FOREWORD TO THE EIGHTH EDITION Following a major restructuring of the Code of Practice in 2001, the sixth edition in 2006 included an Update of all the relevant standards, particularly the Harmonised European standards, which had been published or amended since 2001. It also reflected the changes in practice which had occurred in recent times. This resulted in a large number of small changes throughout the work. First published in 1981, the Code has expanded in stages as more sections have been added. The seventh edition ‘added a further five bringing the total to twenty six sections making it an even more comprehensive guide to the safe use of all types of liting equipment. This edition reflects the changes to legislation arising from the new European Machinery Directive which came into force on 29" December 2009 and includes a new section dealing with electric overhead travelling cranes, The code is a practical guide covering manual and power operated lifting machines and structures, such as jib cranes and mobile gantries, together with a wide range of below hook equipment, from general purpose slings and liting accessories, to the various types of vacuum and magnetic liters. Its Contents will be found useful in devising safe working practices, as well as providing all the information necessary for safety training in this critical area of activity at work. As with any publication of this nature, it is necessary to up-date and revise it from time to time to keep in line with current legislation, standards and practices. During the 1990s there were two major phases cf change to legislation affecting lifting equipment, both arising from European Directives. The first rose from the Machinery Directive and applies to manufacture and supply, the second arose from the Use of Work Equipment Directive and applies to taking into service and use. The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, SI No 1597 implement the Machinery Directive and contain essential safety requirements which the machinery, including lifting machines and lifting accessories, must meet. Manufacturers, importers (into the European Union) and suppliers placing such equipment on the market for service in the community have a duty to: (2) design, build and supply equipment that is safe and meets the Essential Safety Req (©) _tocarry out such tests as may be necessary to ensure the requirements of (a) are met; (©) to maintain records of all calculations, tests and other relevant information that go to make up a Technical File which may be called upon by the enforcing authorities and which must demonstrate that the Essential Safety Requirements have been met; (4) _ issue with each item of equipment information on the installation, maintenance, care and safe use; and (©) _ issue @ Declaration of Conformity and affix the CE mark, or issue a Declaration of Incorporation depending on its nature and intended use. In this context, if you manufacture or import (from ‘outside the European Union) an item for your own use, you assume the full responsibilities of the manufacturer and must therefore meet all of the requirements of the Regulations, ments; ‘The original Machinery Directive and its amendments were codified into a single document in 1998 as Directive 98/37/EC. This was replaced by a new Machinery Directive 2006/4Z/EC which came into force on 29" December 2009. Official guidance on the new Machinery Directive was published in December 2008 and updated in June 2010. A further update of the guidance is expected during 2011, ‘The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, SI No 2306, (PUWER) together with The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, SI No 2307, (LOLER) implement the relevant parts of the amended Use of Work Equipment Directive. ‘They place duties on employers and owners of equipment to ensure that it is safe and, if applicable, complies with relevant European Directives. Requirements are made for the regular maintenance and inspection of equipment to ensure that it remains safe. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations apply in addition to The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and contain provisions for the planning, supervision and carrying out of lting operations, thorough examination of the equipment before first use, after installation and either periodically or in accordance with an examination scheme during its life. There are also requirements for recording the results of thorough ‘examinations and for inspections between thorough examinations. Exition 8 April 2014 Foreword 1