Magnetic lifting equipment requires testing
Machinery - the home of production engineers
Home Advertise Magazine Events MYTV Used machine tools
  


Magnetic lifting equipment requires testing
18/06/2009 Email to a friend   Comment on this article
 
Lift Hold & Separate warns that all lifting magnets need to have their lifting capacity checked at least every 12 months, and highlights a service to support this.

Magnetic lifting equipment requires testingUnder the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation 1998 (LOLER), all magnetic lifting devices that are an integral part of machinery are classed as 'lifting equipment'; those that can be fitted to and taken off lifting equipment are considered to be 'accessories for lifting'. 'Lifting equipment' and 'accessories for lifting' are both 'work equipment' within the meaning of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

There are key requirements under the LOLER and PUWER regulations which are:

• Suitability – any lifting device must be suitable for the purpose for which it is to be used or provided;

• Safe use – every lifting device must be clearly marked with its safe working load (SWL) and must not be operated above its SWL;

• Maintenance – lifting equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in an efficient working order and in good repair;

• Thorough examination and inspection – lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined and, where appropriate inspected, by a competent person at least every 12 months, 6 months for 'accessories for lifting' or in accordance with a scheme of examination and records of thorough examination kept available. Note: Where the safety of lifting equipment depends on its installation, eg a crane, it should be thoroughly examined before being put into service at a new site or location;

• Information and training – employers are required to ensure that employees are adequately informed, instructed and trained in the safe use of equipment.

LHS offers a testing service at its works known as a 'Tear Off' or 'Pull Off' test which involves the magnet being placed on a flat, clean mild steel plate of suitable thickness, with the magnet then connected to a lifting unit and magnetised. Power is then applied until the magnet is 'pulled off' the steel plate. In order to pass the test, the result should be a minimum ratio of 2:1 for battery magnets and 3:1 for permanent lifting magnets. An onsite testing service is also offered.
 
Author
Andrew Allcock
 
 
This material is protected by Findlay Media copyright 2010.
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.
 
Bookmark this article using:
 
Del.icio.us digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon
 
 
Your comments / feedback
Do you have any comments or feedback on this article? Please contact us by filling in the form below.
NameHide name
Your Email Address
Comments
Send
We may edit your comments and not all entries will be published.
Terms and Conditions

To comment on news stories or blogs you need to complete our 60 second registration process. Once completed this then allows you to download any and all white papers, register for e-zines and access our detailed supplier directory for FREE.

If you are all ready a registered user then enter your e-mail address and login.

You will need to have logged in prior to entering your comments in the boxes provided.

Please enter your email address to login and gain free access to this site.
 
If you are using this site for the first time registration is quick and completely free.
 
Register Now - Register Now


Email Address :  

Remember Me: - If this box is ticked you will be automatically logged in when you return.

Important: To protect your privacy, do not select 'Remember Me' if other users have access to the computer you are using.

 
Related News
BARA announces a 55 per cent growth in UK robot sales
 
Automated manufacturing for artillery shells from Mills CNC
 
MAG receives $12 million aerospace order
 
Robot night shift gives ALM the competitive edge
 
Refurbished Fanuc robot parts carry full warranty
 
 
Related Technology
Finding the right blend
 
Partnership developments
 
Automate or die
 
The need for feed
 
Think about the man
 
 
Related Products
Well orientated robot solution for machine and system builders
 
Robotic end effector for holding solar cells from Schunk
 
KERN offers fully automated ultra precise machining cell
 
Cognex 3D vision software for robotics, assembly and inspection
 
Triflex R system robot energy chain additions
 
 
Related Events
Citizen-Miyano Open House