LOLER Inspections, LOLER Testing and Lifting Equipment Inspection



What is LOLER?



The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, otherwise known as LOLER or Lifting Equipment Inspection, replaced the 1994 Manual Handling Regulations which encouraged people to use Lifting equipment. The LOLER regulations were created by the Health and Safety Executive on the 5th December 1998.

Do the LOLER regulations apply to you?



LOLER applies to all places of work and details the requirements for the examination of lifting equipment. Lifting equipment is defined as work equipment used for lifting and lowering loads. Accessories for lifting include any chain, rope, sling, or component kept for attaching loads to machinery for lifting. Work equipment means any machine, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work.

What do the LOLER Lifting Regulations require?



An assessment of the risks at work associated with the equipment must be able to identify where the provision for thorough examination and inspection within LOLER applies. The detailed examination and inspection scheme must be carried out by persons of sufficient competence, who are independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made and complete a LOLER Inspection before the use of lifting equipment at work.



It is required by LOLER regulations in 1998 that lifting equipment is:

• Installed correctly and in a position that complies with health and safety at work

• Capable of withstanding the heavy load it is designed for and that it is marked to indicate the safe loading limit

• Used correctly and in a safe manner by people who are competent

Crane

Crane

Lifts

Excavators

Lifting Equipment

Vehicle Lifts

When should LOLER Testing be carried out?



• Initially, before equipment is put into service (with some exceptions for CE marked new equipment).

• After installation, where safety is dependent on correct installation.

• Periodic examinations are required where lifting equipment is exposed to conditions which cause deterioration that could lead to a dangerous situation.

• After any exceptional events such as an accident or long period without use.

How often should a Tests be carried out?



• Every six months for lifting equipment used for lifting/lowering persons. E.g. passenger lifts, access platforms, window cleaning equipment.

• Every six months for lifting accessories.

• Every 12 months for all other lifting equipment not falling into either of the above categories, e.g. cranes, lifting block and runway beams.

• Or at shorter/longer intervals is determined by the risk assessment.





Please View the LOLER Inspection chart below for equipment specific LOLER testing timescales.





LOLER Inspections also permit a 'risk-based' approach to examination, whereby operators can arrange for a scheme of examination to be drawn up taking account of their specific equipment, environment, and operations to extend periods between examinations where the risks are acceptable. More frequent examinations may need to be considered where lifting operations are continuous.