The word scaffolding can be used to describe a wide variety of systems, ranging from heavy-duty construction-oriented tube and clamp, which can go up to any height around tall buildings, to lightweight aluminium towers, that one can purchase from a DIY store for modest amounts of money.
LOBO Systems Ltd uses the word scaffolding to describe their product, but further qualification is stated in the product catalogue, to define its intended use and applications. It’s a work platform system.
It is the intended and stated use of a product that defines the classification and ultimately compliancy standard, including the training and associated safety procedures.
The LOBO Advanced Platform System is a modular product, assembled without the need for any tools. It has been designed and developed by LOBO Systems Ltd. Importantly, the intended use is as “an industrial maintenance tool that can easily be customised to industrial requirements to provide a bespoke system.”
LOBO Systems has also determined that the system is a portable and mobile scaffold tower system, which means that BS EN1004 is the most appropriate standard to comply to. BS EN1004 looks at the design of mobile scaffolds and tower scaffolds made of prefabricated parts. This standard includes practical guidelines that should be followed to choose the main dimensions and stabilising methods. It also discusses safety and performance requirements and shares additional information on complete towers. BS EN1004 also covers various topics to ensure occupational safety. The standard looks at the classification and designation of scaffolding components and materials and outlines the requirements for structural designs. Other topics include marking, tests and assessments and it is a European Standard.
Training USA
By attending LOBO Systems training and passing the examination, LOBO Systems certifies that the individual is an OSHA scaffolding competent person with the LOBO System.
LOBO complies to OSHA CFR 29 1926 450-454 & subpart L, specifically:
OSHA CFR 29 1926.451(f) (7)
OSHA CFR 29 1926.454 (b)
OSHA CFR 29 1926. 451 (f) (3)
OSHA CFR 29 1926.451 (e) (9)
OSHA CFR 29 1926.451 (g) (2)
In November 2016 revisions to OSHA’s General Industry Walking and Working Surfaces Standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart D) was finalized. Several revisions were made including the removal of all existing General Industry scaffolding requirements. Employers are now required to comply with the construction industry standards in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L. This is codified under 29 CFR 1910.27(a).
In order to comply all platforms shall be erected, modified and dismantled only by a competent LOBO trained & certified person.
Erection, use, maintenance and disassembly must conform to current manufacturer’s instructions as well as federal, state, provincial and local regulations. All this is covered in the LOBO certified training course.
The LOBO design includes a unique and patented clamp which pre-sets the load-bearing tube position, thereby significantly reducing the skill required to assemble it.
As there is no other system which can utilise these patented clamps, no other training course, other than an authorised LOBO training course, is appropriate or required.
On that basis, the company is guided by the training required for other systems which also comply with the BSEN 2004 standard, i.e., Aluminium Towers.
From a UK perspective, PASMA was an alternative training provider for products which complied with the standard, however, LOBO determined that while this was a suitable course for aluminium tower systems, it wasn’t appropriate for the LOBO System.
LOBO Systems Ltd has developed a unique and tailored course for its customers which has been updated many times over the years to keep in line with changes in safety and best practices. At each sale, a training course, onsite or online, is highly recommended. Also ongoing refresher training every two years is recommended to ensure safety standards are optimised and any new products are introduced. LOBO competency cards are only issued to LOBO Systems trained personnel who successfully complete the end of course competency assessment exam.
Under certain circumstances, LOBO offers a Train the Trainer course to qualified or experienced instructors. This allows large organisations to make their training arrangements and benefit from internal resources.
Tube and clip, or traditional, scaffolding is a heavyweight product where extensive training is required. The LOBO System has a portable and mobile design and uses welded in position clamps, effectively removing the need for this extensive training.
The LOBO System training should be treated in the same way as the compliancy training for an aluminium tower system.
The LOBO training course creates a proven safe method of assembly and the Train the Trainer course provides customers with an independent way of offering their tailor-made courses, meeting different requirements, as each country has a unique way of dealing with scaffolding requirements.
The LOBO training test assesses the knowledge gained on the course and there is a record of failing delegates if they do not meet the required standard. On this basis, the LOBO System has an excellent track record of minimising accidents.
In the UK, USA, Canada and Australia the LOBO Systems training course has been specifically designed and developed to give a more appropriate training for the product, than any other training program.
No other training on the system is required and LOBO has been successfully selling and training for 15 years.
Our customer base is vast, and the training and compliances have been accepted in the UK, USA Canada, Israel France, Spain, the Middle East and Australia.
Below is a list of companies, in these countries, who have all received and accepted the LOBO training course as meeting health and safety requirements and adhering or surpassing to current legislation requirements; enabling them to inspect, safely assemble and use the LOBO system: Tesla, Nissan GM, Amazon, Boeing, Airbus, NASA, Rolls Royce, GE Aviation, Nestle, General Dynamics, Anheuser Busch, GKN, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Heinz, Kellogg’s, London Underground, Valero Oil, British Airways & Bombardier, Wall-Mart and Marks & Spencer.
This list is a fragment of the full LOBO Systems customer base.
In addition, LOBO Systems can offer tailored training to resolve variations in applications and local usage to meet specific requirements.