The implementation of the Driven Machinery Regulations 2015 on 30 September 2015, brings extensive changes to the law regarding the use of lifting machinery.
- Goods hoists are no longer regulated under the Driven Machinery Regulations but now fall under the Lift, Escalator and Passenger Conveyance Regulations.
- Numerous SANS safety standards have been incorporated into the regulations to ensure that the inspection and testing of various lifting equipment is standardised.
- Lifting equipment must now be marked with the “safe working load”, a new definition meaning the applicable mass load as determined by a “competent person” who must carry out a thorough examination at least every 6 months.
- An annual inspection must be carried out by an inspector employed by a “lifting machinery entity” who must be approved and registered as such with the Department of Labour.
A new code of practice for the training of lifting machine operator has been incorporated and operators of all lifting equipment listed in the code must be in possession of a certificate of training issued by an accredited training provider.
[Foresight Publications]