the subjects in which they are registered.
Technical support for members
Full time staff and an elected Technical Committee supported by a reference library of standards and other
material plus contacts with other organisations enable the Association to assist its members in dealing with
both day to day problems and more fundamental questions.
Benefits of Membership
The benefits of the Lifting Engineers are not therefore confined to its members only. When dealing with
member companies the user can be confident that he is dealing with organisations that are capable and
have adequate facilities for the work they undertake and that the personnel concerned are qualified to do
their jobs.
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