13.05.2013

New LEEA guidance

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has issued new guidance on using hand operated chain blocks at an angle to the vertical.

Whilst previously advising against any such use, the new guidance reflects that some chain blocks are now designed to be used in this manner and that, in certain applications, standard chain blocks can also be used safely at an angle to the vertical, if an appropriate risk assessment is conducted and additional precautions observed.

Despite the changes, the LEEA is stressing that not all hand operated chain blocks can be used at an angle to the vertical and highlight that devices such as lever hoists and jaw winches may be more appropriate than a hand chain block.
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LEEA has issued new guidance on using chain blocks at angles to the vertical

Geoff Holden, chief executive of the LEEA, said: “These changes bring the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment (COPSULE) up to date in terms of the range of hand chain blocks now available on the market, and the fact that there are circumstances in which it is reasonable to use standard products at an angle to the vertical. However, the new guidance should certainly not be regarded as a green light for the routine use of hand chain blocks in such applications.”

For full details on the new guidance as well as a list of special precautions that should be observed if a hand chain block is used at an angle to the vertical visit: www.leeaint.com