What Is LOLER, And Why Was It Introduced?
LOLER, or Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, were put in place to make lifting tools and lifting operations as safe as possible. Any organisation or business whose staff operates any lifting equipment, be it a car lift, passenger lift, stair lift, or a small dumbwaiter, must comply with these regulations. Through these regulations, the law ensures that you choose appropriate equipment for your 'work at height' requirements, position it correctly in the right area, conduct regular maintenance, store the equipment safely, and extend its lifespan.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations were passed in 1998 to replace the Construction and Use (Lifting) regulations of 1961 that required lifting machines to undergo an overload test once every 4 years. The reason for replacing the old regulations was that specific lifting machines would likely be damaged during the overload tests. Compared to them, LOLER inspections are less intensive and do not affect the lifting equipment's lifespan. Besides, as these inspections are conducted more frequently, they also ensure better performance of the lifting equipment.
What is A LOLER Inspection?
Also known as a 'thorough examination', a LOLER inspection aims to ensure that your lifting equipment is legally compliant and safe for its intended use. It isn't the same as routine maintenance, which may include servicing and repairing your lift or making minor adjustments. It is like your vehicle's MOT. If you want to drive your vehicle legally, it should have a valid, up-to-date MOT. Similarly, your equipment should have an up-to-date LOLER certificate and annual maintenance.
A competent person must conduct LOLER inspections to ensure the inspected equipment is fit for use. According to LOLER Approved Code of Practice and guidance, 'You should ensure that the person carrying out a thorough examination 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 the lifting equipment.'
The responsibility to ensure these inspections occur rests with the business that owns or rents the equipment. After the inspection, the equipment must be marked appropriately, and the records of each examination must be safely kept. If any defects or faults are found in the lift, they must be reported immediately to the maintenance provider.
How Often Do You Need A LOLER Inspection?
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations require lifting equipment to be properly examined by a competent person -
- Only ONE loler needed within 6 months. Only PDI needed before hire if LOLER is still in date
- Right after the repair/replacement of an important component
- Whenever it is removed & re-fitted to the original chassis
- Every 6 months
*Lifting accessories used for attaching a load to the lifting machines, like chains and slings, must be inspected every six months.
Book a LOLER Inspection with AFI Rentals!
Want to book a 'thorough examination' for your lifting equipment? Get in touch with AFI Rentals today! We have a team of highly qualified professionals who conduct LOLER inspections to ensure your equipment complies with the UK regulations set out in Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 1998). To meet the different requirements of our customers, we offer various LOLER service packages with no hidden costs.
For more details, feel free to call us at 01924 601 566!
