What does LOLER stand for?

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.

What are the LOLER Regulations

LOLER is a set of health and safety regulations that apply to all lifting equipment used at work in the UK. The LOLER regulations require that all lifting equipment used in the workplace is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it is safe to use. They also require that anyone who operates lifting equipment is adequately trained and competent to do so, and that suitable risk assessments are carried out before any lifting operations take place. The aim of the LOLER regulations is to prevent accidents and injuries caused by the use of lifting equipment in the workplace.

What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER?

LOLER and PUWER are two sets of health and safety regulations that apply to the use of equipment in the workplace in the UK. While they share some similarities, they focus on different aspects of equipment safety.

LOLER, or the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, primarily covers the use of lifting equipment in the workplace, such as cranes, hoists, and forklifts. LOLER requires that this equipment is thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals, and that any defects or faults are reported and rectified before the equipment is used again. The regulations also require that those who operate the lifting equipment are trained and competent to do so, and that risk assessments are carried out before any lifting operations take place.

PUWER, or the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, covers a wider range of equipment used in the workplace, including machinery, tools, and appliances. PUWER requires that this equipment is safe to use, and that it is inspected, maintained, and tested regularly to ensure that it remains safe. The regulations also require that anyone who uses the equipment is trained and competent to do so, and that risk assessments are carried out before any work is carried out using the equipment.

In summary, while both LOLER and PUWER aim to ensure the safety of equipment used in the workplace, LOLER focuses primarily on lifting equipment, while PUWER covers a wider range of equipment.

What type of equipment will I need inspecting for LOLER?

Under LOLER regulations, any equipment used for lifting and lowering loads at work needs to be thoroughly examined by a competent person to ensure it is safe for use. This includes:

• Cranes, including tower cranes, mobile cranes, overhead cranes, and gantry cranes.
• Hoists, including chain hoists, wire rope hoists, and electric hoists.
• Forklift trucks and other industrial trucks used for lifting and moving loads.
• Lifting accessories, including slings, shackles, hooks, and eyebolts.
• Passenger and goods lifts.
• Stair lifts and other types of lifting equipment used for disabled people.
• MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), including scissor lifts and cherry pickers.
• Goods lifts used for loading and unloading goods.

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other types of lifting equipment that need to be inspected under LOLER regulations depending on the nature of the work being carried out. It is the responsibility of the employer or equipment owner to identify which equipment needs to be inspected and ensure that it is examined at the appropriate intervals.

Who can conduct LOLER inspections?

LOLER inspections must be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to carry out the examination. A competent person is someone who has the appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience to perform the inspection, and who is able to detect defects or weaknesses in the equipment, and assess their importance in relation to the safety of the lifting operation.

Competent persons could be in-house employees who have received appropriate training and are deemed competent by their employer, or external contractors who specialize in the inspection and examination of lifting equipment. It is important to ensure that the person carrying out the examination is independent and impartial, and has no personal interest in the outcome of the inspection.

Employers have a duty to ensure that the competent person carrying out the examination is appointed in writing, and that they have access to all the relevant information and documentation relating to the equipment being examined. The competent person must also be given sufficient time and resources to carry out the examination properly and must provide a report of the examination detailing the condition of the equipment and any defects found.

Are there any formal qualifications needed to be a LOLER inspector

There are no specific formal qualifications that are required by law to become a LOLER inspector in the UK. However, in order to be deemed a competent person to carry out LOLER inspections, individuals must have the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to carry out the examination.

To demonstrate their competence, inspectors may have relevant qualifications, such as a degree or diploma in mechanical engineering, or a recognized industry certification such as the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) diploma or certificate. They may also have undergone specific training courses and on-the-job training to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to inspect and examine lifting equipment.

It is important to note that employers have a duty to ensure that the competent person carrying out the examination is appointed in writing, and that they have the appropriate knowledge, training, and experience to carry out the examination. Employers should ensure that the person carrying out the examination is deemed competent by their employer, or by a recognized professional body such as the LEEA, and that they have access to all the relevant information and documentation relating to the equipment being examined.

We hope that this has been insightful to you. While LOLER inspections are not a core area of our business, we might be able to help you with next steps, after all, safety is paramount. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the team.