Lifting the lid on the law

A Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) thorough examination aims to confirm that lifting equipment is safe for continual use and that there are no signs of deterioration that could lead to any kind of failure.

With more than 200 years of specialist testing, inspection, training and certification to their name, Lloyds British are a leading authority in this field, and advise that the deterioration factors leading to equipment failure are wide and varied, including:

• The equipment's environment
• Nature and size of load
• Frequency of lifting
• Equipment condition
• Operator training and competence
• Maintenance regimes
• Historical evidence of performance and repair

Competence is key

LOLER inspections are mandatory, and responsibility is placed on duty holders - or a 'competent person' - to ensure that their on-site equipment undergoes regular and extensive inspection.

A 'competent person' is defined as: "A person that has such appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined as will enable them to detect defects or weaknesses, and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of lifting equipment."

The term 'competent person' doesn't only apply to the engineer carrying out the inspection, but also the company that employs them. There is a legal obligation to ensure that both meet the necessary requirements. Therefore it's advised to employ an Inspection Body holding accreditation to BS ISO 17020.

What's the difference?

There are two types of inspections, completed at different phases of equipment lifecycle - Initial Thorough Examinations and In-Service Thorough Examinations.

During Initial Thorough Examinations, lifting equipment must be extensively examined prior to being placed into service. However, there are exemptions, and in cases when your lifting equipment comes with an EC Declaration of Conformity - issued less than 12 months previously - the initial examination is considered satisfactory.

Regulation 9(2) of LOLER explicitly deals with equipment whose safety depends on installation conditions. Any change to the installation, would also require a further thorough examination before it could be put back into service.

• Equipment must be thoroughly examined at least every six months if lifting persons, or if deemed an accessory for lifting. All lifting equipment should be subject to inspection at least every 12 months.

Or

• The examinations may be carried out in accordance with an examination scheme stipulated by a 'competent person.'

However, there may be scenarios where the level of risk is so high, that the competent person may suggest more regular examinations.

Making a mark

All lifting equipment, including accessories, should be clearly marked to indicate their 'safe working loads.' And where equipment is used to lift people, the amount of people should also clearly be stated.

Records should also be kept of all thorough examinations undertaken, and where defects are identifed, these should be immediately reported to the persons using the equipment, the company from whom it's been hired, and potentially the relevant HSE authority.

It's vitally important that all equipment is thoroughly examined to harness a safe and productive environment. But before using any lifting equipment, it's always worthwhile checking that it has undergone the relevant testing and certification. Remember, your safety is your employees priority.

If you're unsure of any regulations, contact your local ERIKS Service Centre to speak with one of our knowledgeable team.

What is LOLER?

The LOLER Regulations came into force in 1998 and were made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HAWASA). Applying to ALL situations and premises covered by the HAWASA, and further builds on the requiments of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

While LOLER only applies to lifting equipment, the safety of similar types of equipment can be ensured by implementing the same procedures recommended by the Regulations. Additionally, even though LOLER specifically applied to lifting equipment, you still have responsibility to meet your obligations under PUWER.