LOLER Testing & Inspection Guidance Note

LOLER / PUWER Testing & Inspection Guidance Note

Any personnel or materials lifting devices, whether temporary or permanent are subject to Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and any personal protection equipment The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Within the construction industry for new projects there is what is usually described as an Initial LOLER. For the Sayfa Group products this applies to EdgeSeil Davit Bases, EdgeSeil Abseil Post, EdgeSeil Davit Arm and EdgeSeil Rail ‘EdgeReil’.  The requirement for this ‘Initial 9.2’ LOLER can vary from ‘Ongoing 9.3’ LOLER as waterproofing, insulation or access hatches are added during the construction phase.

Please note for EdgeReil Davit systems specific recommendations should be sort depending on the specific operating methodology of the system..

This legislation necessitates inspection at 6 monthly intervals or sooner if this is determined by the Competent person and Manufacturer's operating manual. Thorough examination is required and procedures from the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and reporting standards required are below:-

Procedure

• visual examination and functional checks

• measurements of wear

• (in some cases) traditional NDT (non-destructive testing) and load testing

• Some disassembly or internal examination of parts may also be required

Reporting

• the parts to be thoroughly examined

• the methods of examination and testing

• the intervals for examination (and testing of the different parts, where appropriate)

Initial LOLER Regulation 9.2 

Although LOLER is a separate regulation, the test requirements for products relating to the types defined in EN795:2012 and the current standard BS8610:2017 are defined within BS7883:2019.

The requirements of this standard place the emphasis on proof loading testing, whereas in the past it was common for some to offer visual inspection and torque testing.

The order of preference recommend by Sayfa Group is in accordance with BS7883:2019 and as follows:-:

1. Proof load test at the Service loaded perpendicular to the direction of use

If an anchor can be proof loaded perpendicular to the service load then

2. The BS 7883:2019 standard provides the means of calculating the proof load requirements and is subject to project specific criteria.

If the fixings are covered or concealed, then in principle a further option exists although this is not defined with BS7883:2019.

3. A reverse arm method replicates the perpendicular direction of load however project specific calculations are required and only Sayfa Group reverse test arms specific to the project requirements can be used. 

In relation to point 1 the typical proof load values are as follows:-

ESD.1000.****.** @ 4.5kN

ESD.1500.****.** @ 6.0kN

ESD.2000.****.** @ 9.0kN

Please note if there is any expectation that fixings cannot be thoroughly examined in the future any deflections in the fixing brackets or must be recorded for use as a future datum.

Please note under BS7883:2019 cast-in type arrangements are not identified to require proof loadings. In this instance Sayfa Group recommends no more than a 10% sampling criteria of the Davt bases with a proof load applied to the base rigging points at a level not exceeding 6kN. The Davit arm is a full inspection as indicated within the Operating Manual.

Ongoing LOLER  Regulation 9.3 

Although this is subject to LOLER recommendations are also defined within BS7883:2019.

It is generally accepted good practise is that all fixings and bases or brackets can be visually inspected and as part of a thorough examination torque tested however proof load tests with measured datums provide the highest levels of safety assurance. On some occasions it may not be practically possible to access fixings on an ongoing basis. If this is the case, then in our opinion initial project material specifications and inspection procedures should be specified accordingly. 

As a preference, for weathered posts and fixings that are in accessible above or below the Davit (for instance with bases fixed with backing / load distribution plates) the material should be a minimum 304 grade stainless and the functional or should extend to proof loading every 60 months. If post manufactured galvanised steel is deemed appropriate, the proof checks frequency should be reduced to load testing every 24 months. Any deviation of the base from Initial LOLER datums will necessitate removal of the weathering detail for thorough examination.

Under BS7883:2019 it is the responsibility of the System Designer to determine the inspection and thorough examination suitable for the project and system. It is the Competent person's responsibility at each periodic interval to determine the final test method necessary.

Every Sayfa Group EdgeSeil or EdgeReil Davit arm is factory tested to 125% of the safe working load (SWL) with deflection levels recorded to ensure these are within tolerance. The EdgeSeil range includes a fixings system that facilitates inspection and torque testing of pitch pocketed or weathered bases. 

Through product selection and approved contractor inspection / maintenance extended warranties can be achieved with 60 service life. Please see www.sayfagroup.co.uk for more information or contact us for best practise examples of thorough LOLER Examination.  

PUWER Regulation 6

The inspection interval requirements are not defined within PUWER, it is therefore necessary to determine this from manufacturers recommendations and BS7883:2019 requirements.

In most instances this will be an annual inspection, however It is the responsibility of the System Designer to ensure the material specifications and subsequent inspection criteria are included within the Technical and Operating Files.

Please note that Sayfa Group offers a variety of fixings and products which should not be subjected to torque testing or pull forces of 6kN. This is identified within specific operating manuals.

Name: Tristan King

Position: Managing Director

Date:  04/12/2023