What is the LECOP?

The “Lifting Equipment Control and Operation Procedures” (LECOP) is a documented system which includes policy and procedures designed to give companies complete control over their lifting operations..

The document contains guidance on all aspects of lifting operations including, but not limited to; the initial selection of the correct equipment through to procurement, storage, rigging loft operations, issuing control, pre-use inspection, safe use of equipment and accessories, routine examinations, maintenance, repairs and certifcation. It should also contain guidance on personnel competence, the planning of lifting operations and risk assessment.

The main purpose of the manual is to educate users and other personnel involved with lifting equipment and operations.

The procedures and guidance contained within the document have been compiled with the following objectives in mind:

• The prevention of equipment failure due to poor quality (Systems of approval of manufacturers/vendors/ products)
• The prevention of equipment failure due to misuse (Training of personnel - issue of “safe use” guidance)
• The prevention of equipment failure due to inadequate/poor maintenance (Standardization of Repair Procedures and PMRs)
• The prevention of equipment failure due to improved inspection techniques (Standardization of Inspection Procedures)
• The prevention of rigging system failures (Preparation of explicit Procedures, Plans and Risk Assessments, for Mechanical Handling Operations)

To make the document more manageable and user-friendly, it is suggested that it should be split into 3 parts to suit the 3 levels it is aimed at, e.g; Part 1 - Management, Part 2 - Supervision and Part 3 - Workforce.

PART 1 The Policy Statement - (Management Level)
This contains the actual policy statement outlining the way in which lifting operations should be managed in general, including controlling methods for the safe operation of lifting equipment. It also details the responsibilities of personnel including 3rd parties / contractors to prevent importing problems from outside sources. It serves as a guide to the rest of the document by giving a list of activities cross- referenced with their relevant controlling procedures. In addition, this part of the document addresses:

• The categorisation of lifting operations
• The planning of lifting operations
• Risk assessment
• The competent person
• The competence of personnel in general
• Training levels

PART 2 Support Procedures (Supervisor Level)
This part contains procedures to ensure that the equipment made available to the work force is suitable for purpose and adequately maintained, e.g:

To aid proper selection:
Illustrated technical manual containing manufacturers’ specification and other relevant technical information on their various products including how they should and shouldn’t be used so that selection is made on the ability of the equipment to perform the work.

To ensure correct procurement:
List of approved products (i.e. with good track record), list of approved manufacturers, information to be given to the supplier, documentation and certification requirements, etc.

To ensure suitable storage of equipment:
Rigging loft specifications covering heating, lighting, issuing “T” card systems, quarantine areas, etc.

To ensure on-going integrity of lifting equipment / accessories:
Preventative Maintenance Routines plus Repair Procedures which specify minimum requirements for an overhaul whether the equipment is owned, hired or leased by the Company. This set of procedures can be issued with the invitation to tender for repair work and/or be used for audit purposes.

To ensure safe continued service of lifting equipment / accessories:
Written Scheme of Examination plus Inspection Procedures describing minimum standards acceptable.

To ensure quality of 3rd party equipment:
Minimum acceptance criteria to ensure lifting equipment and accessories are correctly presented at the work site and are fit for purpose.

To ensure quality of rental plant:
Minimum acceptance criteria for contracted forklifts and cranes arriving at a company worksite or offshore installation.

PART 3 Safe Operating Procedures (Workforce Level)
Contains procedures to ensure personnel’s safety in lifting operations including; guidance on risk assessment and planning and the safe use of lifting equipment and accessories.

To aid planning and risk assessment:
Pre-printed pocket cards and check lists to act as an aide memoire for both risk assessment and planning, to try and prevent relevant factors being overlooked. The card should also act as a “self-assessment” for the personnel to allow them to realise their limitations.

To control lifting equipment movements and use on the installation:
Rigging loft operating procedures including “T” card issuing system, receipt inspection, quarantine, storage and maintenance.

To assist with pre-use inspection of lifting equipment by the user:
Pre-printed inspection check lists according to the equipment types, encapsulated and made available for reference at the rigging loft.

To ensure the safe use of lifting equipment and accessories:
Special instructions in the form of crane and rigging handbooks, safety posters, wall charts, etc. supplied by specialist companies.

To ensure the safety of personnel in the actual work place:
Worksite or Installation specific instructions.

Who's adopted LECOP?...