LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) has issued its 2000th TEAM card, highlighting the growing success of this international registration and identity scheme for overhead lifting equipment engineers. Launched in 2009, the TEAM card provides independent evidence of the holder’s qualifications and experience of working on equipment such as cranes, hoists and slings, and is now in use in over 56 countries worldwide.
The TEAM card is issued by LEEA to employees of member companies that have passed the association’s Diploma qualification for engineers undertaking the test, examination and maintenance of overhead lifting equipment. Accompanied by a log book recording practical experience, it provides employers with detailed evidence of the competence of the holder, all of which can be verified by contacting LEEA’s head office.
In the UK, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) requires that all lifting equipment must be subject to periodic thorough examination by a competent person. LOLER has also been widely adopted as best practice by companies working in those parts of the world that lack sector-specific health and safety legislation. Introduced in the 1960s, the LEEA’s Diploma is recognised as the overhead lifting industry’s leading qualification and, combined with relevant work experience, offers robust evidence of the holder’s competence to test and examine equipment.
“Right around the world, the risks inherent in overhead lifting operations are increasingly recognized by employers and government bodies alike,” said Geoff Holden, chief executive of LEEA. “The effective test, examination and maintenance of equipment are essential elements of any safety programme, and the TEAM card is invaluable for ensuring this work is only carried out by engineers with the specialist skills and experience required.”
Established in 1944, LEEA has over 740 member companies worldwide and campaigns vigorously for higher standards of safety and professionalism within the overhead lifting industry. Key services provided include training, accreditation and expert technical advice. Member companies are involved in the design, manufacture, hire, repair, refurbishment, test, examination, verification and use of lifting equipment. Applicants are subject to an initial technical audit before full membership is granted, and then to a continuing programme of assessments. For large scale users of overhead lifting equipment, associate membership provides benefits such as access to technical information and training, without the need for auditing. Further details on the work of LEEA, and a full list of members, is available at www.leeaint.com