Magnetic lifting equipment requires testing

Under 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.