Be proactive

As the economy continues to bite hard, Thorworld Industries says that it is even more important that users of loading bay equipment commit to a rigorous maintenance programme to ensure that their equipment is safe and effective.

Thorworld identifies two elements: the inspection by a competent person, which is a legal requirement; and preventative maintenance.

However MD John Meale warns: "We've seen that companies are going to local inspectors, who are untrained in the specification of certain types of loading bay equipment. As a result, they are inspecting and certifying yardramps and dock levellers, for example, under the wrong regulations, and missing crucial safety features."