LOLER Inspections for Engineering and Machine Shops

Typically, the types of plants that you might expect to find at engineering workshops are covered under the LOLER, PUWER, PSSR, and COSHH Regulations.

You would expect to find a compressed air system with pressure vessels/air receivers. If there is one pressure vessel in the system above 250 Bar/Litres then the system is required to be assessed and a Written Scheme of Examination produced to comply with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 and Statutory Certification produced in line with the Written Scheme.

Hot Water Heating/Supply Systems if under 100⁰C operating pressure will be exempt from the PSSR and are non-statutory but are required to be inspected annually.

Under LOLER inspections engineering machine shops, typical types of plant that could be found on-site would include Overhead Travelling Cranes, Fork Lift Trucks, Pallet Trucks, Runway Tracks, Chain Blocks (Electric or Manual), and Miscellaneous Lifting Tackle such as Polyester Belt Slings, Chain Slings, Eyebolts, Bow and “D” Shackles, etc.

There may be Passenger Lifts in the offices that are required to be inspected 6 monthly due to carrying persons, or Goods Lift in the factory that carries goods only and is required to be inspected 12 monthly.

If the work carried out on-site generates Dust or Fume then COSHH Regulations will apply and the use of a Local Exhaust Ventilation Plant will be required to control substances hazardous to health, this equipment requires statutory examination at specified frequencies.

PUWER covers any work equipment that is provided for use at work. Examples are machinery and guarding, start/stop buttons, hand-held tools and equipment, roller shutter doors, power presses, and mobile plants such as forklift trucks and dumper trucks.

Electrical Testing and Inspection covers Electrical Installations e.g. Fixed Wiring and Portable Appliances