Proof load testing

Ashdale Engineering provide traceable test certification for a full range of lifting and load bearing equipment. We are pleased to offer these services to a wide range of public attractions, establishments and private enterprise across the UK.

Where no original manufacturer's certification is available, where deterioration appears to have taken place, or where substantial repairs have been carried out or the equipment has been involved in a major incident.

The equipment should be reassessed by means of a proof load test to confirm continuing serviceability.

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require lifting and load bearing equipment to be proved fit for purpose before being put into service.

Case study: Ashdale Engineering's load testing services at Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset, U.K.

Wookey Hole Caves is a major tourist attraction in South-West England, drawing thousands of visitors each year and is equipped with underground walkways to allow pedestrian access to its caves.

The walkways are steel structures built by mining engineers around 30 years previously. As no original design details were available, we carried out a structural design verification and load test to ensure the walkway conformed to the current safety standards.

The testing was carried out overnight to ensure no inconvenience to the attraction’s operators or disruption for their customers.

This is often the most cost-effective method in ensuring a device is capable of handling its required capacity and thus its continued safe operation.