The Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers

Consultancy

Machinery users generally know what they need to achieve but not necessarily the safest, most efficient way to accomplish this. With their wide knowledge and experience of the loading and elevating equipment industry and applicable legislation, many ALEM members offer a consultancy service.

Assistance can be provided to ensure that specifiers purchase the most appropriate equipment for their application, whilst meeting the requirements of machinery safety legislation.

It is not only essential that the appropriate British and European Standards are met (such as EN 1570-1 for lifting tables and EN 1398 for dock levellers), but many European Directives need to be considered, including:

Machinery, Low Voltage and Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directives
Other Directives such as ATEX and RoHS
UK Regulations such as PUWER and LOLER
EU Regulations, such as REACH
Utilising their experience, expertise and industry knowledge, consultants may also prepare comprehensive risk assessments, carry out site surveys, and liaise with potential suppliers to ensure customers have the best and safest possible solution for their lifting or loading application which can often include complex assemblies of machinery.

Many consultants can provide general arrangement drawings for machines working in series and guidance on technical file construction and declaration of conformity or incorporation to meet legislative requirements.

ALEM’s members who offer consultancy services can also provide technical identification of equipment failure and evaluation of existing installations’ performance. A survey can include an analysis of current maintenance levels to ensure the agreed works are carried out in an acceptable manner and the employer meets his obligations in accordance with PUWER and LOLER.