LOLER - Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulation 1998

Lifting operations can pose significant risks, whether it’s a forklift transporting heavy pallets in a warehouse, a rope and pulley system lifting a window cleaner up the side of a skyscraper, or a crane placing steel beams on a construction site. Ensuring everything goes smoothly is absolutely essential.

What is LOLER?

LOLER is a set of regulations created to ensure the safety of lifting operations and the proper use of lifting equipment. These rules require the implementation of regular checks, thorough LOLER inspections, and ongoing maintenance, all of which help reduce the risk of accidents or injuries in the workplace. It’s essential that LOLER inspections are performed by a qualified and competent person.

Additionally, the regulations mandate the maintenance of important safety records, such as certificates of conformity, inspection reports, and information about safe working loads. LOLER places responsibilities on individuals and organisations that own, operate, or control lifting equipment, which applies to any business or entity whose staff uses lifting equipment, regardless of whether they own it.

LOLER also stipulates that all lifting equipment must be suitable for its intended use, properly marked, and subject to regular, statutory thorough examinations and LOLER inspections. All examination records must be retained, and any identified defects must be reported to both the equipment’s responsible party and the relevant enforcement authority.

What is a 'Thorough Examination' under LOLER?

To ensure that lifting equipment and accessories remain safe for use and to detect any potential deterioration in a timely manner, thorough LOLER inspections are required throughout the equipment’s lifespan. These inspections include:

Before use for the first time: Unless the equipment has a Declaration of Conformity less than one year old, and it was not assembled on-site. If the equipment was assembled on-site (e.g., a platform lift installed in a building), it must be examined by a competent person to confirm the assembly was completed safely and correctly.
After assembly and before use at each location: For equipment that needs to be assembled or installed before use (e.g., tower cranes), a thorough examination is required to ensure safe operation.
Regularly, while in service: If the equipment is exposed to conditions that may cause deterioration, leading to potentially dangerous situations. Most lifting equipment is subject to wear and tear, making regular in-service LOLER inspections necessary to ensure ongoing safety.

When should ‘Thorough Examinations’ be carried out?

In order to verify that lifting equipment and accessories remain safe for use, and to detect and remedy any deterioration in good time, thorough LOLER inspections are required throughout the lifetime of the equipment, including examinations:

Before use for the first time – unless the equipment has a Declaration of Conformity less than one year old and the equipment was not assembled on-site. If it was assembled on-site, it must be examined by a competent person to ensure that the assembly (e.g., a platform lift installed in a building) was completed correctly and safely.

After assembly and before use at each location – for equipment that requires assembly or installation before use, e.g., tower cranes.

Regularly, while in service – if the equipment is exposed to conditions that cause deterioration likely to result in dangerous situations. Most lifting equipment will be subject to wear and tear and will need regular in-service LOLER inspections.

Who has obligations and responsibilities under LOLER?

According to the HSE’s INDG422 Thorough Examination of Lifting Equipment guidance documents, both inspections and thorough examinations are essential requirements under LOLER. The key points include:

Testing of Lifting Equipment: All lifting equipment and accessories must be sufficiently strong, stable, and suitable for the intended task, which often requires LOLER testing services.
Marking of Lifting Equipment: LOLER also mandates that lifting equipment be clearly marked with all relevant information for its safe use. This includes factors such as safe working loads and usage instructions.
Planning and Supervision: Under LOLER, duty holders must ensure that all lifting operations are properly planned, supervised, and executed safely by individuals deemed competent.
Reporting: It is crucial to have inspection reports following a thorough examination or LOLER inspection of any lifting equipment.

The effects of non-compliance with LOLER

The effects of not complying with LOLER can be catastrophic. In 2016, a London-based crane hire company was fined £750,000 plus further legal costs after one of their cranes collapsed. This resulted in the death of both the crane operator and a member of the public who happened to be nearby. A subsequent investigation found that the company had an inadequate system for inspecting and maintaining their equipment, which led to a row of ring bolts being weakened through wear and tear. Under the strain of a heavy load, these bolts broke off causing the crane to topple. Had the company fulfilled its LOLER inspection obligations, it would have saved hundreds of thousands of pounds, reputation, and most importantly, it would have saved two lives lost due to negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LOLER a legal requirement?

Yes, under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation (1998), employers have a legal
responsibility to provide a safe working environment and LOLER comes into effect if lifting equipment is used in the workplace. Inspection compliance is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

How often should lifting equipment be inspected?

LOLER requires that lifting equipment undergoes regular thorough examinations. The frequency of an inspection depends on the type of equipment and its usage. Generally, they are carried out at least every 6 to 12 months.

Can you carry out your own LOLER inspection?

No, a LOLER inspection/examination must be carried out by a competent, independent and impartial
assessor. Daily, monthly, and quarterly checks can be conducted by competent in-house staff.

What are the 3 main principles of LOLER?

The three main principles of LOLER are suitability, strength and stability, and thorough examination.

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