Institution news
Sean will be presenting at the Crane Safety 2024 technical event on 15 October 2024 at One Birdcage Walk; for full agenda and to book, please visit the event website.
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to the Lifting and Crane industry and this event?
Sean Robinson (SR): As Technical Manager for HSB, I specialize in both mechanical engineering and lifting equipment. I provide technical support and advice for our Engineer Surveyors and clients relating to lifting equipment, in particular mobile cranes and compliance to Regulation 9 of LOLER. HSB are members of SAFed and I also volunteer as Chairman for SAFed TC2, This involves regularly meeting representatives from other inspection bodies with the aim of providing technical guidance for the industry to ensure consistency and transparency.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
SR: In my opinion, the biggest are roadblocks for the industry are understanding of the duty holder’s / user’s / owner’s responsibility and the requirement of thorough examination, maintenance and inspection of lifting equipment. As a technical lead for supporting the field team I am often made aware of serious defects which should have been identified prior to use of the lifting equipment.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
SR: I am looking forward to discussing the importance of competence as well as improving safety and reducing risk throughout the industry.
What would you say are the areas of innovation across the UK lifting and crane industry?
SR: Using technology to support and supplement thorough examinations by offering a more comprehensive and reliable outcome, in particular Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT).
When applied to ropes, this offers the potential to establish a baseline to track deterioration, broken wires, corrosion and wear. The outcome of the MRT will improve safety of those working with the lifting equipment whilst also enabling decisions of rope replacement based on data.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
SR: I am looking forward to the whole event and understanding how other industry experts are reducing risk and ensuring compliance whilst using their technical expertise.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
SR: This conference offers expert information and advice on a wide range of aspects for crane safety; enabling a comprehensive understanding for all who are involved in lifting operations. The event offers attendees a beneficial insight into the industry, the opportunity to obtain the latest information relating to crane safety, and to learn from successes and challenges.
This year's Crane Safety technical event will return to One Birdcage Walk on 15 October 2024
Now in its eighth iteration, the event addresses the key challenges of safety, risk and compliance to inform and support all those involved in lifting projects.
Join to meet and hear from Health & Safety Executive, Liftra, Align JV, Metswift, Mamoet, Sir Robert McAlpine, Terex Cranes, and more; for the full agenda and to book your place please visit the event website.
Plus: access all the presentations at the co-located Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction event, taking place at the same time. Bring your colleagues and maximise the learning and networking at our technical events.