LOLER

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) relates to the use of lifting equipment and aims to reduce risks to people’s health and safety from lifting equipment provided for use at work. To some extent it overlaps PUWER (see below) but does not contradict it. LOLER is applicable to employers or self-employed persons providing lifting equipment for use at work, or control the use of lifting equipment at work. The duty holder will normally be the building occupant.

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LOLER – Everything You Need to Know About It

LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and relates to the usage of lifting equipment. This legislation is in place with the aim of reducing risks to people’s health and safety at work from lifting equipment in place for use in the workplace. 

To some extent, LOLER does work in conjunction with PUWER, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, working to not contradict each other. LOLER is applicable to employers or self-employed people who provide lifting equipment for staff use in the workplace, or who control the use of lifting equipment in the workplace. 

In these instances, the building occupant will normally be the duty holder – for example, if a brand is renting a building then the duty holder will be the brand and not the landlord.

LOLER Inspection   LOLER Training

What is LOLER?

The requirements put in place by LOLER regulations is that all lifting operations which involve the use of lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person. These operations must also be appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that is as safe as possible. 

LOLER also requires that all equipment used for lifting remains fit for purpose, is appropriate for the task, is suitably marked, and has suitable maintenance recorded alongside any defects having been reported. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers advice for businesses or organisations that often undertake lifting operations. This includes:

Where you undertake lifting operations involving lifting equipment, you must:

  • Plan them properly
  • Ensure that sufficiently competent people are using the equipment
  • Supervise these operations appropriately
  • Ensure that these operations are being carried out in a safe manner

LOLER Regulations    HSE Guidelines

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PUWER or LOLER Summary: Which is Best?

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, PUWER, relates to the rigorous testing and use of any equipment in the workplace to ensure they are fit for purpose. 

PUWER is a more general regulation that does not specifically relate to platform lifts and, instead, means any activity involving the use of work equipment. Use includes starting, stopping, programming, setting, transporting, repairing, modifying, maintaining, servicing, and cleaning. 

In contrast, lifting platforms are governed by LOLER regulations as they offer more specific and relevant requirements from the duty holder. However, if a lifting platform is found to fall within the scope of PUWER, then the full extent of each regulation must be applied. 

For more information about LOLER, PUWER and lifting equipment, please see the government HSE website here.

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LOLER Certificates: Do I Need One for My Platform Lift?

It is essential that all passenger-carrying lifts have a LOLER exam and certification every 6 months by law. This includes all Gartec platform lifts and goods lifts.

You need an examination before the first use and following any damage or extended non-usage.

LOLER Definition: What Else Does LOLER Cover?

LOLER covers any equipment or machinery used to lift or lower loads, including passengers, in the workplace. For lifting equipment used only by the public (e.g. shopping centre), the LOLER examination scheme is a simple way to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This includes:

  • Cranes, fork-lift trucks, lifts, platform lifts, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms, and vehicle inspection platform hoists.
  • Ancillary equipment, including any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it.
  • Lifting accessories such as chains, slings, eyebolts etc.

Items and pieces of equipment which are covered by more specific legislation in their field, such as LOLER legislation being in place to cover lifting items, are not covered by LOLER regulations. This includes things like escalators and conventional lifts when used by employees, teachers, welfare staff, shop assistants and nurses, as they are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and not LOLER.

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