LOLER Inspection

LOLER focuses on the inherent risks tied to the use of lifting machinery. Central to the regulations are thorough checks and routine inspections.

A Simple Guide to Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)

For business owners and self-employed individuals who provide or control the use of lifting machinery at the workplace, it is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of these devices. Primarily, your obligations as a responsible entity lie within the Work Equipment Usage Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the 1998 Lifting Tasks and Lifting Devices Regulations (LOLER). This digital guide sheds light on your obligations under LOLER about the in-depth check-up and inspection of lifting devices. This guidance does not eliminate the necessity for operators to run preliminary checks on these devices and their associated components before every use.

LOLER Regulations PDF
Official LOLER Regulations PDF (External link)

What is LOLER?

LOLER focuses on the inherent risks tied to the use of lifting machinery. Central to the regulations are the thorough checks and routine inspections. As someone responsible, you must:

  • Regularly commission comprehensive checks by a qualified individual for any lifting device (and its associated components) that is exposed to wear and tear, potentially leading to hazardous scenarios.
  • Ensure additional inspections and testing, as suggested by the qualified individual, are conducted within the given timeframe.

Deterioration often results from environments that are moist, abrasive, or have corrosive elements.

LOLER Regulations in Detail

Choosing The Appropriate Lifting Gear

As set out by the stipulations of LOLER, it’s vital that every piece of lifting equipment in the workplace is strategically positioned or set up. This ensures, to the greatest extent possible, that there’s minimal risk of the equipment or its load causing injury by striking an individual, or the possibility of the load shifting unexpectedly, falling without restraint, or being inadvertently let go.

The HSE provides clear directives on marking equipment:

  • Every item of lifting machinery, along with its accessories, needs to have distinct markings denoting its safe working loads (SWL) – this is the uppermost weight limit that the equipment can securely handle.
  • Accessories should also carry markings that detail any particular attributes that could influence their safe operation. An instance would be displaying the weight of accessory components if such weight is of notable significance.
  • In scenarios where individuals are being elevated, supplementary instruction might be mandated to safeguard against injuries occurring within or caused by the lifting carrier.
  • In situations where the SWL of any gear or accessory is contingent on how it’s arranged, the data relating to the SWL should be comprehensive, accounting for every possible setup. To illustrate, if an engine hoist has a hook that can be adjusted to varied spots, the SWL for each of those spots should be explicitly denoted. In certain scenarios, this pertinent data ought to be readily accessible with the lifting device. A typical example would be the rated capacity display on a crane, which informs the operator about the SWL for each permissible configuration of the crane.

Scope of Equipment Under LOLER

LOLER’s regulations encompass a broad spectrum of machinery. Some clarifications to consider:

  • ‘Lifting equipment’ refers to any machinery used for the raising or lowering of loads, including any fixtures used to anchor or support said machinery (like an overhead crane’s runway).
  • ‘Accessory for lifting’ pertains to devices used to attach loads to machinery designed for lifting purposes.

Equipment Examples Under LOLER

  • Cranes
  • Workplace passenger and goods lifts
  • Construction hoists
  • Dumb waiters
  • Scissor lifts
  • Vehicle tail lifts
  • Telehandlers and industrial lift trucks

Exceptions to LOLER

Certain lifting devices don’t fall under LOLER. However, under PUWER, there’s still a duty to ensure these devices are secure and apt for their intended use. Examples include conveyor belts or pallets. For publicly-used lifting devices, such as shopping mall or railway station elevators, while PUWER and LOLER may not apply directly, safety obligations under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act still hold.

Understanding Thorough Examination

An exhaustive examination involves a meticulous check of the lifting device by a competent person, looking for any potential flaws that might be or become hazardous. The competent person determines the extent of the check, often using industry recommendations and resources like the HSE’s Contract Research Report.

Who Qualifies as a ‘Competent Person’?

A qualified individual should:

  • Possess both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience with the equipment.
  • Be distinct from the maintenance personnel, ensuring an objective evaluation.
  • Maintain impartiality and have the liberty to make unbiased judgments.
  • Possibly be an external entity or someone chosen from your staff based on expertise.

Frequency of Equipment Examination

Lifting equipment should be inspected:

  • Prior to its first-time usage.
  • Before being used at a new location.
  • Periodically, especially if the equipment is exposed to wear and tear.

The Role of an Examination Scheme

An examination scheme provides a structured approach to equipment examination, laying out specific checks, techniques, and testing criteria based on the equipment’s operational environment. This can help optimize resource allocation while ensuring safety.

Regular Inspection of Lifting Equipment

Apart from comprehensive examinations, lifting devices might also need periodic inspections to ensure consistent safety. The nature and frequency of these inspections are contingent on the expert’s recommendations.

Checking Non-lifting Components

All parts of a lifting device, even those not directly involved in the lifting process, must be inspected if they’re exposed to deterioration. For instance, while a forklift’s lifting mechanism would be assessed under LOLER, its brakes and other non-lifting components would fall under PUWER.

Differentiating Between Routine Maintenance and Examinations

Routine maintenance involves regular upkeep, like replacing worn-out parts. A thorough examination might point out areas needing maintenance but isn’t a substitute for it.

Record-keeping Obligations

Documenting all comprehensive checks and inspections for your lifting equipment is mandatory. These records serve as proof of compliance and are critical in case of safety audits or incidents.

Handling Equipment Defects

Should any defects be identified during an examination or inspection, immediate action is required. Depending on the severity of the defect, the equipment might need to be taken out of service until rectified.

Thorough Examination

Additional Obligations

While this guide emphasises the examination and inspection stipulations of LOLER, you have other responsibilities under various health and safety laws, such as risk assessment duties under the 1999 Health and Safety Management Regulations.

LOLER Commonly Asked Questions. We have you covered.

LOLER stands for “Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.” It’s a set of regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of lifting equipment and operations in workplaces.

LOLER compliance ensures that all lifting equipment and operations are safe for both operators and those present in the vicinity. It minimizes risks associated with lifting, such as equipment failure, accidents, and injuries.

LOLER covers a wide range of lifting equipment, including cranes, hoists, lift trucks, and even elevators. If a piece of equipment is used to lift or lower loads, it likely falls under LOLER’s purview.

All lifting equipment and accessories must be clearly marked with their safe working loads (SWL). If the equipment’s SWL varies based on its configuration, each configuration should have its respective SWL indicated.

When individuals are lifted or operated with the equipment, they may need additional training to ensure their safety and to prevent accidents.

The frequency of inspections varies based on the equipment’s use and nature. However, regular checks and thorough periodic inspections are essential to maintain compliance and ensure safety.

While most lifting equipment used in workplaces falls under LOLER, there are specific scenarios and types of equipment that might be exempted. It’s essential to consult the official guidelines or seek expert advice for specific circumstances.

Non-compliance can result in equipment being deemed unfit for use until necessary modifications or repairs are made. There might also be legal repercussions and penalties for serious breaches.

While LOLER specifically focuses on lifting equipment and operations, it’s part of a broader framework of health and safety regulations. Compliance with LOLER often complements other safety standards and regulations in workplaces.

Our experienced and qualified technicians can visit your site to carry out in-depth examinations of all your lifting equipment, adhering to the lifting regulations and requirements set forth by LOLER.

Granada Cranes Offer LOLER Inspections by Competent Engineers

Lifting Equipment Engineers AssociationAt Granada Cranes, we help alleviate some of the stress associated with your legal obligations to maintain a safe working environment by conducting thorough examinations of your lifting equipment in accordance with HSE and LOLER guidelines.

Our experienced and qualified technicians can visit your site to carry out in-depth examinations of all your lifting equipment, adhering to the lifting regulations and requirements set forth by LOLER.

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