LOLER Inspections

Understanding the Regulations

What is LOLER?

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) places duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over lifting equipment.

LOLER requires that all equipment used for lifting is fit for purpose, appropriate for the task, suitably marked and had a thorough examination every 6 months. Records must be kept and defects recorded.

What is PUWER?

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that equipment provided for use at work is: suitable for the intended use. safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate. used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.

PUWER applies to all work equipment, including lifting equipment.

LOLER deals with the lifting risks where they exist.

Do I need LOLER?

People who have a responsibility, directly or indirectly, for the equipment and its use.

Employers have responsibility for the health and safety of their staff as well as the condition of the equipment that they use.

Employees have responsibilities for the equipment that they use. They also have a responsibility to use the equipment safely and report any faults or defects.

If you are self-employed you also have responsibilities, for yourself and for others depending on the nature of your role.

Anyone who hires or loans equipment has a responsibility for ensuring that the equipment is regularly examined by a competent person.

What is Covered by LOLER?

Equipment covered by LOLER in a health care environment

Ceiling track hoists
Mobile and gantry hoists
Standing and raising aids
Bath lifters and chairs( if designed to lift people from the bath)
Slings and all other accessories attached to lifting devices are covered under LOLER

The above is not a definitive list of items that require a LOLER inspection. The regulations do not state specific items

What is Required?

Are you meeting your legal obligations? Talk to us to discuss your requirements.

Why not take up a care package including your required LOLER inspection.

Equipment must be inspected before its first use, unless it is supplied assembled and ready for use, has not been used at another location and has a declaration of conformity.

If the equipment has been moved, it should be inspected after assembly and before it is put into service in its new location.

If the equipment is involved in an incident or accident which may have caused damage then an inspection is required before it is returned to service.

Regular inspections during the lifetime of the equipment are also required:

In the specific case of devices for the lifting of people, the product should be examined by a competent person at least every 6 months, or in accordance with an inspection scheme drafted by a competent person.

If the equipment is a hoist, then the standard for hoists for the transfer of disabled persons, BS EN 10535 states that the hoist should be load tested to its maximum load at least every 6 months.

It is also the employer/owners responsibility to ensure that a competent person carries out servicing.

Records of the examinations must be kept and be available for inspection.