Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) introduced new requirements for the safe provision and use of lifting equipment. Regulation 9 of LOLER requires that all lifts provided for use in work activities are thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals. This applies to lifts and hoists used to lift people or loads. Regular inspections are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of lifting equipment.

At Liftworks, we understand the importance of compliance with LOLER regulations. That’s why we offer thorough examination services for all types of lifts. Our team of competent and experienced engineers will carry out a comprehensive inspection of your equipment to ensure it meets all safety standards.

Lift in installation phase

What Does a LOLER Inspection for your Lift Comprise Of?

A LOLER inspection on an lift is comprehensive, focusing on ensuring the safety and reliability of the lifting equipment. It involves a detailed examination carried out by a competent person who evaluates the elevator’s components and operational mechanisms. This includes:

  • Structural Integrity Checks: Examining the elevator’s framework, cables, and counterweights for signs of wear, damage, or potential failure.
  • Operational Safety Tests: Verifying the proper function of safety mechanisms, such as emergency brakes and limit switches, to ensure they engage correctly under fault conditions.
  • Doors and Locking Mechanisms: Assessing the performance and condition of doors and their locking mechanisms to prevent accidental openings during operation.
  • Control Systems Evaluation: Testing the control systems, including call buttons, interior controls, and indicators, for reliability and correct operation.

  • Load Testing: Where applicable, conducting load tests to assess the elevator’s ability to safely carry its maximum rated load without malfunction.

  • Inspection of Electrical Components: Checking the elevator’s electrical systems, including wiring and emergency power functionality, to ensure safety standards are met.
  • Emergency Communication and Lighting: Ensuring that emergency communication devices are functional and that emergency lighting is operational in case of power failures.

The outcome of the inspection is meticulously recorded, highlighting any defects, potential hazards, or recommendations for repairs or adjustments. The goal is to verify that the lift is safe for use until the next scheduled LOLER examination, ensuring the safety of its operators and passengers in compliance with the lifting operations regulations.

 

Reasons Why You Need a LOLER Inspection

LOLER inspections are a legal requirement.

Safety Assurance

Accident Prevention: Regular LOLER inspections are designed to catch potential hazards with lifting equipment before they can cause accidents, ensuring the well-being of everyone in the vicinity.

Hazard Identification: Inspections help to identify defects or faults in lifting equipment, which might not be obvious to the untrained eye, thus preventing dangerous situations.

Ongoing Safety: By continuously a  assessing the condition of lifting equipment, LOLER inspections maintain the ongoing safety of these potentially hazardous machines.

Legal Compliance

Health and Safety Act Compliance: It fulfils your obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to uphold the safety of your employees.

PUWER Regulations: Adhering to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), LOLER inspections ensure all work equipment is well-maintained and fit for purpose.

Risk Management: The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require risk assessments, which are partially addressed during LOLER inspections.

Lifting Operations Regulations Adherence: Directly satisfying the namesake regulations, LOLER inspections ensure that lifting operations and equipment are used safely and correctly, in line with mandatory training requirements.

Work at Height Regs: Complying with Work at Height Regulations 2005 means enforcing proper planning and supervision of work at height, which is often facilitated by lifting equipment.

Operational Efficiency

Equipment Performance: An overlooked benefit of LOLER inspections is the role they play in maintaining the efficiency and performance of lifting equipment.

Lifespan Extension: Regular inspections and maintenance can identify wear and tear before it leads to major breakdowns, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the equipment.

Workplace Trust and Reputation

Building Worker Confidence: When workers see that equipment is regularly checked and maintained, there’s an inherent trust that builds within the team regarding their safety at work.

Reputation Protection: Regular LOLER inspections are a sign of a responsible employer, enhancing your reputation among clients and within your industry.

Recommended Times for LOLER Examinations

Choosing the right frequency for LOLER examinations is crucial to uphold safety standards and remain compliant with the law. The regulations specify minimum requirements, but it’s important to adjust these based on the equipment’s usage intensity and the environment in which it operates.

  • For new equipment, a thorough examination must be conducted before it’s first used unless the equipment comes with an acceptable declaration of conformity less than 12 months old.
  • Equipment used for lifting people should be examined at least every 6 months to ensure maximum safety and reliability.
  • All other lifting equipment must be inspected at least once every 12 months to identify wear and potential failures early on.
  • In cases of exceptional risk, such as exposure to corrosive elements or extreme operational demands, more frequent inspections may be necessary, as determined through risk assessment by a competent person.

These timelines serve as a general guide. However, always consult with a qualified professional to determine the optimal examination schedule for your specific circumstances, ensuring safety and efficiency are maintained at the highest standards.

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Your Duties

As the duty holder you are legally responsible for ensuring that the lift is safe to use and that it is thoroughly examined.

  • Maintaining the lift so that it is safe to use
  •  Selecting and instructing the competent person
  • Ensuring that the lift is examined at statutory intervals (every 6 or 12 months) or in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person
  • Keeping the competent person informed of any changes in the lift operating conditions which may affect the risk assessment
  • Making relevant documentation available to the competent person, eg manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance records
  • Acting promptly to remedy any defects
  • Ensuring that all documentation complies with the Regulations
  • Record keeping

More information can be found on on the HSE website here.