Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
The LOLER regulations apply to lifting operations and work equipment used to lift or lower a load – be it a person or item.
There are many types of lifting equipment in the workplace, including, but not limited to; Passenger lifts, Cranes, Patient hoists, and Fork lifts
But as an employer, what are your duties under LOLER?
Sufficiently plan lifting operations
Regulation 8(2) of 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. There is no minimum distance for a load to travel for the LOLER regulations to apply – all lifting operations are included. Consideration must be given to the strength and stability of the lifting equipment, the positioning and installation of the equipment in relation to the load and surrounding hazards, the supervision of the lift, and the potential for working underneath the suspended load.
Ensure equipment is fit for use
Lifting equipment, including accessories such as chains and hooks are subject to a statutory thorough periodic inspection. Equipment must be inspected before first use unless it is branded with an EU Declaration of Conformity less than a year old and was not assembled on site. Equipment used to lift a person or people and lifting accessories must be inspected at least 6 monthly, equipment used to lift items must be inspected 12 monthly. Equipment must be re-inspected if:
- The equipment is moved – e.g tower crane
- The equipment sees ‘exceptional circumstances’ e.g damage or failure.
Report defective equipment deemed a personal safety risk
If lifting equipment fails its statutory inspection on a defect that involves an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury, then the inspector must tell you immediately and send a copy of the report to the relevant enforcing authority (HSE or the local authority), even if the defects are remedied immediately.
Lifting equipment is present in many workplaces, from construction to care homes. Understanding your legal duties is the first step in compliance and ensuring safety in the workplace.
For assistance with your legal duties under LOLER or other consultancy services, please visit our consultancy services or call us on 01942 318043.