Why is it important?
Although often viewed as a thorn in the side, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations – or LOLER – checks can be employed as a really useful tool. Not only are they a legal requirement, but they will also keep your insurers on the right side too.
In the event of an accident, businesses that have their equipment inspected regularly and keep documentation to prove its work-worthiness are more likely to avoid the cost and misery of fines and possible prosecution. There is also the danger that without proof of a machine’s safety, insurance policies may be invalidated.
What is LOLER 1998?
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). LOLER defines a lifting operation as ‘an operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a load’. A ‘load’ is the item or items being lifted, which includes a person or people.
What does the law say?
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require “all employers to assess the risks to employees and any others who may be affected by their undertaking, to enable them to identify measures necessary to comply with their duties under health & safety law”. Employers and the self-employed have a responsibility under LOLER to ensure:
- Lifting equipment is fit for its purpose under conditions of use
- Machines are in a safe condition for work
- Machines are inspected at regular intervals by a competent person (not daily checks)
- Machines are strong and stable enough for the particular use
- Machines are marked to indicate safe working loads
- Machinery is used safely, i.e. the work is planned, organised and performed by competent people
- Machinery is subject to ongoing, thorough examination
What kit should we be examining?
- Front end loaders
- Forklift trucks
- Telescopic handlers
- Workshop hoists and rope hoists
- Workshop lifting equipment – bottle jacks, etc
- Cranes on machines (eg fertiliser spreaders or lorry cranes)
When do I need to LOLER test?
Every 12 months unless the lifting equipment is being used to lift people, in which case the equipment (which includes forklift working platforms) must be examined every six months.
Who completes a LOLER inspection?
Lifting equipment is required to be thoroughly examined to comply with LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998, by an approved engineer – a competent person.
Companies such as https://www.vulcaninspectionservices.co.uk/ complete a LOLER test.
Why do we inspect for LOLER?
The rules aim to reduce risks to people’s health and safety from lifting equipment provided for use at work. In addition to the requirements of LOLER, lifting equipment is subject to the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
