www.otc-group.co.uk

The challenge?

Health and Safety compliance is a core element of the business. All lifting equipment must comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).

Example

OTC client, EDF Energy has a range of equipment such as shackles, slings and chains. OTC is required to inspect this equipment at regular intervals, which means that individual items must be identified in such a way that users are assured that they are safe to operate.

The Ritchey ID solution?

Ritchey ID has supplied a barcode tagging system that is used for equipment marking and maintenance. A series of pre-printed coloured cable ties, tie tags and small flags carrying written information are also delivered to order.

User comments

OTC’s Andy Woodward says the firm used colour-coded paint before the Ritchey ID tags were introduced in 2006. However the previous system had some serious drawbacks, he points out.

“The main advantage of using colour coded tags is that they carry information
on date of inspection. The colour coded paint worked well up to a point, but it was possible that equipment that hadn’t been used for three years, for example, could have inadvertently gone back into use. This situation could potentially pose a serious risk for the operator.”

“Obviously the plastic tags are more expensive than colour-coding with paint, but we feel the extra investment is worthwhile, especially when you consider the implications of running a business that is not fully compliant with current legislation.”
 

Olympia Test & Crane (OTC) – provides an equipment inspection service for utility companies throughout the UK.