In response to a rapidly growing membership, which now numbers over 450 companies worldwide, the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has expanded both its training and technical audit teams. The LEEA has taken on extra staff to help meet demand for its range of practical training courses, and to undertake the on-site technical audits which all companies must pass before they are granted full membership.
The LEEA has experienced a dramatic increase in membership over the last few years, notably from companies based in Australasia, SE Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Access to the LEEA’s training portfolio is one of the key factors behind this growth. In addition to an online training portal, the Association offers a range of practical, hands-on courses covering the test, examination and maintenance of overhead lifting equipment. These can be held either at the LEEA’s purpose-designed training center in Huntingdon, or any suitable premises worldwide.
Commenting on the latest developments,Geoff Holden, chief executive of the LEEA, said: “We now have six staff dedicated to undertaking technical audits and an eight-strong training team. This will allow us to keep pace with the fast growing interest in membership of the LEEA, and the equally strong demand for our training courses and Diploma qualification. The LEEA is a truly international organization, with around half our membership based outside the UK. Regardless of location, all enjoy the same level of support in terms of technical audits and access to training and the other services provided by the LEEA.”
Established in 1944, the LEEA campaigns vigorously for higher standards of safety within the lifting industry. In addition to providing members with training and expert technical advice, the association works closely with organizations such as the Health and Safety Executive in the preparation of regulations and British, European and International standards. Member companies include those 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 program of assessments. For large scale users of overhead lifting equipment, associate membership provides access to technical information and training, without the need for an audit. Further details on the activities of the LEEA and a full list of members can be found at: www.leeaint.com
