Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Regulations 1998 (LOLER), any person or company responsible for lifting equipment or lifting operations in the workplace must ensure that the items are fit for purpose, maintained for safe use, and thoroughly inspected at appropriate intervals.
While regular LOLER inspections are essential for controlling the risk of injury to workers and damage to surroundings, required interval frequencies can vary between different tools and appliances – making it a challenge for companies to manage large amounts of equipment.
Continue reading to learn more about LOLER, how often lifting equipment should be inspected, and why regular inspections are critical for ensuring smooth and safe operations in the workplace.
What Is Lifting Equipment?
As specified by LOLER, lifting equipment encompasses a wide range of tools, appliances, and accessories used for lifting and lowering loads. Examples include:
- Patient hoists
- Telehandlers & forklifts
- Goods & passenger lifts
- Motor vehicle lifts
- Vehicle tail lifts & cranes fitted to vehicles
- Overhead cranes & their supporting runways
- Building cleaning cradle & its suspension equipment
- Any lifting accessories (expanded below)
Lifting accessories is a broad term for pieces of equipment used to fix loads to lifting equipment – providing an essential link between the two. Examples include:
- Hooks
- Spreader beams
- Fibre or rope slings
- Chains (single or multiple leg)
- Eyebolts
- Magnetic & vacuum devices
See HSE guidance for more details.
What Regulations Apply to Lifting Equipment?
Lifting equipment for lifting and lowering loads in the workplace is subject to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Regulations 1998 (LOLER). These regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which specifies exactly which equipment falls under LOLER – escalators, for instance, are covered by PUWER.
Health and safety law places several specific obligations on those responsible for lifting equipment to manage the risk of injury or damage – one of which includes regular checks and maintenance to keep the equipment safe for use.
Employers must also organise statutory periodic “thorough examinations” of any lifting equipment covered by LOLER. These must be conducted by an impartial and competent assessor to confirm that the equipment is:
- In the appropriate condition for its intended use with an indication of its maximum load capacity
- Positioned in a suitably safe location that reduces the risk of harm or damage
- Able to be used safely by competent staff
How Often Should Lifting Equipment Be Inspected?
All workplace lifting equipment should be checked to verify that it can continue to be used safely. If adequately trained to do so, in-house staff may perform simple pre-use checks, daily maintenance, and regular general inspections.
Thorough examinations, on the other hand, must be carried out by a qualified professional every:
6 months –
- For any equipment & accessories used to lift people
- Protective equipment (e.g., harnesses & lanyards)
- Lifting accessories used to attach loads to machinery (e.g., slings & shackles)
- Motor Vehicle Lifting Tables
12 months –
- For all other workplace lifting equipment for lifting & lowering loads (e.g., forklifts & vehicle lifts)
- Any attachments used to fix, anchor, or support the equipment (e.g., runway of an overhead crane)
The assessor may recommend certain items to be inspected more frequently depending on their condition and operational demands. Equipment should also be inspected:
- Before first-time use (unless the item is new & has a declaration of conformity less than 12 months old)
- After assembly (if assembled on site)
- After any special circumstances (e.g., being out of use for long periods or major repairs)
- After any significant change in use that may affect its integrity
Why Are Lifting Equipment Inspections Important?
Thorough examinations allow people and companies to identify potential or minor issues with the equipment before they escalate – helping to ensure the protection of their employees, equipment, and bottom line.
LOLER inspections also provide a valuable opportunity to hear from an impartial expert on best practices for managing workplace lifting equipment safely and efficiently. Some assessors, such as ISI, will also handle scheduling and notify ahead of time when inspections are needed.
If you are unsure how often should lifting equipment be inspected or what regulations apply to your equipment – ISI can help!
Please get in touch with our team for up-to-date guidance. We can provide comprehensive inspection services for lifting equipment covered by LOLER, helping you ensure safety and compliance with confidence.