The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require lifting and load bearing equipment to be proved fit for purpose before being put into service.

Where no original manufacturer's certification is available, where deterioration appears to have taken place, or where substantial repairs have been carried out, the equipment should be reassessed by means of a proof load test to confirm continuing serviceability .

A major tourist attraction in South-West England, drawing thousands of visitors each year, is equipped with underground walkways to allow pedestrian access to its caves.

The walkways are steel structures built by mining engineers around 30 years previously. As no original design details were available, a structural design verification and load test was carried out to ensure the walkway conformed to the current safety standards.

The testing was carried out overnight to ensure no inconvenience to operators.

This is often the most cost-effective method in ensuring a device is capable of handling its required capacity and thus its continued safe operation.

The testing can usually be undertaken with minimum inconvenience or disruption to the client and their customers.

Contact us for more information or to book an inspection.

To find out more about Wookey Hole caves, click here.