Call for stronger compliance

THE ALEM (Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers) represents UK manufacturers of loading bay and lifting equipment, including dock levellers, scissor lifts, and vehicle restraints. For decades, ALEM has worked closely with the UK Government, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the British Standards Institution (BSI), and other organisations to promote the highest standards of design, installation, and maintenance safety.

As new UK and European standards emerge, ALEM is calling for continued vigilance across the industry to ensure equipment supplied to the market remains fully compliant, safe, and fit for purpose. In a landscape where substandard imports and inconsistent enforcement pose real risks, ALEM stresses that compliance is not optional — it is fundamental to protecting users, maintaining confidence, and preserving the reputation of responsible UK businesses operating in this industry.

The association plays a vital role in reviewing and interpreting changes to key standards that govern the design and performance of loading and elevating equipment. This proactive involvement ensures that manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and maintenance professionals remain informed and aligned with current legislation.

EN1570-1:2024 – Safety requirements for lifting tables

In April 2025, ALEM held a roundtable session for members to review key sections of the revised EN1570-1:2024 standard, Safety requirements for lifting tables – lifting tables serving up to two fixed landings. The discussion focused on the main changes and their implications for manufacturers and installers. From 16th March 2026, only EN1570-1:2024 will offer a presumption of conformity, making it essential that members fully understand the revisions and how they affect product design, testing, and documentation.

ALEM continues to represent members’ interests during these technical discussions to ensure that revisions are practical, enforceable, and reflect real-world applications. Maintaining alignment between UK regulations and European standards remains a priority, given the importance of cross-border trade and consistency in safety performance.

EN1398:2009 – Dock leveller safety requirements

ALEM’s Dock Leveller Working Group is currently reviewing EN1398:2009 and compiling detailed comments on the proposed revisions to the standard. These will be presented to the CEN TC98/WG5 committee for consideration at its next meeting in November 2025.

ALEM’s contribution to this process ensures that any changes account for real-life use conditions, installation practices, and service requirements. Dock levellers are critical to the safe interface between vehicles and buildings, and ensuring their design and operation meet consistent safety standards is fundamental to preventing accidents and maintaining operational reliability.

ALEM/DHF Level 2 Award in Dock Leveller Safety

Delivered by the DHF in association with ALEM, this one-day theory-based course provides an understanding of the legislation, standards, and regulations governing the supply, installation, repair, and maintenance of dock levellers. It also outlines the essential documentation that must be provided to the end user and retained by the installer.

Delegates who successfully complete the course receive an Ofqual certificate from the awarding body ABBE. Discounts on course fees are available for both ALEM and DHF members. Full details are available on the ALEM website, and bookings can be made through the DHF website.

EU Machinery Regulation Conference

In November 2025, ALEM will host a conference providing members with a comprehensive update on the EU Machinery Regulation. The agenda will include:

• Progress of the editorial group drafting the new guidance document.
• Harmonised European standards and their transition timelines.
• Citation of standards in the Official Journal of the European Union under both the Machinery Directive and the new Regulation.

UK Equipment & Machinery Industry Forum (EMIF)

ALEM is an active member of the UK Equipment & Machinery Industry Forum (EMIF), established by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). The forum provides a platform for UK trade associations with an interest in machinery and related equipment to collaborate on:

• Forming common positions on UK legislative matters.
• Liaising directly with UK Government to advocate those positions.

Most recently, EMIF has been working with the Department for Business and Trade on the Call for Evidence relating to Machinery (Safety) Legislation. ALEM’s participation ensures that the specific needs of loading and elevating equipment manufacturers are represented at the highest policy level.

Members of ALEM are committed to full compliance with all relevant European Standards, the UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, and other applicable legislation. Membership is open to companies involved in the manufacture, supply, installation, or maintenance of lifting, loading, and elevating equipment. An Associate Membership option is also available for companies focused primarily on installation and maintenance services.

As a member of the British Materials Handling Federation (BMHF) and the UK national member of the European Federation of Materials Handling and Storage Equipment (FEM), ALEM plays an instrumental role in shaping and maintaining the standards that govern the sector. These include EN1570-1 and EN1570-2 for lift tables, and the Level 2 NVQ for loading bay equipment required for site access under the CSCS card scheme.

Through its involvement in both BMHF and FEM, ALEM ensures that its members stay informed of any changes to standards and legislation affecting the sector across Europe. One of ALEM’s core objectives is to raise awareness among manufacturers, installers, and end users of the regulations they must follow to remain compliant. Supported by the HSE, ALEM members are well placed to identify and counter the risks posed by non-compliant imports and equipment that fails to meet recognised safety standards.

For ALEM, compliance is not a bureaucratic exercise but the foundation of safety, reliability, and trust. The association continues to advocate for consistent enforcement of existing standards and greater awareness among end users about their responsibilities when purchasing or maintaining equipment.

By combining technical expertise, training, and active representation at UK and European levels, ALEM provides members with a clear framework for achieving compliance and protecting their customers. The association’s message is clear: maintaining standards protects not just people, but the reputation of the entire UK loading bay sector.

ALEM initiatives for 2026

Standards development

ALEM will continue consulting with members on revisions to EN1398 and contributing technical expertise to CEN TC98/WG5 meetings to shape future dock leveller safety standards.

Membership growth and awareness

Efforts will focus on increasing awareness of ALEM’s work, strengthening engagement across the supply chain, and promoting the benefits of membership.

Training and competence

In partnership with the DHF, ALEM will continue to promote accredited training to raise industry competence and ensure ongoing compliance at every stage of equipment supply and maintenance.

Collaboration and representation

Through active participation in EMIF and FEM, ALEM will continue to represent the UK’s voice in legislative and standardisation discussions across Europe.

ALEM members remain united in their commitment to supplying compliant, high-quality products that safeguard users and strengthen confidence in UK manufacturing.