Legislation relevant to vacuum lifting equipment
Design & Construction
Any vacuum lifting device placed on the market in the EU since 1992 must satisfy the relevant essential safety requirements (ESRs) of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, implemented in the UK by the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992.
European standards BS EN 13155:2020 - Cranes. Safety. Non-fixed load lifting attachments. This standard was introduced in 2003 and has now been updated. BS EN 14238:2004 Cranes - Manually controlled load manipulating devices. Both these standards have been introduced to give guidance to manufacturers for compliance with the Machinery Directive.
Kilner Vacuumation have for many years understood the need for such a standard; our experience over the last 60+ years has resulted in a design philosophy in which safety always comes first. The new standard lays out many requirements that have been `standard specification' on our products for many years and since January 2004 all our products have been designed to meet or exceed the requirements of the above standards.
Key Design Requirements - BS EN 13155:2020
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5.2.2.1 - Adhesion force must be a minimum of twice the S.W.L at the lower end of the working vacuum range & taking into account at all angles including frictional & dynamic conditions.
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5.2.2.8 - Devices intended for use in a High Risk area must have either a dual circuit vacuum system or secondary positive holding device. In the case of dual circuit each circuit must comply with rule 5.2.2.1.
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5.2.2.9 -Two action control of the vacuum release function.
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Annex C - C.10.3 - Verification by testing by proof load testing at twice the S.W.L.
Inspection & Testing
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) states that all lifting equipment used for lifting persons or an accessory for lifting shall be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months.
Further Information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/vacuum-lifting-equipment.htm
Kilner Vacuumation can provide inspection, servicing & testing for all type of vacuum lifting equipment