Lifting equipment, like any other equipment, can deteriorate or malfunction – posing a potential risk to operators and those around it. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) ensure that faults don’t reach this stage and that your workplace equipment remains safe to use.
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of LOLER for owners and operators of workplace lifting equipment, when you need to carry out a LOLER inspection, and how to get a LOLER certificate to demonstrate your compliance.
Download a copy of our LOLER Regulations guide for more information, or call our helpful LOLER specialist team on 01675 481779.
What Is a LOLER Certificate? Key Takeaways
1. LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations and is a legal requirement enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
2. Under LOLER, owners or operators of workplace lifting equipment are responsible for organising thorough examinations by qualified, impartial assessors.
3. Almost all lifting equipment and accessories used at work are covered by LOLER, with some exceptions (e.g., escalators).
4. Thorough examinations of lifting equipment are required before using the equipment for the first time, after assembly, during service (every 6-12 months), or after exceptional circumstances (e.g., repairs).
5. After a thorough examination, you will receive a LOLER certificate identifying the plant list, details of the inspection, and who completed it.
6. The penalty for non-compliance with LOLER can lead to substantial fines and even imprisonment.
What Is LOLER & Why Is It Important?
Lifting equipment can wear out quickly and can even be faulty when new or following repairs. If these defects aren’t identified and something goes wrong, it can be life-threatening. This makes performance and safety checks crucial at every stage of a machine’s lifecycle.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) enforce strict maintenance and inspection requirements for all workplace lifting equipment – ensuring companies and operators recognise and remedy faults before they can become a danger.
What Is a LOLER Inspection?
Under LOLER, two types of inspections must be carried out to ensure the ongoing safety of workplace lifting equipment: routine checks and thorough examinations.
Routine checks are standard pre-use checks and maintenance on all lifting equipment, including access to correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). These inspections should be carried out daily by a fully trained, competent employee.
Thorough examinations, on the other hand, are conducted by an impartial, qualified assessor. They are a legal requirement enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and must be carried out at regular intervals, depending on the equipment and circumstances.
The regular intervals for LOLER inspections are:
- Before using the equipment for the first time
- After assembly and before use at each new location
- Regularly, while in service (every 6-12 months)
- After repairs, prolonged downtime, and other exceptional circumstances
Following a thorough examination, you will receive an up-to-date LOLER certificate to keep for your record.
What Is a LOLER Certificate?
After a thorough examination, you should receive a written and signed report that identifies:
- A list of the examined equipment (including make, serial number, safe working load, and premises)
- The date of the last examination and when the next is due
- The reason for the inspection (routine, after assembly, after repairs, and so on)
- Details of the completed tests
- Any defects that are or may become a danger
- Repairs, renewals, or alterations required to remedy the defects and the date these should be carried out
- Details of the person or company carrying out the inspection
It’s the responsibility of the people and companies who own or operate lifting equipment to ensure compliance with LOLER by organising inspections when they are due and holding an up-to-date LOLER certificate.
The penalty for non-compliance with LOLER can result in a substantial fine and a 6-month to 2-year prison sentence, depending on the breach.
What Equipment Is Covered By LOLER?
LOLER applies to any lifting equipment used at work, including employees’ own lifting equipment, for lifting or lowering loads. The regulations also cover attachments and accessories used for anchoring, fixing, or supporting lifting equipment.
Almost all lifting equipment is covered by LOLER, including but not limited to:
- Overhead cranes
- Goods lifts and passenger lifts
- Forklift and pallet trucks
- Vehicle inspection platform hoists
- Mobile elevating work platforms
- Hoists
- Lifting attachments, slings, chains etc.
HSE clarifies that some lifting equipment falls under separate legislation, such as conveyor systems, escalators, and moving walkways, which are covered by PUWER.
A full list of equipment and corresponding regulations can be found here. You can read more about what equipment is included under LOLER in our blog.
LOLER Inspections from ISI
LOLER compliance is crucial to avoiding costly downtime, damage to surrounding assets, and injury to employees and the public.
Unsure if you need a LOLER inspection? Contact our team! At ISI, we offer free impartial advice by phone or statutory plant surveys to help you identify your inspection requirements for an agreed fee.
You can read more about LOLER services on our Lifting Equipment Inspection Services page, or download a copy of our LOLER Regulations guide for more information.