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The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) govern the safe use of lifting equipment in the United Kingdom, with LOLER inspections are a type of inspection that is carried out to ensure that lifting equipment is safe for use.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) is a legal regulation that places duties on people and companies who own, operate, or have control of lifting equipment to ensure their lifting equipment is fit and safe for use. Despite being a legal requirement in all industries, from healthcare to construction, many people are not aware of this!
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LOLER plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and can be likened to a car MOT. It’s illegal to drive a car without an up-to-date MOT certificate, and likewise, it’s illegal to operate any lifting equipment without a current LOLER certificate.
In the UK, LOLER applies to any lifting equipment used while at work either onshore or offshore, including employees’ own lifting equipment. Ships in UK waters must comply with MCA-LOLER. Common examples of lifting equipment include cranes, forklift trucks, lifts, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms, and vehicle inspection platform hoists. Lifting accessories such as chains, slings, and eye bolts also fall under LOLER.
We’ve answer your most popular questions on LOLER, which you can find below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a LOLER inspection be completed?
A LOLER Inspection is, as set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) a “thorough examination of lifting equipment by a qualified or ‘competent’ person.” It’s a legal obligation and for those who aren’t up to date on it, you could face hefty penalties.
Depending on the equipment, LOLER should usually be carried out every 6 to 12 months.
- 6 months for lifting equipment and any accessories used to lift people
- 6 months for all lifting accessories
- 12 months for all other lifting equipment
If there have been exceptional circumstances, such as damage or failure, being out of use for lengthy periods of time, or major changes like modifications or replacements of critical parts, you should have the equipment inspected as soon as possible to check it’s still operating as it should.
Find out if your equipment is due an inspection by entering your contact details in the form below.
Who can conduct a LOLER inspection?
According to the LOLER regulations, lifting equipment inspections should only be carried out by those with the right experience, knowledge, and training to thoroughly understand what they are looking for. Our team of specialist engineer surveyors are trained to the highest standards and have the know-how to ensure your lifting equipment and machinery are operational and compliant with the standards they need to be.
Our team of specialist surveyors have the qualifications and expertise to keep your machinery compliant and people safe. Fill out our contact form below to discuss your requirements.
How many types of inspection are needed for lifting equipment?
Thorough examinations of lifting equipment depend on the professional judgement of the competent person undertaking the examination but need to include all matters that affect the lifting equipment’s safety, including likely deterioration with time.
During the inspection, the examiner will check the basic function of the machine, keeping an eye out for wear and tear. Measurements of wear, if found, will be taken from the equipment and reported for future action. Then, the equipment will be load tested to ensure it conforms to industry standards and is not being overburdened.
Depending on the equipment being inspected and its age and overall condition, the inspection should last anywhere between 1 and 3 hours.
The ramifications of not staying on top of your inspections can lead to a whole host of consequences down the line. Put simply, making sure your lifting equipment is operational, compliant, and safe for use can be a matter of life or death.
That’s where we come in…
Our team of the very best engineer surveyors have set the industry standard and are on hand to make sure your machinery and equipment are operating as they should be, and as always, to keep you from harm’s way. What’s more, we’ll do this with minimum disruption to your business.
To find out more about how we can keep you, your business, and your people safe and compliant, get in touch with us today!
What types of equipment does LOLER apply to?
LOLER applies to all types of lifting equipment that’s used in the workplace. Covering both equipment and accessories, here’s just some of the lifting equipment that falls under this regulation:
- Cranes
Mobile cranes, tower cranes, overhead cranes - Forklifts
Industrial trucks used for lifting and moving loads - Hoists
Lifting devices such as: electric hoists, manual hoists - Elevators and lifts
Vertical lifting devices such as: passenger lifts and goods lifts - Lifting platforms
Lifts used for working at height such as: access platforms, cherry pickers, telehandlers and scissor lifts - Winches
Power driven winches used for lifting and pulling operations - Vehicle-mounted lifting equipment
Mechanisms installed on vehicles like cranes - Lifting attachments
Attachments used for lifting and moving loads such as: lifting beams, spreader bars - Stacking equipment
Trucks used for stacking and lifting loads such as: stacker trucks, pallet trucks
The BES Group Solution
KEEPING YOU SAFE
Our team of highly skilled Engineer Surveyors know everything there is to know when it comes to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). We’ll help keep you safe and legally compliant and, what’s more, we’ll do this with minimum disruption to your business.
If you own or operate anything from lifts, cranes or excavators right through to forklift trucks or lifting accessories including any chains, ropes, slings etc, it’s important that you’re working in line with LOLER at all times. As part of these regulations, maintaining a thorough programme of examinations is absolutely essential, making sure your equipment is safe to use and remains fit for purpose even after it’s been operational for some time. To speak with one of our experts click here
LOLER aims to protect workers from lifting equipment and handling accidents by ensuring that:
- The right lifting equipment is selected and appropriately marked with safe working loads
- Lifting operations are properly planned, managed and carried out in a safe manner
- Lifting equipment is thoroughly examined at suitable intervals by a competent person
With over 160 years in engineering compliance, we really know what we’re doing.
We’ll partner with you every step of the way to make sure you’re working in line with all the relevant guidance. We’ll advise on the frequency of your examinations in accordance with all legislation and we’ll make sure they’re completed on time, every time, too.
In line with LOLER guidance, we’re more than competent:
- ISO/IEC 17020 accredited
- ‘Type A’ independent inspection body, accredited by UKAS
- Independent and impartial, without favour or profit from recommended repairs
- Our Engineers Surveyors meet a minimum required standard of competence (required experience of 5 years)
- Annually assess our internal policies and training
- Formal feedback and improvement procedures are in place
- Audits of on-site inspections carried out as standard
We take your risk seriously at the BES Group and leave no stone unturned when it comes to the safety of your business and your people.
If you are interested in learning more about LOLER inspections, request a free LOLER inspection consultation today. We would be happy to discuss how we can help you keep your lifting equipment safe and compliant. Fill in our short form below and we will get back you to discuss your requirements.