LEEA plays the TEAM card for safer overhead lifting

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has launched a registration programme that is designed to ensure only qualified engineers are permitted to test, examine and maintain overhead lifting equipment. Under the new scheme, the LEEA will issue ‘TEAM’ (Test, Examine And Maintain) cards to engineers that have passed its industry-recognised Diploma examination. Employers are being urged to insist the card is shown by anyone proposing to work on overhead lifting equipment. 

Launching the TEAM card at the Safety and Health Expo (Stand No. E82, Birmingham NEC May 12-14 2009), Geoff Holden, chief executive for LEEA, said: “Clearly it is vital that overhead lifting equipment remains safe to operate at all times, and this demands a range of specialist skills. Employers must also bear in mind that UK law demands all lifting equipment is subject to periodic thorough examination by a competent person. It is therefore vital that they take all the necessary steps to ensure that only properly qualified engineers are allowed to work on their lifting gear.” Geoff added: “The TEAM card is modelled on successful schemes such as the CITB’s Construction Skills Certification programme and the International Powered Access Federation’s PAL card. It is a simple and effective way of helping employers stay on the right side of the law.”

The TEAM card proves that the holder has passed the LEEA’s Diploma examination, the industry-recognised qualification for lifting equipment engineers. Supported by a range of theoretical and practical training courses, the Diploma has been running for over 50 years, and encompasses a series of modules covering different types of lifting equipment. Each of these modules concludes with a formal written examination, held annually at test centres around the world.