LEEA takes professional approach to trainingALTHOUGH overhead lifting is a routine and age-old activity, it is continues to be a major cause of injuries and even fatal accidents, says the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), which is committed to raising standards of lifting safety and efficiency worldwide.

Established in 1944, LEEA offers a range of services that can provide invaluable support in all aspects of overhead lifting. The international organisation has nearly 600 member companies located around the globe, operating from more than 800 locations. In recent years, growth has been particularly strong in the Middle East where it now has more than 110 member companies, according to Geoff Holden, chief executive of LEEA.

Reflecting this strong presence, LEEA has a dedicated technical auditor and membership group based in the Middle East.

Tracing the history of overhead lifting back to the building of the Pyramids over 2,000 years ago, Holden says it continues to play a critical role within the construction industry.

“Covering everything from routine activities involving nothing more complicated than hand chain blocks to complex one-off lifts using highly sophisticated cranes and lifting attachments, the range of lifting operations undertaken on construction sites is certainly varied,” he says.

However, despite the fact that it is such a commonplace and long-established process, overhead lifting remains a serious challenge in terms of both safety and efficiency, he points out. “Tragically it is still a significant cause of serious and fatal accidents, and the risks involved are often heightened by the conditions and characteristics of the construction industry,” he says.

With over six decades experience at the heart of the industry, LEEA offers a range of services that encompasses a portfolio of specialist training and qualifications, including a long-established, industry-recognised diploma for engineers that undertake the test and examination of overhead lifting equipment.

Employees of member companies also enjoy access to LEEA training courses that are designed specifically to prepare engineers for the diploma examination. These include online, distance-learning programmes and a growing range of practical, hands-on training courses that can be held at a dedicated centre in the UK, or any suitable premises worldwide.

Ever year, hundreds of students sit the diploma examination in test centres across the globe, says Holden.

“To help ensure that qualified overhead lifting equipment engineers are properly recognised – and discourage the use of unskilled staff – LEEA issues TEAM (Test, Examine And Maintain) cards to employees of member companies that have passed the diploma. This identity and registration card is supplemented by a logbook that details the holder’s relevant work experience,” he adds.

Accreditation is another key element of LEEA’s work. To become a full member, and with it the right to display the LEEA logo, a company must first pass an on-site audit conducted by one of the association’s technical officers. These cover issues such as the use of properly trained staff, the availability of correct test equipment, and effective material control, traceability and identification procedures. As such, full membership of LEEA provides independent verification that a set of professional standards is observed.

For member companies offering training for end-users of lifting equipment, LEEA also runs another useful accreditation service. Under this scheme, member companies that meet rigorous standards are able to offer a series of standard courses developed by LEEA, and display a LEEA-accredited training company logo. Topics covered by these courses currently include lifting and slinging, and inspection of lifting equipment.

Alongside training, qualifications and accreditation, LEEA offers members access to independent, expert technical advice and guidance, updates on important developments within the industry, and discounts on authoritative LEEA publications such as the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment (Copsule).

Membership provides access to a network of like-minded companies and organisations, and LEEA also works hard to promote members’ commercial interests. All members are listed on LEEA’s high-profile website (www.leeaint.com) and the association organises LiftEx, an annual trade exhibition dedicated to the overhead lifting industry, which this year will be held from November 29 to 30 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, UK.

Reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of a professional approach to overhead lifting, LEEA has over recent years enjoyed rapid growth in its membership. “Much of this has been from fast developing regions such as the Middle East, where there is an acute shortage of appropriately skilled staff and strong demand for the training, qualifications and accreditation provided by LEEA,” says Holden.

With an increasing number of international companies choosing to work to the requirements of the UK’s Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (Loler), LEEA’s in-depth understanding of this legislation is of particular relevance to members. LEEA, a strong voice for the overhead lifting industry, is actively involved in the development of new standards and guidance. It lobbies hard to promote the importance of safe, efficient overhead lifting, and to defend the interests of its members.

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