RAISING THE BAR – SPEEDY LIFTING AND LIFTING GEAR HIRE JOIN FORCES
 Speedy Lifting is proud to announce the acquisition of the share capital and trading operations of Lifting Gear Hire Ltd (LGH) for a total consideration of £13.5 million satisfied in cash and Speedy Hire Plc shares. LGH has long been a well respected standard bearer in the Lifting hire and sales market in the UK.
As LGH joins the Speedy Hire group we are able to bring together the two biggest names in the lifting hire industry and create a new force that is better able to deliver an unrivalled service to customers and create the most rewarding working environment and opportunities for a combined team of more than 650 employees.
The acquisition creates a new set of business dynamics for Speedy Lifting and provides us with a platform to grow our business through clearly defined product groups and market sectors. Together we will be a business with more than £50m revenue, £30m hire fleet, 650 people trading across an unrivalled lifting network of almost 70 depots.
In addition to improved depot coverage, Speedy’s Lifting business unit will now be able to offer its customers extra added value services such as test and inspection, bespoke lifting engineering and specific lifting related training.
Speedy Lifting has acquired the Lifting Gear hire, sales and test & inspection branch network, LGH Training, LGH Engineering and LGH’s Megalift industrial machinery moving operator together with all LGH facilities based on customer sites. The LGH Winches, Rigging Services (entertainment) and Suspended Access operations have not been acquired as part of the transaction.
Commenting on the acquisition, Claudio Veritiero, MD of Speedy Lifting, said, “Speedy Lifting’s aim is to be the first choice in the supply of Lifting and Materials Handling Equipment in all its target segments. This development follows the Lloyds British Hirestores acquisition in 2005 as the next step in the further development of Speedy Lifting’s business in both Construction and Industrial end-user markets.”
“The next few months will revolve around an evaluation of the strengths of the respective businesses so we can ensure that the enlarged Lifting business unit is able to be stronger than the sum of the parts of LGH and Speedy Lifting. At the present time, LGH will be rebranded as Speedy LGH and will operate as part of Speedy Hire’s Lifting business unit. Speedy LGH will continue to operate as a separate company to Speedy Lifting and will continue to be supported by the Atherton Head Office.”
“Once again I would personally like to thank you all Speedy Lifting colleagues for the continued hard work and commitment you have demonstrated. I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome all Speedy LGH employees to the Speedy Hire group of companies. It is vital that both teams work together to maximise the opportunity in the broader lifting solutions sphere and I look forward to some very exciting times ahead for our enlarged business.”
Bill Parkinson, founder of LGH in 1970 commented, “LGH has gone as far as we can take it and I’m convinced Speedy can take it to a wider market than we were able to, and support it with broader investment and resources. This is a great deal for everyone concerned not just the LGH shareholders and Speedy but also for Speedy LGH customers and employees. They will benefit from Speedy Hire’s ability to invest in people and in the safest and most modern equipment, and from its focus on delivering a level of service of such quality, depth and scope that is unrivalled in the UK lifting gear industry.
We are pleased with the deal and look forward to focusing our time and resources to concentrate on the remaining Parkinson family businesses including LGH Winches, our suspended access business LGH OnSite, operations in Holland, Germany and the USA, together with Moorhouses Brewery and Standish Court Golf Club.”
'PLANE’ SAILING FOR LGH MEGALIFT
LGH Megalift devised a solution to a complex lifting problem for Haas-Tek Services Ltd, a specialist machinery installation company, when installing a 25 tonne ‘planing’ machine at a location in Lockerbie, Scotland.
Two problems had been highlighted by LGH Megalift; firstly the ‘planing’ machine had to be placed on a 3 metre high plinth and secondly there was a lack of available headroom within the premises, as the roof sloped significantly at one side of the building. Following an engineering study LGH Megalift was able to provide a cost effective solution.
It was decided that the machine would be installed from the side of the plinth, as the angle of the roof prevented an approach from the end of the plinth. Two lengths of track were placed running past either end of the plinth. As the machine was relatively narrow and because a second machine was situated in close proximity to the back of the plinth, only two of the cylinders from the 4400 system were utilised.
These cylinders were placed upon the rails and fitted with a 10 metre lifting beam, which had been offset upon the jacks in order to maximize the roof clearance. Once the jacking system had been put in place, the client positioned the machine alongside the plinth.
The ‘planing’ machine was constructed with an upper control box section, containing all the electrical power cables, which ran along the top of the machine. It was essential that contact with this section was avoided. As a result, lifting slings were passed over the top flange of the lifting beam and the edges were softened with large semi circular tubes.
Once the rigging had been successfully attached, the machine was lifted and temporary supports were introduced underneath. This enabled the slings to be readjusted to accommodate the tight headroom before the final lift took place. The Megalift then hoisted the machine above the plinth, before tracking along the rails to complete the operation by placing the ‘planer’ in its final position on the plinth.
We were impressed with LGH Megalift’s solution which was selected in preference to other options for safety reasons and also providing minimum disruption to other site activities,’ said Jim Bell, Managing Director, Haas-Tek Services Ltd.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE SIGN FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT WITH UNITED UTILITIES
 Lifting Gear Hire have signed a three year Framework Agreement to supply and repair lifting equipment for United Utilities, a provider of water supply and wastewater treatment services across the North West of England.
This Agreement has been signed with Lifting Gear Hire so as to ensure internal consistency and standardise the process for managing lifting equipment across the North West for United Utilities.
United Utilities conducted rigorous investigations before selecting a chosen supplier to ensure they were in line with their own high standards. Particular attention was paid to quality, health & safety and the level of technical support available; Lifting Gear Hire was the obvious choice as, with branches throughout the North West and the UK, they could meet any lifting requirements identified by United Utilities quickly and efficiently.
All of Lifting Gear Hire’s 35 UK branches are BS EN ISO 9001-2000 accredited, in addition to this they have recently been accredited by UKAS as a Type C Inspection body, these endorsements by external bodies ensure consistent high quality standards throughout the organisation. With over 30 years lifting engineering experience, Lifting Gear Hire are also able to provide the necessary lifting advice and engineering solutions.
“ We have made the decision to appoint Lifting Gear Hire as we are confident that they will not only be able to provide us with a reliable, efficient and cost effective service, but we will also be able to rely on their knowledge, experience and technical expertise to ensure we will meet all our Statutory obligations,’ explained Nathan Liptrot, United Utilities Procurement.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE LTD RECEIVE UKAS ACCREDITATION
Lifting Gear Hire Ltd is pleased to announce that on the 6th April 2006 they received formal accreditation from UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Services) as a Type C Inspection Body.
The internationally recognised mark of UKAS is the highest endorsement that companies performing thorough examinations of lifting equipment can aspire to, and reinforces the high standards that customers have become accustomed to receiving from Lifting Gear Hire.
Trevor Lamprell, Group Technical Manager comments “As active members of the LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) Lifting Gear Hire are, and have always been, fully committed to raising industry standards and customer expectations in the market place, to ensure that customers are provided with an unbiased inspection service that is second to none. The accreditation by UKAS
provides our customers with the reassurance that they are receiving a high quality service.”With Lifting Gear Hire inspectors providing full UK coverage using the latest Internet asset technology, customers have all the information they need at the convenient touch of a button to save both costs and secure peace of mind by ensuring legal compliance with LOLER and PUWER in their workplace
A LIFTING MASTERPIECE FOR LIFTING GEAR HIRE
 Lifting Gear Hire provided a bespoke lifting solution to the Storey Gallery in Lancaster. The Storey Gallery commissioned Richard Wilson, the internationally renowned sculptor and installation artist, to create a major piece of dynamic artwork entitled “Queen and Gantry”, featuring a door frame complete with pediment, architrave and entablature, which could be traversed up and down the gallery.
Lifting Gear Hire had to overcome two seemingly tricky problems, firstly they had to suspend the door frame on an angle, then enable its travel along a 15 metre long gallery. At the same time, the doorframe needed to climb and descend a significant incline as it traversed through the gallery to fulfil the creative intent conceived by the artist.
As usual, Lifting Gear Hire employed its unique specialist lifting engineering skills to overcome the intricate challenges of an especially “sensitive” environment where there is a heightened risk of potential injury to the visiting public.
Lifting Gear Hire and its bespoke design and engineering division, Lifting Gear Engineering developed a safe, cost effective solution using 4 mobile gantries that were fitted to cover the length of the room and connected by a runway system. The gantries inclined from a height of 3.6 metres at one end of the room to 5 metres at the other end.
They counteracted the problem of making the door frame travel along the runway system by suspending it on a push travel girder trolley. A wire rope winch was fixed at the highest point of the runway system and a diverter pulley at the other end. This enabled the door frame to be winched across the room successfully, before travelling back in the opposite direction.
“Lifting Gear Hire provided a safe and efficient lifting solution that enabled the gallery to exhibit their latest installation piece, commissioned to reflect their extensive plans for refurbishment.” said Allan Cooke, Sales Representative, Lifting Gear Hire
The exhibition featuring Richard Wilson’s installation commission, “Queen and Gantry”, can be seen at the Storey Gallery in Lancaster until early April 2006. For further details on this and future exhibitions along with exhibition opening times please contact 01524 844133, or see www.storeygallery.org.uk and www.queenandgantry.com.
Image courtesy of Jerry Hardman-Jones.
LGH MEGALIFT PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE LIFTING SOLUTION FOR HOPPER INSTALLATION
LGH Megalift recently worked with LES Engineering, installers of specialist machinery, when they needed to install a “Receiver Hopper” weighing 16.5 tonnes. The installation took place at the premises of Knauf Drywall, a UK based German company that manufactures gypsum and plaster board products.
Limited access was the main problem as the “Receiver hopper” had to be installed to project between the first and second floor, standing on 7 metre long legs,’ explained Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift
The Hopper itself, with the lid attached, was too high to fit between floors and using a crane would have meant removing the roof which would obviously have proved costly and time consuming.’
Instead LES Engineering called upon the lifting expertise of LGH Megalift. Following an engineering study LGH Megalift was able to devise and implement a cost effective solution in just 2 days, which allowed the “Receiver Hopper” to be installed successfully.
LGH Megalift provided LES Engineering with their Minilift system, which, due to its small size, unit weight and lifting capacity, offered a viable alternative to a mobile crane.
The Minilift system comprises four lightweight cylinders and 2 x 7 metre beams. The cylinders are 1.9 metres at closed height and can extend hydraulically to 4.9 metres. These were placed under four “knee” braces, manufactured to LGH Megalift’s design, which were attached to the Hopper. The Minilift extended, lifting the Hopper through the hole, where it was temporarily blocked into position. Before this could be carried out the “lid” had to be removed from the Hopper to enable the unit to be positioned between the floors.
This process was then repeated with the “knee” braces fixed at a lower level on the Hopper, to raise the unit to the required height of 7 metres; at which point the support legs were attached to the Hopper; which was also a difficult task due to the restricted working space.
To complete the operation the “lid”, which had been lifted through the hole with chain blocks prior to the hopper installation, was refitted.
LGH KEEPS ‘A-CHIMNEY-BREAST’ OF WORK AT HEIGHT REGULATIONS 2005
 Lifting Gear Hire supplied the necessary safety equipment to ensure that Wilton Power Station, Teesside, were complying with the newly introduced Work at Height Regulations 2005.
A new £20 million Gas Turbine (GT) has been designed and built by Aker Kvaerner for SembCorp Utilities UK at Wilton Power Wilton Power Station, Teesside. This will not only add a further 40 MW of electricity but will also increase the reliability of supplies and add to the fuel flexibility and environmental efficiency of the operation.
Part of the project was the erection of a large Chimney Stack upon which an enclosed ladder/platform system had been installed so that regular maintenance could be carried out.
‘Measures had to be to taken to protect anyone using the ladder from accidents caused by potential falls and to ensure that the chimney’s access system complied with the new Work at Height Regulations,’ explained Gordon Foster, LGH Teesside.
Lifting Gear Hire therefore supplied, erected and tested a vertical fall arrest system. This system has been designed so that there is never any circumstance under which the user would need to detach their harness from the lanyard whilst carrying out maintenance work on the chimney.
The system is also very flexible and can be used for a variety of applications that involve working at height.
In 2003/04 falls from height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 4000 major injuries. They remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of injury.
The new Work at Height Regulations state that all employees should avoid work at height where they can. When this is not possible they should use equipment or other measures to prevent falls. Where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall they should use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.
‘Safety First is Lifting Gear Hire’s company ethos and for the last 35 years we have made it a priority to keep abreast of all legislation and ensure that our customers all over the UK are working safely and compliantly,’ explained Paul Fulcher, Operations Director, Lifting Gear Hire
‘As the leading supplier of lifting equipment for hire, sales and service, Lifting Gear Hire has, for many years, been supplying fall prevention equipment such as, safety lines, latchway systems and fall arrest systems, and we will continue to provide the necessary guidance in accordance with the new Work at Height Regulations.’
LGH MEGALIFT IS 'IN THE PITS'
LGH Megalift devised and supplied a solution when restricted access posed 2 tricky problems for Dolgarrog Aluminium Limited in North Wales when they recently expanded their aluminium aerospace production facilities to meet increased business demand.
As part of the expansion plans three tanks and a furnace were to be installed, the heaviest of which was 40 tonnes. The 4 units required configuration in a straight line within a 2.5 metre pit used as part of a heat treatment process.
The second problem that had to be tackled by LGH Megalift was the installation of the Furnace, which was the largest of the four units and had to be sited at the far end of the pit as a result. However, because of a delay in its manufacture it was the last unit delivered to the site.
Under normal circumstances, such a delay would have resulted in a postponed installation. But LGH Megalift was able to put its vast experience to work to overcome both problems and keep the installation running on schedule.
‘Restricted access, due to the close proximity of the building’s roof support columns, meant that it was impossible for vehicles to offload all the units in the main building.’ Explained Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift
In the first phase of its engineering study, LGH Megalift used their alternative lifting expertise to devise and supply a solution that involved utilising two jacking systems. One would be used to offload the units into an adjacent building, overcoming the access problem, and the second to manoeuvre the units into position in the pit.
A 4400 type Megalift jacking system was erected around the pit, comprising two 20 metre track lengths running down either side. The jacks were connected with 10 metre beams enabling them to span the 8 metre wide pit. A second 4100 Megalift system was erected in an adjacent building to offload the units from the transport. A skate system was used to pull them through the wall and position them under the larger Megalift using Tirfors, provided by Lifting Gear Hire.
LGH Megalift completed the second phase of their engineering study and devised a solution to overcome the late arrival of the furnace. The two smaller tanks, that were already onsite, were installed in position in the pit first. The completed Furnace was then delivered to the site and had to be offloaded from the transport using a mobile crane and placed on skates. The smaller Megalift, in conjunction with the mobile crane, had to be used to manoeuvre the Furnace in position under the 4400 Megalift, to be installed in the pit.
The 4400 system was fitted with four 15 tonne chain blocks, which were supplied by Lifting Gear Hire, to overcome the problem of restricted headroom.
The cost effective solutions that were developed and implemented by LGH Megalift ensured that all units were successfully installed on schedule.
LGH SIGN SUPPLIER AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN WATER SERVICES
Lifting Gear Hire have signed a 5-year framework agreement to supply and fabricate lifting equipment for Southern Water Services Ltd, a provider of water supply and wastewater treatment services across Kent, East and West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Lifting Gear Hire will therefore sell, hire and fabricate lifting equipment required by Southern Water Services as well as provide them with bespoke lifting solutions when required. This Agreement has been signed with Lifting Gear Hire so as to ensure internal consistency and standardise the process for managing lifting equipment across the UK for Southern Water Services.
Southern Water Services conducted rigorous investigations before selecting a chosen supplier, paying particular attention to quality and safety, to ensure they were in line with their own high standards.
All of Lifting Gear Hire’s 35 UK branches are BSEN9002 accredited ensuring consistent high quality standards throughout the organisation. With over 30 years lifting engineering experience Lifting Gear Hire are also able to provide the necessary lifting advice and engineering solutions.
‘We are confident that Lifting Gear Hire will not only be able to provide Southern Water with the most up-to-date equipment but they will be able to rely on our knowledge, experience and technical expertise to ensure they are working safely, efficiently and are legally compliant,’ explained Carol Slane, National Sales Manager, Lifting Gear Hire.
LGH MEGALIFT DEVISE SOLUTION FOR ‘PANEFUL’ LIFTING PROBLEM
 LLGH Megalift, innovative solution providers for the movement and lifting of plant equipment using hydraulic gantry systems, provided an alternative lifting solution to Mayfield Engineering Ltd, specialists in heavy lifting solutions, when they were contracted to transport and install a 50t autoclave within a new factory area at specialist plate glass makers, Saint-Gobain Glass in Yorkshire.
‘As well as the load weighing 50 tonnes there were a number of access problems, so we asked LGH Megalift if they could use their specialised hydraulic gantry system rather than having to remove the roof of this newly built factory area,’ said Frank McGuinness, Mayfield Engineering.
Firstly access for the transport was severely limited and so the autoclave entered through the factory door on a specialised low transport vehicle. LGH Megalift set up a hydraulic gantry system over the vehicle and lifted the autoclave off so that the vehicle could drive away.
LGH Megalift then lowered the autoclave on to skates, so that it could be turned through 90 degrees and pulled into position at the head of the 0.4 metre deep pit where it was to be installed.
Not only was the edge of this pit extremely close to the adjacent wall but the new factory area had also been designed with a low roof. This meant that it was not possible to use a crane to lift the autoclave into the pit.
‘To make matters worse there was also an overhead crane track and power bars running directly above the pit which meant that headroom was severely limited,’ explained Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift.
Following an engineering study LGH Megalift devised a solution using their hydraulic gantry system.
Megalift tracks were placed either side of the pit and extended a substantial distance into the factory. The hydraulic jacks and gantry system were then positioned over the autoclave ready to lift.
‘The limited headroom meant that it was not possible to extend the cylinders very high so we also fitted four x 15t chain blocks, supplied by our sister company Lifting Gear Hire, to the beams,’ said Bob.
The chain blocks were connected to the autoclave which could then be lifted clear of the floor.
The Megalift system was tracked along the rails carrying the autoclave over the Pit and then lowered into the desired position using the chain blocks, which were still fitted to the Megalift beam.
‘We were impressed with LGH Megalift’s ability to devise a cost effective solution to overcome this complex lifting problem, which enabled us to have the job completed in just 4 days,’ said Frank McGuinness, Mayfield Engineering.
For a free LGH Megalift information CD please call Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift on 01942 898068 or email bob.hamilton@lgh.co.uk.
LGH MEGALIFT'S 'MUSEUM PIECE'
 LGH Megalift, innovative solution providers for the movement and lifting of plant equipment using hydraulic gantry systems, assisted speciality machinery movers, W Finch Ltd., when they need to strip and remove an ancient steam engine from the Science Museum, London, for necessary refurbishment work.
The steam engine comprised of a crank-case surmounted with two vertical cylinders containing the pistons. Straddling both these cylinders was a large steam chest. This was mounted upon 6 x legs, which projected up from the floor.
‘The component parts were relatively light by LGH Megalift standards (10t) but there was a problem with access and headroom,’ said Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift.
‘Another large machine was located upon the floor above and comprised of a large flywheel which projected down until just above the steam engine and therefore precluded any movement backwards or forwards once the components had been lifted up,’ explained Bob.
A static gantry system could have been used but it would have had to be the exact height, whereas the Megalift system can be extended to accommodate any height differential. They could also have built a scaffolding tower with beams but this would have been time consuming and therefore costly, as well as needing to be load tested.
Following an engineering study, LGH Megalift provided a solution using a 4100 type hydraulic gantry system, which was set up either side of the steam engine and the lifting beams passing on either side of the flywheel. A substantial area was cleared to one side of the machine.
As it wasn’t possible to extend the hydraulic cylinders sufficiently, chain blocks were hung from the beams and used to actually lift the components. Once the first unit (the steam chest) had been lifted, it was tracked sideways along the beam using an attachment developed by LGH Megalift. This comprises of four lifting links containing captive skates which run along the top flange of the beam. Once it was clear away from the rest of the machine it was lowered, using the chain blocks, into the cleared area and removed from the area of operations.
The remaining components were then dismantled in the same manner to complete the job.
‘We were impressed with LGH Megalift’s system and alternative lifting expertise which they used to devise a solution to overcome the confided space and ensured we could get the job done quickly and safely’ said Andrew Finch of W Finch Ltd.
For more a free LGH Megalift information CD please call Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift on 01942 898068 or email bob.hamilton@lgh.co.uk
LGH MEGALIFT LIFT OFF THE WINGS OF CONCORDE
 LGH Megalift, innovative solutions providers for the movement and lifting of plant equipment, supplied their hydraulic gantry systems to lifting specialists, Jim Parkinson Ltd, when the wings of Concorde needed to be temporarily removed so that the plane could be carefully transported from British Airways, Heathrow, to the National Museums of Scotland's Museum of Flight, East Fortune.
'It is imperative that once re-assembled this plane, which forms part of our national heritage, is still in perfect condition,' explained Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift.
'All the wing components that were removed, therefore, needed to be detached in a precise and careful manner.'
The delta wing sections weigh less that 5 tonnes but are 17 metres long and 5 metres wide. They are also supported by the plane's landing wheel infrastructure and therefore a precise incision needed to be made around this fixture so that when re-assembled it would be invisible to the human eye. It was also necessary to ensure accurate clearance of the wheel support when the wing was actually tracked away from the fuselage.
It was therefore not possible to use a crane. Instead, LGH Megalift supplied their new Minilift system, as it was able to fully support the plane in a way that left clear access and guaranteed control for the sensitive cutting operation and enabled the wing to be tracked away from the plane at a safe angle.
The system comprises of four lightweight cylinders and 2 x 7 metre beams. The cylinders are 1.9 metres at closed height and can extend hydraulically to 4.9 metres. These were placed under the wings and the load reaction transferred onto them. The wings were then carefully cut free of the fuselage. The Minilift system was then tracked away from the plane and the wings lifted off them using an overhead crane to complete the operation. This process was carried out both on the portside and the starboard side of the plane.
The plane has been transported in sections to the museum where it will need to be re-assembled with the same precision and care, ready to be admired once more in all its national glory.
Concorde will form the centrepiece of a new exhibition to open later this year. For updates, check www.nms.ac.uk/concord
LGH SWING LEEDS' RIVER AIRE FOOTBRIDGE INTO POSITION
 Lifting Gear Hire supplied the necessary gear to C Spencer, a civil engineering firm, for the positioning of the River Aire Footbridge, which is the first river crossing to be built in Leeds this century.
The bridge is one of three associated with the prestigious £200m mixed use development at Clarence Dock and will be a vital strategic connection between the City and the South Leeds Urban Regeneration Area.
‘Due to the bridge’s size and the surrounding built up area it was necessary to swing the bridge from the river bank and into position,’ explained Howerd Wilkinson, C Spencer.
The deck steelwork was workshop fabricated and delivered to site in three sections. The 80 tonne, 76 metre span cable-stayed bridge – the largest of the three bridge structures – was then assembled on an island in the middle of the river.
It was swung into position around its centre point on the island using tirfors and a floating pontoon.
‘8 x 3 tonne tirfors were used in total but the two used on the floating pontoon were hydraulic so as to ensure the safety of the operatives,’ explained Andrew Bannister, LGH, Leeds.
‘We suggested that tirfors were used instead of winches as the wire rope needed to be 50 metres long and by using them in combination they were able to safely and efficiently pull the bridge into place in a controlled manner,’ he added.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE’S BREWERS DELIGHT
Lifting Gear Hire provided a lifting solution to KHS Kisters Ltd, a packaging equipment company, when Scottish Courage Brewing Limited needed a solution to lift format dependant parts onto the new KHS-Kisters packaging equipment on the new bottling line at their Tadcaster plant.
‘The brewery needed lifting equipment for each machine to be able to swap between different bottle sizes and packaging formats on the KHS-Kisters machines,’ explained Howard Jennings, Contracts Engineer for KHS Kisters Ltd.
Due to manual lifting regulations the format dependant parts for the KHS-Kisters-WrapAroundPackers and KHS-Kisters-Tray ShrinkPacker, must not be lifted by hand. The positioning of the three new machines also meant that installing the equipment was very awkward.
‘Lifting Gear Hire worked closely with us to ensure that they provided a reliable solution that met our exact requirements and, following an on-site assessment, devised and supplied a permanent solution’ said Howard.
‘We provided a safe lifting solution using bespoke jib cranes, with safe working loads (SWL) of 75 kgs, painted light ivory, so as to blend in with the KHS-Kisters machinery and installed in unobtrusive positions,’ explained Andrew Banister, Lifting Gear Hire, Leeds.
Each line was installed with its own customised jib crane as the length of the jib arm depended on the position of the jib pillar and the position from where the format parts were to be lifted.
‘Not only did Lifting Gear Hire devise and supply the solution they installed and tested all 3 jib cranes in just one day so as not to compromise production schedules,’ said Howard.
LGH MEGALIFT'S MELTING POT OF ALTERNATIVE LIFTING SOLUTIONS
 LGH Megalift devised and supplied a solution when restricted height access posed a problem for F E Mottram (Non Ferrous) Ltd, processors of scrap aluminium principally for the motor trade, and the installation of their scrap preparation plant.
The 6mtrs x 3mtrs x 4mtrs high, 32 tonne, heating chamber was needed as part of an expansion plan to satisfy increased business demand. The box like structure needed to be mounted with swivel bearings upon two 4mtr high legs. This would allow the chamber to rotate when the heat treatment process had been completed, and discharge the prepared product.
Limited headroom above the furnace, however, prevented lifting from above making mobile crane access virtually impossible. The structure was also in very close proximity to the factory’s roof support columns meaning that access alongside the furnace was severely limited,’ explained Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift
LGH Megalift used their alternative lifting expertise to devise and supply a solution which actually lifted the load from beneath rather than above. This meant that the heating chamber had to be built just above floor level, directly in front of the supporting legs.
Once constructed, two x 5mtr lifting beams were slid underneath the furnace until they projected out from either side. Two track lengths were also slid underneath, external to the beams, but passing on the inside of the support legs, therefore alleviating the space restriction caused by the roof support columns.
Two pairs of LGH Megalift hydraulic cylinders were erected onto these tracks either side of the chamber. Each pair of cylinders was connected with a lifting beam at the front and rear of the chamber. Each lifting beam contained two adjustable lifting links. At this stage the height of the cylinders meant that the beams were much lower than the top of the actual chamber. Wire slings were attached to the links and then to the lifting beams projecting from underneath the unit. The Megalift jacks were raised, effectively creating a “Basket Cradle” lifting arrangement, which enabled the chamber to be lifted from underneath and counteracted the headroom restrictions.
Once at the correct height, the chamber was tracked along the rails into position upon the supporting legs and bolted into place.
Removing the factory roof and roof supports would have been very costly but LGH Megalift came up with an alternative lifting solution which enabled us to effectively and safely install the new chamber within a couple of days,’ said Nick Thorne, Project Manager, F E Mottram Ltd.
For more a free LGH Megalift information CD please call Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift on 01942 898068 or email bob.hamilton@lgh.co.uk
LIFTING GEAR HIRE'S MODULAR BEAM RAISES THE ROOF AT EXETER AIRPORT
 Lifting Gear Hire, global providers of lifting equipment for hire, sale and service, hired two of their largest modular beams to Emsley Crane Hire when they assisted Elland Steel Structures Ltd with the installation of the roof structure for a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Exeter International Airport.
'The roof structure includes fabricated roof trusses which span 68 metres, are 5 metres in depth and weigh 44 tonnes each, the longest ever produced by the company,' explained Mike Hill, Elland Steel Structures.
'The lifting into position of the steel trusses therefore had to be carefully engineered and pre-planned to ensure their safe erection and to adhere to the fast track on-site programme for this type of structure.'
The combination of the length and weight of each truss meant that the load needed to be supported in four places so as to prevent distortion during the lift.
Emsley Crane Hire therefore hired two 14 metre long modular beams and 26ml chain slings from Lifting Gear Hire which they used in combination with two 100 tonne Grove Cranes for each truss lift. They then used a 35 tonne Kato to lift the bracings to safely tie the trusses together. A total of 6 trusses were lifted into place over a 3 week period.
The Modular Lifting Beam System, exclusively available for hire from Lifting Gear Hire, is a range of spreader beams that offer a modular span capability with a wide range of capacities.
'This system can be assembled to lift any combination of load weight and length without compromising the quality and safety of the lift, which was crucial for this particular job' explained Andrew Bannister, Branch Manager, Lifting Gear Hire.
'Not only were we able to supply beams suitable for this particular lift, but the design of the Modular Lifting Beam system means that it is portable and lightweight.'
'The modular beams could therefore easily be manually handled on site without the need for lifting equipment, reducing the time needed for set-up and, because the components were light, transportation costs were also much lower.'
Elland Steel Structures has supplied the structural steelwork for the hangar, which will be used for maintaining various aircraft for the airline FlyBe.com
LGH SUPPORT LANDMARK ARCHITECTURE WITH BESPOKE LIFTING SYSTEM
 Lifting Gear Hire provided their expertise to R. Metalwork Ltd, an Architectural metalwork company, when they needed to install 162 balconies at the ‘NV Buildings project’, a prestigious apartment complex currently under construction in Salford Quays, Manchester.
The development comprises of 246 luxury apartments in three 17-storey identical blocks, which has already been awarded a commendation from The Manchester Society of Architects for 'Best Unbuilt Project' in recognition of its unusual design
‘The challenging design of the buildings and obscure shape of the balconies meant that we could not use traditional lifting methods, explained Richard Lewis, R. Metalwork, who have been contracted to design, manufacture and install the balconies.
Lifting Gear Hire used their lifting experience to design, manufacture and test two bespoke lifting frames complete with modular beams, which are fully adjustable to safely lift each balcony up to the mainframe of the apartment block using a tower crane.
‘We had been concerned that installing these balconies was going to be very time consuming, however Lifting Gear Hire not only solved the problem of how to lift the balconies but by simultaneously lifting the balconies with the two frames we were able to install balconies in just one and a half weeks on one block,’ said Richard.
NV Buildings, which is just a short distance from The Lowry Centre and the Imperial War Museum North, is expected to be complete by Spring 2005.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE AND LGH WINCHES PROVIDE PULLING POWER FOR BLACKPOOL'S BIG WHEEL
 LGH Group sister companies, Lifting Gear Hire and LGH Winches, global providers of lifting and winching equipment for hire, sale and service, provided out-of-season support when work was required on Blackpool's 'Big Wheel' on the central pier.
The Wheel, owned by Leisure Parcs, requires dismantling for refurbishment and inspection every three years for insurance purposes. Lifting Gear Hire originally supplied their specialist lifting equipment to Fairport Engineering, a major engineering firm in the North West of England, when the Wheel was erected in 1996. They have subsequently provided sister company, Fairport Site Operations, whose specialist field is the structural refurbishment of piers and chemical plants, with the necessary lifting equipment and application advice for the Wheel's tri-annual safe dismantlement.
The wheel weighs a total of 18 tonnes and is made up of 13 segments, each weighing 1.7 tonnes, all of which were removed one at a time over a weeklong period. As each segment was removed a pull and break system was required to prevent the rest of the wheel swinging round due to the decrease in overall weight.
The specialist lifting and winching gear supplied by Lifting Gear Hire was used to create an efficient pull and brake system that distributed the weight of the wheel. Tirfors were used to control the safe movement of the wheel whilst a 3.5 tonne air winch, which was sourced from LGH Winches, was used to pull the wheel round.
'This was a ingenious engineering solution to a complicated control issue,' explained John Gerrard manager of Lifting Gear Hire's Atherton branch.
'Through clever calculation the pulling factor of this set up was 5:1 providing effective and safe control of the wheel in difficult and cramped conditions.'
Wintry weather and restricted working hours due to the sea tides meant that the equipment required needed to be reliable and robust.
'We rely on the quality of equipment provided by Lifting Gear Hire and its proven track record in enabling us to dismantle this wheel,' said Darren McHugh, Fairport Site Operations Ltd.
Following extensive testing and refurbishment, the Big Wheel has been re-erected in reverse fashion and is ready for the return of Blackpool's pleasure seekers.
CPCS TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE
 CPCS have accredited LGH Training as a recognised training centre.
Anyone who operates plant on a Major Contractor Group (MCG) or National Contractors federation (NCF) site now has to have a CPCS CARD – in fact most other sites are also insisting that their workers have the card. The CPCS Card certifies that you are qualified and trained to operate plant specific to your job on site.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and has been set up for the registration of plant operators.
To obtain your card you will firstly need to pass the CPCS operator test for which you will need to carry out basic training.
LGH Training is a CPCS accredited training provider. LGH Training belongs to LGH Group plc and is a dedicated training organisation that has been providing a wide variety of courses covering all aspects of lifting and lifting equipment for 20 years.
LGH Training can therefore deliver the necessary CPCS training for the following categories of plant:
Slinger/Signaller
Rough Terrain Forklift/Masted truck
Industrial Forklift truck
Reach truck
Mobile elevating work platforms (Scissor)
Mobile elevating work platforms (Boom)
Mobile elevating work platforms (Mast Climber)
Lorry loader
LGH Training will not only provide the necessary training but will also administer the necessary registration paperwork to obtain the card.
LGH Training can also provide the necessary training needed to complete Specialised Plant and Machinery Operations Part 2.
LGH MEGALIFT SQUEEZES INTO A TIGHT SPOT
 LGH Megalift, innovative solution providers for the movement and lifting of plant equipment using hydraulic gantry systems, assisted Frank Barnes Crane Hire, on contract to Gissing and Longsdale of Barnoldswick, when they replaced a Drying Oven (10mtrs x 3metres high x 2.5 metres wide and weighing 20 tonne), upon a three metre high support stillage with no room to manoeuver at Speciality Coatings, Darwen.
The oven could have possibly been dismantled and rebuilt on the stillage or the factory roof removed and a crane used for the install. The direct costs and production downtime, however, for both of these options were unfeasible. Instead LGH Megalift used their expertise to safely install the oven in just four days and at much lower cost.
Two lengths of Megalift track were placed on the floor running parallel up to the stillage. Two Megalift 'goalpost' systems, comprising of two jacks and a connecting beam and with a joint lifting capacity of 170 tonnes, were placed on the tracks. The oven was delivered in between by Frank Barnes engineers and connected to the gantries.
The jacks were extended raising the oven to the desired height. It was tracked along the rails until the first gantry system reached the stillage and the front end of the oven was projected over it. The front end of the oven was lowered upon skates, which had been fitted to the stillage, and the first Megalift gantry disconnected. The Oven was winched along the stillage by Frank Barnes engineers with the second Megalift gantry carrying the rear of the load. This continued until sufficient length of the Oven had been installed upon the stillage to enable the rear Megalift gantry to be disconnected.
The Oven was then winched into final position and was operational within the time allocated despite the restrictive conditions that LGH Megalift had been confronted with.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE – SAFETY FIRST FOR MANUAL HANDLING
 Every year one third of all construction industry accidents reported to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) involve manual handling. Deaths that have occurred during lifting operations are generally as a result of workers being struck by falling or moving loads during the actual lifting operation or when lifting machines overturn.
Provisional statistics from operational data indicate there were 72 fatal accidents in the construction industry between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2004. *
As a result the HSE are focussing their efforts on the construction industry this year, which has included intensive site inspection campaigns both in March and June. The HSE are aiming, as a result of these campaigns, to significantly impact upon controlling the risks associated with these major causes of fatal and serious injuries.
One of the four core issues that inspectors are concentrating on is lifting and carrying and as a result of this the HSE expects that:
Manual handling tasks are to be eliminated by design and mechanisation
Safe handling is to be based on an assessment of risk
All workers are to be trained in basic, safe, manual handling techniques
Lifting Gear Hire - Puts Safety First
From its inception, Lifting Gear Hire recognised the importance of safety - ‘safety first’ even forms an integral part of the company logo.
‘Still today, over 30 years later, safety influences everything we do and users of our lifting equipment are secure in the knowledge that by using our lifting equipment and expertise they are legally compliant and safe,’ explains Paul Fulcher, Operations Director, Lifting Gear Hire.
Lifting Gear Hire’s extensive fleet of over 80,000 pieces of equipment for hire and sales is continually evolving in order to ensure best practice. Qualified experts guarantee Lifting Gear Hire’s equipment safe for use and fit for purpose. Ongoing research combined with expertise ensures the equipment is the most up-to-date and complies with all legal standards.
‘By relying on Lifting Gear Hire, users of our lifting equipment are guaranteed peace of mind,’ adds Paul.
Kerb Handling - HSE’s New Enforcement Policy
An example of this is the HSE’s new enforcement policy regarding the handling of heavy kerbs (weighing more than 20kg) and similar products. The enforcement policy states that:
For new build work, manual handling of heavy kerbs was to be eliminated by the end of June 2004
For spot repairs/maintenance, manual handling of heavy kerbs will be eliminated by December 2004
It also states that a risk assessment should be undertaken for all heavy kerb laying activity which identifies the appropriate control measures to avoid the risk of injury from manual handling.
In response to this Lifting Gear Hire has, after extensive product profiling, included within the hire and sales fleet specialist equipment such as mechanical or hydraulically operated clamps and vacuum lifting systems.
They have also produced leaflets for customers to help them understand and comply with this new policy.
Lifting Gear Hire PLUS
Lifting Gear Hire’s commitment to safe lifting operations in the construction industry doesn’t just stop at hiring and selling equipment. As part of the Lifting Gear Hire PLUS services they are also able to provide:
Training - over 40 specialist courses at 4 NVQ and SEMTA approved training and assessment centres. With recent CPCS accreditation and course endorsements including CITB, NEBOSH & NPORS, they are able to provide a whole host of relevant courses including:
Height Awareness and Inspection of Harnesses
Slinging and Signalling
Mobile elevated platforms (articulating)
In-service inspection and management of lifting equipment
Site safety Awareness
Regulations – LOLER & PUWER
Safe use of lifting equipment and management of lifting operations
Manual handling
Risk assessment and method statement
Refurbishment
Expert LEEA certified technicians refurbish all types of lifting and handling equipment on site or in their fully equipped workshops. All refurbished equipment is issued with a statutory thorough examination certificate.
Inspection - offers peace of mind and helps ensure you are operating within LOLER and PUWER regulations. Inimitable tackle and management software and industrial hand-held computers provide a clear picture of equipment serviceability on site within hours of our engineers carrying out their work.
LGH TRAINING OPENS NEW CENTRE IN LONDON
 LGH Training, a lifting equipment training organisation and subsidiary of LGH Group plc, has opened a new training centre in North London in response to increased customer demand in this region
‘The fully equipped centre combines lecture rooms with a workshop area, which has been fitted with a custom made crane to enable hands on specialist training,’ explains Wilfred Manjengwa, manager, LGH Training.
This new centre in London means that LGH Training now has 4 regional training centres, 2 also in Manchester and 1 in the East Midlands. All the specialist-lifting courses are delivered by means of practical demonstration, video and lecture so as to ensure that there is a balance between workshop activities and classroom tuition. All trainees are required to complete a course assessment.
LGH Training can also come and deliver training at your company’s premises, in the trainee’s working environment, utilising the equipment they actually use.
‘Common problems arising from training onsite, however, include trainees being pulled out of the course to attend to a work related matter and having to make do with the customer’s equipment - our centres are equipped with the most up-to-date equipment needed to provide this specialist training,’ explains Wilfred.
‘It can also be cheaper to send the trainees to the centre as the costs will be shared by other companies on the course - we also find that trainees benefit from being able to share experiences with other people and learn from each other,’ he added.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE PROVIDES SWIFT SUPPORT TO
QUAY COLLAPSE
 Lifting Gear Hire, global providers of lifting equipment for hire, sale and service, had to respond quickly to an emergency call from Montrose Harbour Port Authority when approximately 80 metres of the south quay unexpectedly collapsed into the water.
Lifting Gear Hire's Aberdeen branch worked with consulting engineers Babtie and provided their specialist lifting expertise and equipment to restrain the remaining quayside, preventing any further collapse of the quay and minimising the impact upon the harbour's freight business
Tirfors were attached to plates bolted at intervals onto a section of the quay that had not been damaged. A pull system was then created to take the strain of any further quayside movement by using the bollards along the section of the quayside that had collapsed This support system remained in place for over a month until the port authority were certain the quay was out of danger.
Lifting Gear Hire also supplied and fitted load-monitoring links so as to be able to monitor any further movement in the quayside and these remained in place for two month as an extra precaution.
Montrose Harbour Port Authority have been purchasing lifting equipment from Lifting Gear Hire for use on the dock for a number of years. Lifting Gear Hire also carry out the mandatory six monthly statutory examinations of all the port's lifting equipment.
Bryan Dalgarno, Engineer, Montrose Harbour Port Authority, said, 'This was an emergency situation and we needed an immediate response to provide this speciality lifting equipment.'
'Lifting Gear Hire acted accordingly and within no time at all had installed the equipment and provided an effective solution that could support this section of the quay safely and ensure that there was limited disruption to business in the harbour.'
LIFTING GEAR HIRE'S PRECIOUS LOAD
 Lifting Gear Hire, global providers of lifting equipment for hire, sale and service, assisted Great Yarmouth Stevedoring with the unloading of a £1 million land-drilling rig from the hold of a cargo ship.
The highly valuable and awkward load, which was 20 metres long and weighed 89 tonnes, was destined for the Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates but first needed to be discharged and taken away for modification prior to its final journey.
Lifting Gear Hire advised Stevedoring that to safely lift, load and unload the drilling rig using their ship-to-shore cranes they should use a modular lifting beam system.
'This system can be assembled to lift any combination of load weight and length without compromising the quality and safety of the lift, which was crucial for this particular job' explained Bryan Howe, Norwich Branch Manager, Lifting Gear Hire.
'Due to the value of the load, Stevedoring were not prepared to use the standard beams available, they wanted equipment that met the lift's exact requirements,' Brian added
'The modular lifting beam system we supplied was therefore also a cost effective alternative to designing and fabricating a beam exclusively for this one-off job.'
The modification of the drilling rig has recently been completed and Lifting Gear Hire ensured it was carefully re-loaded in mirror-image fashion back onto the boat to be taken to its final destination in the Middle East.
'This is the first time we have used Lifting Gear Hire and we were impressed with their cost effective solution to what was a difficult lifting job due to the value of this particular load,' said Rodger Lewin, Managing Director, Great Yarmouth Stevedoring.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE SAILS NEW HEIGHTS
 Lifting Gear Hire, global providers of lifting equipment for hire, sale and service, supplied their flexible modular lifting beam system to Schenkers Fair and Exhibitions UK, an exhibition freight forwarding and onsite handling company, when they needed to lift a boat worth £2.5 million pounds.
The 82 foot, 62 tonne, Sunseeker boat, normally admired cruising round the South of France, was to be exhibited at the one of the world's largest international boat shows. Its sheer size means it cannot be transported by road and had therefore previously not been exhibited.
This year, however, the Schroders London International Boat Show had moved to the Excel Exhibition Centre, whose dockland location meant that, for the first time, delegates would be able to admire these larger, more impressive boats on dry land.
'The Sunseeker was just one of 16 prestigious boats, ranging in abnormal size and load, which needed to be installed this way,' explained Rob Langford, LGH Branch Manager, Dudley.
'Instead of designing and fabricating one-off expensive beams to meet each boat's lifting requirments, we advised Schenkers to hire one of our modular lifting beam systems because it could be easily assembled to lift each boat's different combination of load weight and length.'
The boats sailed up the Thames and were carefully lifted out of the dock onto a transporter using Lifting Gear Hire equipment, which was suspended on a 400t crane, taken to the hall and lifted onto their show stand.
'We have developed an excellent relationship with Lifting Gear Hire as we know we can always rely on them to provide us with the right equipment for our lifting requirements,' said Nigel Foster, Schenkers Fair and Exhibitions.
Since debuting at the exhibition the Sunseeker has been lifted to prestigious new heights having been purchased by Nigel Mansell.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE'S TESTING TIME FOR UNMANNED AIR VEHICLES
 Lifting
Gear Hire, global providers of lifting equipment for hire, sale and service, assisted
Thales UK, Britain's second largest defence contractor, with the testing and certification
required to suspend unmanned air vehicles over their stands at trade shows.
The Watchkeeper 180 and the Watchkeeper 450 are pilotless air vehicles used for
intelligence gathering, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance purposes. Large-scale
models of the aircraft are used for displays at exhibitions in support of the
Thales bid for the MoD's £800m Watchkeeper programme. The models are 120kg
and 250kg respectively.
The Crawley branch of Lifting Gear Hire provided the expertise and installed
the necessary lifting system needed to load test whether the aircraft would be
safe for suspending at exhibitions.
Testing of the aircraft was not only obligatory under Lifting Operations and
Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) but also guaranteed the safety of delegates
visiting the stand.
Thales UK wanted to be able to hang the aircraft safely from the roofing anchor
points at exhibitions and asked Lifting Gear Hire to test and issue certification
of the planes' lifting suspension points,' said Paul Bishop, Lifting Gear Hire's
Crawley Branch Manager.
Although the load was lightweight it required the same diligent regard for
safety and accuracy as a 100ton lift. Lifting Gear Hire therefore erected a gantry
system with a capacity to lift to within a ±1% degree of accuracy so as
to proficiently test the safe working load of each plane's suspension point.
The testing and certification of each aircraft took only three and a half hours
to complete. Both planes have since been displayed on exhibition stands for Thales
and admired safely by delegates from all over the world.
LGH MEGALIFT WORK THE LOCKS UNDER MANCHESTER
CITY CENTRE
 LGH
Megalift has recently assisted British Waterways with its maintenance programme
on the newly-restored Rochdale Canal.
LGH Megalift, innovative solutions providers for the movement and lifting of
plant equipment, supplied their hydraulic gantry systems to replace several worn-out
lock gates.
Since reopening the canal in July 2002 to leisure craft, British Waterways,
which successfully manages 2,000 miles of inland waterways in England, Scotland
and Wales, has undertaken a multi-million pound programme of upgrading and replacing
equipment and infrastructure.
Lock 81, which runs under Manchester's famous Gay Village, comprised four 35-year-old
wooden gates. Waterways engineers estimated they were some of the oldest still
in use on the entire UK network.
However they could not be replaced because of the restricted clearance created
when an office block was built above the locks in the 1960s. This meant it was
impossible to use conventional cranes because the limited headroom restricted
use of an elevated gantry system.
Instead LGH Megalift devised a low cost solution by installing a Minilift system.
This comprised four lightweight cylinders, which are 1.9m at closed height and
can extend electronically to 4.9 metres, and 2 x 7 metre beams. These were used
to create two lifting systems positioned centrally, and in parallel, over the
front and back gates.
The cylinders were floated, on a barge, into the lock and then manhandled into
position either side of the two gates. One of the beams was then lifted onto a
barge using a crane and also floated into the lock. The lock was then filled with
water so that the boat rose to the required level needed to raise the beam onto
each of the cylinders at the back gate and create a flexible gantry system. This
was then repeated for the front gates.
The front lifting gate, which weighed 4 tonnes, was then lifted clear of its
supporting 'Gimbals' hinge by using a 5 tonne chain block, which was attached
to the beam and the gate, and the cylinders extended to a height of 3.5 metres.
A 5 tonne girder trolley, which was also attached to the beam, was used to track
the gate into the middle of the canal and which was then rotated through 90 degrees
vertical.
The rear Minilift system was attached to the base of the gate using 2 x 5 tonne
chain blocks. The cylinders of the rear system were then extended whilst the front
cylinders were simultaneously lowered, forcing the gate to rotate into a horizontal
position.
A barge was then floated underneath the gate and both Minilift systems were
completely retracted. With the gate lowered onto the barge it was detached from
the system and floated out of the lock.
This was repeated for the back gate and the replacement gates were installed
using the same method but in reverse.
As the whole procedure did not involve further disruption such as digging up
the road or draining of the canal it therefore also alleviated any local disruption
to residents and businesses.
The LGH Minilift system proved so effective that British Waterways, who had
previously not worked with LGH Megalift, have continued to use the equipment in
Manchester City Centre to replace a further six pairs of lock gates.
LETI CHANGES NAME TO LGH TRAINING &
LAUNCHES ONLINE TRAINING RECORDS
 LGH
Training, a lifting equipment training organisation and subsidiary of LGH Group
plc, has changed its name from the Lifting Equipment Training Initiative, (LETI),
in order to consolidate the identities of the Groups' core businesses in line
with the LGH brand and enable enhanced synergies across all divisions.
''Puts Safety First' is our Group's ethos and this is reflected in all of our
businesses including LGH Training which has all the expertise and experience you
would expect from a dedicated training organisation,' explained Wilfred Manjengwa,
Manager, LGH Training.
'With our new name comes a renewed commitment to providing the best in training
to our customers and as such we have launched an online service offering customers
real-time access to training records over the Internet,' Wilfred continued.
Free of charge, this new service is designed to make the management of refresher
training needs of staff a much simpler operation. This is achieved by allowing
customers of LGH Training to view the training records of their staff quickly
and easily over the internet 24 hours a day.
Such a service is likely to benefit many organisations in the management of
training of their employees and the organisation of training records. One particular
feature of the system is its ability to flag when an individual is due to be retrained.
Many organisations are aware of the need for refresher training but struggle keeping
track of who needs training and at what intervals.
New developments in legislation, changes in job descriptions or working practices,
new equipment or new employees are all situations where re-training or refresher
training should be explored. As such, training bodies such as the CITB and EMTA
recommend refresher training be carried out every five years. Anyone who has not
been trained since LOLER and PUWER were introduced in December 1998 are likely
to need retraining in order to be compliant with these regulations.
Viewed via any web browser application, the service gives full details of all
training records of all the individuals in the company's organisation who have
received training in lifting equipment courses from LGH Training.
'We expect that this service will prove invaluable to our customers. It allows
managers to ensure they are legally compliant by highlighting any requirements
for retraining and refresher training of their staff,' added Wilfred Manjengwa.
For more information visit www.lgh.co.uk/training
A TESTING TIME FOR LGH MEGALIFT
 LGH
Megalift, innovative solution providers for the movement and lifting of plant
equipment using hydraulic gantry systems, recently worked with PES UK Ltd, suppliers
and installers of machinery mounting, test & workholding equipment, when they
needed to install and proof test a 125 tonne 'Stolle Gmbh' manufactured cast iron
Test Bed. The installation took place at the Health & Safety Laboratory's
new test facility, currently under construction at Buxton, Derbyshire.
The Test Bed, which is used to examine equipment, needed to be installed in
segments into the pit. The segments are awkward to position as each one has to
be lowered onto multiple reaction anchors and therefore high positional accuracy
was required.
PES could have used a crane to offload each segment outside the building. Skates
and winches could have been used to pull them to the pit, which would have to
be fitted with timber and support equipment. Jacks would then be used to lower
the segment into the pit whilst removing the supporting structure.
This would have been time consuming, and therefore costly. PES was also concerned
that this method could not guarantee sufficient control.
Instead LGH Megalift used their 4100 system, which comprised of tracking, 4
x 25 tonne cylinders and 2 x 8 metre beams. Each segment was still offloaded outside
the building but the Megalift system was used to track each one into the building
and lower them into the pit.
Once installed the Test Bed needed to be commissioned by carrying out tests
using components of up to 16 tonnes. These would normally have been positioned
upon the test bed using the overhead crane, but this was also being commissioned
and was not available for use.
LGH Megalift provided PES with their Minilift system, which, due to its small
size, unit weight and lifting capacity, offered a viable alternative to the overhead
crane. The other option would have been to purchase a custom-made gantry but this
would have been too expensive and time consuming. The Minilift system comprised
of 2 x 10 tonne cylinders. There was no need to lay tracking as the cylinders
are self propelled and its size meant there was minimal obstruction to the on-going
operation.
LGH MEGALIFT'S NERVES OF STEEL
 LGH
Megalift, innovative solution providers for the movement and lifting of plant
equipment using hydraulic gantry systems, responded to an emergency call from
specialist engineering firm Vacmetal (UK) Limited who were repairing a vacuum
degassing unit machine at the Corus Steel Plant, Port Talbot, South Wales.
The vacuum degasser primarily consists of a large rectangular platform situated
8 metres above ground level and is attached to the main building structure by
two rocker arms. The arms lift the platform, which weighs 250 tonnes, up and down
using a powerful hydraulic cylinder. The bearings in one of the platform stabilising
arms needed to be replaced without the platform rotating about its main support
bearings and therefore additional support was needed.
A load bearing scaffolding structure could have been erected to support this
reactive weight of 40 - 50 tonnes but this could have taken up to two weeks to
build and dismantle and the factory could not afford this production down time.
Having seen LGH Megalift before at Port Talbot, Vacmetal called upon their
lifting expertise. In just 2 days LGH Megalift devised and implemented a cost
effective solution, which allowed the bearings to be replaced during a scheduled
production outage.
Three Megalift jacks were assembled directly under the corner opposite the
stabilising arm and clamped to the structure and the weight transferred from the
arms. The cylinders then lifted the whole structure 0.4 metres allowing the bearings
to be replaced with minimum disruption.
Although two rams would have been capable of supporting the structure, LGH
Megalift decided to take the precaution of using three so as to ensure that the
load would remain intact in the unlikely event of one of the rams failing.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON LIFTING REGULATIONS
 Dedicated
to helping its customers with guidance and support in all areas of safety, Lifting
Gear Hire has produced a pocket guide to the main Lifting Equipment and Lifting
Operation legislation.
The guide from Lifting Gear Hire covers the Lifting Operations and Lifting
Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations (PUWER) 1998. These two pieces of legislation cover the majority of
lifting equipment and lifting operations, and as such have widespread impact on
all aspects of industry.
Despite being over five years old, the regulations remain poorly understood
in many areas of industry. The regulations are wide reaching covering all aspects
of Lifting Equipment, and as such, it is imperative that any individuals involved
in lifting of any sort should understand the implications of the regulations and
how they affect them.
Having identified that many businesses were struggling to understand the depth
of the legislation and how it impacted upon their particular work situation, Lifting
Gear Hire has developed a guide to the LOLER & PUWER regulations. The guide
explains the key elements of the legislation and details what the safety implications
are for those working with lifting equipment or performing lifting operations.
Paul Fulcher, Lifting Gear Hire Operations Director commented, "Safety
is our number one concern at Lifting Gear Hire. Because of this we felt it was
essential to have a concise, easily-understood guide to the LOLER/PUWER regulations
to offer to our customers. The Lifting Gear Hire guide cuts through the confusion
surrounding the legislation, and details exactly what the legislation means for
the readers own situation of work."
With the advent of corporate manslaughter, the need to understand the regulations
becomes even greater. The Lifting Gear Hire LOLER/PUWER Guide is a key part in
ensuring that you are operating within the law.
Paul Fulcher continued, "It is important that anyone working with Lifting
Equipment gains an understanding of the depth and reach of the legislation. The
regulations cover a wide range of areas, from the maintenance schedules of different
types of equipment, through to who is allowed to perform inspections on equipment,
to details on safe methods for performing lifting operations."
For a free copy of the Guide, please contact Lifting Gear Hire on 0870 607
7070.
LGH MEGALIFT - SEVERN ROAD BRIDGE /
HAYES ENGINEERING
 LGH
MEGALIFT were up against the clock when they assisted in the refurbishment of
part of the Severn Motorway bridge near Bristol.
Working for main contractor Hayes Engineering of Cardiff, LGH MEGALIFT used
their jacking system to lift and remove the access cradle slung underneath the
bridge. The MEGALIFT team had to work quickly as a high tide was due which would
breach the site defences and potentially submerge the MEGALIFT system under water.
Installed on rails that run along the full length of the bridge, the cradle
hangs from a number of wheeled trolleys that sit on the rails.
After a thorough engineering study, the LGH MEGALIFT team began the procedure
to lift the cradle free from the rails to allow the trolleys to be removed. This
was necessary to give the required clearance to lower the cradle back to ground
level.
The trolleys were removed and taken to a factory for overhaul, whilst the cradle
frame was refurbished in situ.
Once everything has been completed, the MEGALIFT will reverse the operation
to re-install the cradle under the bridge.
Speed became a factor during the operation when we were informed that a High Tide
was due and this would breach the defences on site and possibly submerge the MEGALIFT
under water. Racing against the clock we managed to complete our part of the operation
and withdraw from site before the water levels rose.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE
TAKE THE STRAIN AT ST. PANCRAS
Lifting Gear Hire were recently involved in moving a nine metre
tall Victorian waterpoint at St Pancras Train Station, London,
to make way for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
 Contractor
Jim Parkinson Ltd, needed to hire a range of lifting equipment
to be used in conjunction with his own equipment and mobile craneage,
to ensure that the historic building was lifted safely and without
damage. Utilizing the LGH Group's strength, a large modular spreader
beam, lifting beams, and ancillary equipment were provided on
hire, to carry out this heavy but delicate lifting operation.
Due to the nature of the waterpoint's new site and the presence
of services on the roads in between, main contractor Abbey Pynford
had sliced the building horizontally into three sections to allow
it to be moved safely. Using the equipment supplied by Lifting
Gear Hire, Jim Parkinson then lifted and tracked the two upper
sections, tottaling 238t, 700m northwards to the new site.
Lifting Gear Hire were first choice for Jim Parkinson as no other
lifting equipment supplier could deliver the range and depth of
equipment available from Lifting Gear Hire. Supplying equipment
for unusual lifting operations is just part of the expertise available
to customers of Lifting Gear Hire. With over 30 years of experience
in all aspects of lifting, Lifting Gear Hire can rise to the toughest
challenge.
LIFTING GEAR HIRE SIGN
DEAL WITH LAING
Lifting Gear Hire (LGH), the world leading lifting gear company,
has won a major accolade for its services in reaching a partnership
agreement with top UK construction company Laing Limited.
It is Laing's sole agreement with a lifting gear company and
means LGH will supply equipment to all their sites throughout
the country.
Initially for two-years, the deal is expected to deliver substantial
benefits for both companies, significantly increasing LGH's business
with the construction company while also providing a streamlined
service and fixed prices for Laing.
New channels of communication and tailored accounting systems
will be established, with strict damage and 'lost on site' procedures
also implemented. LGH will regularly monitor the equipment on
site in line with its safety first policy.
 Carol
Slane, LGH National Sales Manager, who negotiated with Laing said:
"We are delighted to reach this agreement with a company
of Laing's stature. We regard it as a tribute to Lifting Gear
Hire's clear commitment to the quality of equipment and service
combined with our stringent safety checks and procedures."
"It will reduce costs for Laing and put in place clear channels
of communication which should solve problems quickly and effectively,
almost before they arise."
The agreement comes as Laing aims to continually improve relationships
with suppliers and work in partnership for mutual benefits.
Sean Feeney, Laing Ltd National Plant Manager, said, "As
with all partnership agreements the emphasis is on quality, commitment
and efficiency. Overall, we are seeking to introduce benefits
and contribute a real difference to our business."
LIFTING GEAR HIRE BRIDGE
THE GAP
A number of Lifting Gear Hire branches have recently been giving
a big lift to three Millenium Bridge Projects around the country.
The branches have supplied equipment to the Newcastle, Stockton
and York bridges, with the Grimsby, Tyneside and Teesside branches
of the lifting gear specialists involved in the jobs.
 Commenting
upon the Newcastle Bridge, Steve Marshall, Agent for Harbour and
General Works Ltd said, "We would not have achieved such
a high tolerance in the final positioning of the bridge super-structure
had it not been for the LGH equipment we used."
Paul Stephenson, Agent for Birse, was also thrilled with the
service provided to the company during the Stockton Millennium
Bridge, commenting, "The service has been both professional
and cost effective throughout this contract." Paul had no
hesitation in recommending Lifting Gear Hire to URSSA, the Spanish
sub-contractor enlisted to perform the bridge fabrication, who
were also very satisfied with the service given by the Lifting
Gear Hire branches.
The contractors hired a variety of equipment from the LGH branches
including, Tirfors, rams and pumps, chain blocks, pull lifts,
shackles, wires and web slings.
Ron Armstrong, Lifting Gear Hire Commercial Manager said, "At
Lifting Gear Hire we are very proud to be involved with such blue-chip
projects, and even more delighted to be able to offer such high
service levels to our customers."
Lifting Gear Hire, part of LGH Group plc, have 34 branches nationwide,
offering a comprehensive range of over 65,000 items of lifting,
pulling, jacking, access and safety equipment for hire, all maintained
to the highest standards and backed by LGH's commitment to quality
and safety.
LGE SOLVES CHEMICAL HANDLING
PROBLEM AT BRIGHTON POOL
Lifting Gear Engineering provided a tailor made solution when
Brighton & Hove Council wanted to improve the handling of
water treatment chemicals at the Brighton's Prince Regent Street
swimming pool.
The pool staff had manually handled the 25kg containers of potentially
dangerous chemicals until LGE devised a method of conveying the
containers from the delivery point to the storage unit safely
and efficiently.
 Following
a successful tender LGE's design and fabrication team constructed
a one tonne, power slew, free standing swing jib with a 3m radius.
The jib was designed to stand 8m high because extra height was
needed to accommodate being mounted at the bottom of a small pit.
From initial site inspection to design and installation the project
was completed within two weeks.
Also, as part of the LGH Group plc - the world leading supplier
of lifting gear services - LGE provided the necessary training
for jib operatives through LGH Customer Training, which carries
out intensive training programmes in all aspects of lifting gear
equipment in accordance with LOLER and PUWER regulations.
Nigel West, LGE sales executive, said: "LGE specialises
in resolving customer lifting problems. We work closely with all
our customers to establish their needs and blend our expertise
and knowledge to provide a tailored service. At Brighton we were
able to not only design and install the equipment but also provide
onsite training for the pool personnel through LGH Training, which
is dedicated to the safe handling and usage of all lifting gear."
LGH TREATMENT CURES PROBLEM
FOR VET COLLEGE
Lifting Gear Engineering prescribed the remedy when Cambridge
University's Department of Veterinary Medicine faced a problem
with a new building being constructed to house post-mortem work.
A runway system was needed to solve the anticipated difficulty
of moving animal bodies in and out of refrigeration when the height
of the building was limited by council regulations and manoeuvring
would be further hampered by several doorways and corners.
Originally,
a runway system was designed with five beam sections and six electric
hoists. However, after being brought in by consulting engineers
Hannah Reed & Associates, LGE personnel at Erith, Kent, devised
a system for the building which reduced the number of hoists to
two, with a main hoist and a secondary back-up hoist.
LGE then liased closely with the contractor, R G Carter of Thetford,
to ensure the runway would 'run true' when the building was completed.
The final electric pow ered 30 metres runway includes two turntables
and has a safe working load of two tonnes. This system substantially
cut the initial installation costs and also means ongoing costs
for maintenance and testing will also be considerably reduced.
Nigel West, LGE sales executive, said: " At Lifting Gear
Engineering we design tailored solutions to lifting problems.
While this project was unusual it illustrates the way in which
we tackle every lifting challenge, using our extensive lifting
experience and expertise to provide a safe and cost effective
solution."
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