We believe best practice is everyday action.
LEEA Australia & New Zealand promotes enhanced standards and sustainable development for the worldwide lifting and safety industry.
LEEA began in 1944, as the London Chain Testers Association. Over the next 75 years, we evolved to become the Peak Body for the Lifting Equipment industry we are today. LEEA was established in Australia in 2009, with a number of members joining the association as a way to demonstrate their specialist skills in the testing, inspection and certification of lifting equipment. As a specialised industry, our members needed to differentiate themselves as industry leaders and LEEA’s stringent auditing and training process is by far the best opportunity to ensure technicians are competent.
Since then LEEA in Australia and New Zealand represents nearly 100 members and is a highly regarded representative body for the industry.
A vision-driven approach
Member focused
Everything we do must be aimed at improving the position of our members.
Outward facing
We will build relationships with the sectors in which our members work.
Forward looking
We will look to the future and develop solutions which ensure that our employers stay ahead of the curve.
Insight sharing
We will share our work and insights with our members.
Excellence seeking
At all times we must aim to be excellent.
From London Chain Testers Association to LEEA Australia
1944
London Chain Testers Association founded
The Association made quick progress on negotiations with the government and soon turned their attention to other areas where cooperative action would be mutually beneficial.
1946
Name change
As the Association’s geographical boundaries expanded across the UK, there was a name change to the Chain Testers Association of Great Britain.
1946
The Chain Testers’ Handbook was published
The Chain Testers’ Handbook brought together for the first time all the essential information required by the ‘man at the bench’ – the chain tester.
1959
Examination scheme introduced
An examination scheme for lifting equipment engineers was introduced.
1981
COPSULE launches
The Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment (COPSULE) was launched.
1983
Training courses first introduced
Training courses were introduced to prepare students for exams that are today sat by more than a thousand candidates around the world each year.
1988
LOLER legislation impacts LEEA
A new piece of legislation, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), had a huge impact and meant LEEA’s training, qualifications and publications had to be fundamentally reworked.
LEEA’s support and guidance became even more important to members obliged to comply with the new requirements. In the absence of sector-specific health and safety legislation, many companies operating in other parts of the world began to adopt LOLER as best practice, further enhancing the appeal of LEEA membership.
2006
LiftEx
The LiftEx trade show was launched.
2007
Location change
LEEA moved into new headquarters with a purpose built training centre.
2009
TEAM Card scheme
TEAM Card registration and identity scheme for qualified engineers and technicians was introduced.
2010s
LEEA transforms into a truly international body
Perhaps the most striking is LEEA’s transformation into a truly international body. Regardless of where they are based, there is now no distinction between members – all are subject to the same technical audits prior to being granted full membership, with regular follow-up visits as long as they wish to remain part of the association.
We have dedicated local groups operating in the Middle East and Australia. LEEA staff have become globetrotters as we regularly meet existing and potential members, as well as a host of other stakeholders, right across the world.
2019
75th anniversary
2019 saw LEEA celebrate our 75th anniversary with a suite of initiatives as we look to the future and sustainability of our industry:
- Think Lifting Schools Engagement Programme
- The Apprenticeship Standard
- 75:75 Military Transition Scheme
- Enhancing the audit process and raising the bar of membership
- Conducting more training at members’ premises and online
- Set up of a technical triage system
- Launch of the 9th edition of the COPSULE
- Hosting more member events, including LEEA’s Parliamentary Reception
2021
Regional Council established
In 2021 LEEA Australia and New Zealand established their Regional Council. The Regional Council is there to support the Regional Manager manage the works plan for the region.
We’ve got an ambitious plan for the region and we thank the Regional Council for their contribution and our members for their support.
What’s next?
The future of LEEA
Check out our news and events page for the latest updates.