The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) impose responsibilities on individuals and organizations that own, operate, or manage lifting equipment. This applies to all businesses and organizations where employees use lifting equipment, regardless of ownership. Since lifting equipment often qualifies as work equipment, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) usually also apply, covering aspects like inspection and maintenance. All lifting operations involving lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person, adequately supervised, and conducted safely.

LOLER Requirements and Guidelines

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) mandate that all lifting equipment must be fit for its intended purpose, suitable for the specific task, and clearly marked. Additionally, most lifting equipment must undergo regular statutory ‘thorough examinations’ to ensure safety and compliance. It’s essential to maintain records of all thorough examinations, and any defects identified must be reported to the person responsible for the equipment and the appropriate enforcing authority.

What Should You Do?

If your business or organization uses lifting equipment or provides such equipment for others (e.g., for hire), it is your responsibility to manage the associated risks. This includes ensuring that all equipment is inspected, maintained, and used safely.

When conducting lifting operations with lifting equipment, you must:

• Properly plan the operations in advance.
• Use personnel who are sufficiently competent to carry out the tasks.
• Supervise the operations appropriately.
• Ensure that all activities are conducted safely.

What is a Lifting Operation?

According to Regulation 8(2) of LOLER, a lifting operation is defined as “an operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a load.” A ‘load’ refers to any item or items being lifted, which can include people.

What is Lifting Equipment?

‘Lifting equipment’ encompasses any work equipment used for lifting and lowering loads. This category includes lifting accessories and attachments that are used for anchoring, securing, or supporting the equipment. Examples of lifting equipment include cranes, hoists, forklifts, and slings.

Selecting the Right Equipment

LOLER mandates that lifting equipment must be sufficiently strong and stable for its intended use. This requirement complements the general obligations under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) concerning the suitability of work equipment.

Lifting equipment should be positioned or installed to minimize the risk, as far as reasonably practicable, of the equipment or load striking a person, drifting, falling freely, or being unintentionally released.

When lifting people, there are additional safety requirements to prevent injuries. This includes ensuring the safety of individuals within the carrier and conducting more frequent thorough examinations.