LOLER inspections are essential certifications supported by the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment: Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), required for businesses across many sectors that use lifting equipment, including cranes, hoists, and employee elevators. It’s essential to understand the regulations and where they apply to stay compliant as a business. Read on to learn more about a LOLER inspection and whether you need one.
LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. It’s a lifting equipment inspection with a detailed examination designed to highlight and monitor faults, breaks, wear and tear, and the general operational standard of equipment. The examination focuses on the strength, stability, installation, and positioning of the equipment. To be LOLER compliant, all lifting equipment and lifting accessories, should be fit for purpose and appropriately labelled with all damage and maintenance reports recorded.
Each LOLER inspection must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ who’s fair, knowledgeable, and skilled in understanding and evaluating the equipment. This check helps identify dangers, report hazards, provoke repairs, and ultimately keep your employees and users safe.
Yes, LOLER inspections have been made Law under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and are a legal requirement when working with lifting tools and powered access platforms. The consequences of non-compliance with LOLER can be devastating. Without compliant LOLER checks upheld, not only are you putting yourself and your staff at serious risk of potentially fatal injuries, but you could also be fined or even imprisoned.
Ensuring you meet the frequency and requirements of LOLER inspections is essential to stay compliant throughout your lifting equipment’s lifespan.
Ensure your LOLER checks are completed:
- Before the first use – for the first time use, you need to ensure the equipment is safe and fit for purpose. Unless the equipment has a Declaration of Conformity less than one-year-old and the equipment was not assembled on site, it’s essential to have a LOLER expert look at it to make sure it’s safe to use.
- After assembly – when setting up equipment at a new site (e.g. tower crane), it must be checked before use at each location. This is to make sure it was put together correctly and it’s safe for action.
- Regularly in service – most equipment is exposed to conditions that cause deterioration and wear and tear, so will need regular in-service examinations. For equipment exposed to heightened or extreme conditions such as detrimental weathering, you may need to consider scheduling more frequent checks. LOLER recommend every 6 or 12 months, depending on the equipment and site locations.
- After exceptional circumstances – A LOLER inspection is essential should any equipment be damaged or fail, be used for the first time after long periods, or undergo major changes such as modifications, or replacement/repair of parts.
LOLER inspections are designed to keep everyone safe when using powered lifting equipment. It’s important to book your checks regularly and ensure they are thoroughly conducted by a competent inspector.
If you’re not sure how often your equipment needs a LOLER inspection, we can provide a LOLER plan with reminders to notify you when your equipment is due for inspection. Get in touch for more information.
All lifting equipment and lifting accessories used for work within construction, commerce and industrial sectors are subject to LOLER including work equipment provided by employers and self-employed persons. However, LOLER regulations only apply to work activities, for example:
- Forklifts, telehandlers
- Cranes, excavators, and diggers
- Elevators or lifts provided for workers
- Slings, shackles, lifting chains