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INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
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LMI certification alone is not sufficient. Standards( SABS) website. " We’ ve found that the SABS website is extremely hard to navigate, especially when you ' re trying to find something specific. Even if you know what you ' re looking for, it can take hours to locate the right standard."
To address this issue, the IESA has developed a streamlined solution through its own website. By visiting the IESA ' s Document Library users can easily access SABS standards using either the reference number or standard name. The website directs users to the correct page on the SABS site, saving time and effort for those seeking to comply with the latest regulations.
Graham also stressed that adhering to the required standards is not just a matter of best practice— it is the law. He urged companies to ensure that the relevant standards are part of their safety documentation, either in physical or digital form, and that engineers or safety officers on site are familiar with them.“ These incorporated standards are law, so as a user or owner, you are required to have them in your files. Your safety department should have these on hand, and the person coming to site should be conducting their inspections in line with these standards,” Graham emphasised.
INSPECTION AND TESTING INTERVALS
Graham outlined the inspection and load testing intervals mandated by DEL regulations. Key points include:
• Lifting tackle and rigging gear: Visual inspections of lifting tackle, such as rigging gear, must be performed every three months. This is a visual inspection only; no load testing is required during these checks. " If you overload the equipment, dispose of it immediately," warned Graham. Electromechanical inspections: Lifting machinery with moving parts, such as chain hoists and mobile cranes, must undergo an electromechanical inspection every six months. These inspections check the functionality of moving parts, such as levers and gears, but do not involve load testing.
• Load testing and thorough examinations: A thorough load test and performance examination is required at 12-month intervals. This testing should be conducted by a registered LMI and must comply with the relevant technical standards.
Graham emphasised the importance of documenting all inspections and tests to ensure that both the equipment owner and operator are fully aware of the condition of the machinery at all times. " It ' s vital that all findings are recorded so that everyone on site knows what condition the equipment is in," he said.
An essential principle of lifting machinery inspections is ensuring the independence and integrity of the inspection process. Graham pointed to the importance of the LME, which acts as a thirdparty inspector for the lifting machinery industry. According to SANS 23814, which outlines the competency requirements for crane inspectors, LMEs must maintain impartiality and avoid any conflicts of interest.
“ The inspector must be free from commercial, financial or any other pressures that could influence their findings,” said Graham. This standard helps ensure that the LME’ s reports on the condition of machinery are unbiased and credible. In essence, the inspection of lifting machinery should be an independent function from the maintenance or service work performed on the equipment.
The overarching goal of the IESA and its website is to support stakeholders and help mitigate the risks associated with lifting
machinery operations. By providing access to critical standards, verification tools and resources, the IESA ensures that the lifting machinery industry operates safely and legally, thereby protecting both workers and companies.
CLA
SANS 10388:2018 for forklifts and SANS 1976:2018 for mobile cranes, outline the technical requirements for safe operation and inspection procedures.
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18 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za COLD LINK AFRICA • June 2025