29.05.2003

Interlock Clarification

ALLMI believes that it is not always possible to fit lorry loader cranes with suitable interlock systems and has issued a statement to clarify the current situation.

The Association said that the current situation is that whilst being aware of the desire for stabiliser interlocks to be incorporated, no manufacturer is able to offer a suitable system that can be applied to all available lorry loader models in their respective ranges. "At present, manufacturers may meet the specific requirements of some individual customers, using bespoke systems after discussion to consider the problems involved. Any modification to a CE marked machine should only be undertaken with the written approval of the manufacturer and the details recorded in the crane’s technical file."

ALLMI also said that it believes the safe operation of lorry loaders to be paramount, while its members should be committed to this principal. “With regard to stabiliser leg interlocks, the technical problems have not yet been overcome but work continues with a view to introduction and incorporation by 2006.

“The Supply of the Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992, Statutory Instrument No. 3073, is the implementation of the European Machinery Directive into UK Law,” ALLMI continued. “EN12999 is the European Standard for Loader Cranes and as a harmonised standard Presumption of Conformity with the European Machinery Directive. There is no requirement in EN12999 for stabiliser locks to be fitted to loader cranes. It therefore follows that there is no requirement in the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations for stabiliser interlocks to be fitted.”