April 30 - In response to global demand for professionally trained riggers and lifting managers, Modulift has launched a training division to provide expert advice and instruction to the lifting industry and companies operating a lifting division.

As safety standards improve around the world, companies are increasingly aware that they need to comply with health and safety regulations outlined in LOLER '98 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation). This requires that lifting equipment operators must be fully trained in the use of the lifting equipment they use.

Modulift chairman and head of training Nick Latham explains: "We are delighted that Modulift is able to offer such services to ensure that firms are lifting in a safe, effective and legitimate manner. We can provide training to suit a variety of different levels of personnel, from riggers to supervisors and senior management. To enable us to be able to cover a wide range of training requirements, Modulift has devised a series of courses covering a variety of lifting equipment, including our own modular spreader systems. Custom training courses are also available to suit the most specific of requirements. While LOLER training is used in the UK and is being adopted as the preferred standard worldwide, we are happy to train to any standards that are country or continent-specific."

All training courses, from User and Application to Lifting and Rigging courses aim to ensure both experienced and inexperienced trainees gain a thorough understanding of products, uses and applications.

One such company that felt that Modulift could meet their training requirements is The Jordan Oil Shale Company (JOSCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc. The significant "hands-on" practical content of the four-day Lifting and Rigging Practical Training course was deemed ideal for the 30 JOSCO trainees. Daniel Hooft, head of Drilling and Logistics at JOSCO says "Lifting and Hoisting is recognised as one of the highest risk areas in our industry, and one of the greatest causes of incidents that hurt people or damage assets. We wanted to address this seriously from the start of our brand-new operation, so that a culture of safe and thoughtful work is instilled in our staff from day one."

Existing JOSCO projects were integrated with the training program, as were Shell lifting procedures. Trainees came away from the course at JOSCO headquarters in Amman, Jordan with extensive knowledge of lifting and rigging procedures, including legislation, lifting accessories and lifting planning. "The training is a very good mix of theoretical and practical," continues Daniel. "The quality of our goods handling and our awareness of lifting and hoisting issues and opportunities has significantly improved due to this training."