The Safety Assessment Federation
(SAFed) is currently in the process of preparing guidelines for the
independent inspection industry on the thorough examination of escalators.
Escalators are not specified under the Lifting Operations and Lifting
Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) so do not require a statutory thorough
examination, however, SAFed recommend that escalator owners consider
a written scheme of thorough examination as a formal method of discharging
the Health and Safety at Work Act responsibility 'duty of care' to
users.
The new document is being developed in conjunction with the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE), Local Authorities, lift industry and professionals
and lift owners together with a further consultation of wider expert
opinion. The document will include and update much of the information
currently provided in the HSE documents PM34 and PM45, which are no
longer in publication.
The document will focus on the risk assessment approach to thorough
examinations and the specific and unique risks associated with escalators
as well as new design technology and emerging legislation and European
directives.
No date is forecast for this new publication although it is likely
to be early 2010.
For further information please contact us either by e-mail at info@safed.co.uk
or phone on 020 7582 3208