LOLER Regulations

LOLER stands for 'The Lifting Operations and Lifting Regulations 1998' which came into force on the 5th December 1998. LOLER replaced existing legal requirements relating to the use of lifting equipment.

What equipment does LOLER cover?

All equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads. i.e. goods & passengers.

Who do the regulations affect?

Any person responsible for providing or having control over the provision of lifting equipment in the workplace - the duty holder.

What should the duty holder be aware of?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have produced a publication called 'The Safe Use of Lifting Equipment' lifting operations and lifting regulations 1998 approved code of practice and guidance (APCPG).

How do I obtain the publication?

By mail order from: HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 6FS. Tel: 01787 881165  Fax: 01787 313995

What do the regulations require me to do?

The regulations impose a number or requirements on the duty holder, including that:

• The lift operations are carried out and supervised in a safe manner by competent people.

• Where equipment is used for lifting people it is suitably marked and safe for that purpose.

• Before lifting equipment is used for the first time it is thoroughly examined by a competent person and thereafter at regular intervals.

Who qualifies as a competent person?

A person who has appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to be examined to enable them to detect actual or potential defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the equipment and its installation.  i.e: A person holding a service training certificate issued by the manufacturer.

It is essential that the competent person is sufficiently independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made.

Does this mean the competent person must be employed by an outside company?

No. But if in-house examiners are used, you must ensure their total impartiality to carry out the examination(s) without 'fear or favour'.

Are the REGULAR INTERVALS specified?

YES - but you have a choice - you can follow the specified period intervals of at least six months for equipment used for lifting goods OR you can have an examination scheme drawn up and have the equipment examined in accordance with this scheme.

Are there other criteria requiring a thorough examination?

• YES

• After installation and before put into service (installation and weight test certification).

• If re-installed on a different vehicle.

• Following exceptional circumstances which may jeopardise the safety of the lift.

• Following an accident or dangerous occurrence.

• After significant changes in condition of use.

• After long periods of use.

How do the regulations relate to other HSE examination?

The requirements of the regulations need to be considered alongside other Health and Safety Law, in particular Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations which contain important duties regarding the preparation of a risk assessment.

How are the regulations enforced?

Health and Safety Officers enforce the regulations. THE DUTY HOLDER MUST BE ABLE TO PRODUCE A VALID EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE WHEN REQUESTED BY A HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER.

BOTH OUR LEICESTER AND NOTTINGHAM DEPOTS OFFER A BI-ANNUAL EXAMINATION AND WEIGHT TESTING PROGRAMME.

Each certificate in individually numbered to ensure authenticity.

To begin your programme of compliance with LOLER 98, call now on: 0116 262 3656 or 0115 925 7437