The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) established the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) with the goal of enhancing workplace health and safety and reducing injury risk. All lifting operations, lifting equipment, and accessories are subject to the LOLER regulations, which are legal requirements. The requirement for a LOLER inspection for all work equipment, operational procedures, and more is an additional crucial element.
Continue reading to find out the recommended LOLER inspection frequency and why it should be a high priority.
What is a LOLER test for lifting equipment?
Since the regulations’ implementation in 1998, all forms of lifting equipment and lifting accessories must undergo a LOLER testing examination. A so-called “competent person” is required to conduct tests. This competent person possesses the necessary credentials, experience, and expertise, which change depending on the workplace.
For their lifting equipment, many customers opt for external maintenance, repair, and testing services because a professional person will be unbiased and impartial. Although LOLER inspections and testing standards might vary, they typically cover the following significant areas:
- Utilisation and suitability: In this stage of the LOLER test, the equipment’s environment, frequency of usage, and weight capacity are evaluated. It is also a chance to determine whether lifting equipment is appropriate for the use for which it is intended. Lifting equipment must be placed in a location with minimum, or no, lifting of loads over humans. Additionally, any movement of the equipment must be protected by guard rails, barriers, or other types of enclosures.
- Weight capacity: The LOLER test’s weight test is likely its most crucial component. Proof load testing entails determining whether the apparatus can support the necessary weight, such as in a passenger lift that can accommodate a given number of passengers.
- Planning and operations: In order to pass the LOLER exam, you must ensure that your lifting activities are safely planned, supervised, organised, and carried out. This involves evaluating any emergency or breakdown procedures for passenger lifts and goods lifts. The HSE mandates that equipment be properly labelled with its safe working loads. Depending on the operation, this is a core part of the equipment testing process and may also involve attachments like hooks, pulleys, and other LOLER equipment.
Your LOLER testing checklist will be different since the testing will vary for other lifting equipment (for instance, testing for cranes on a building site is different from testing for elevators in a hotel). The competent person conducting the thorough examination will determine the specifics.
When should I have LOLER inspections for my lifting operations?
Inspections by the LOLER become less difficult if you understand what your equipment requires to be compliant. It is critical to be aware of when each type of equipment is scheduled for inspection because inspection intervals for various types of equipment vary.
- According to LOLER, this should be done every six months for any lifting apparatus and any auxiliary items used to raise people. These include window cleaning equipment, passenger elevators, and access platforms.
- The time period is also every six months for any lifting accessories (such as anchoring and fixing).
- Inspections should be performed once every 12 months on all other lifting equipment. Cranes, forklifts, lifting jacks, and other pieces of equipment that aren’t meant to raise people are a few examples of this type.
What happens during your LOLER inspection?
An experienced inspector will visit your company to conduct the inspection, which has three stages:
- Visual examination
- Measurements of wear
- Non-destructive testing
You will be alerted right away if an issue is found that the inspector believes might endanger people. As soon as you become aware, you must take steps to reduce the danger by highlighting the flaw and prohibiting use of the apparatus until it has been fixed.
Even if the flaw is repaired right away, it is advised to document it. This is necessary so that you can monitor all equipment testing and keep track of any flaws in case they come up again.
Why is it important to schedule LOLER inspections?
Employee safety and preventing serious injuries ought to be your top priorities. However, failing to complete LOLER inspections can lead to further issues that not only impact your employees but also your organisation.
In recent years, hypothetical risk of injury has replaced actual harm as the consequence of incomplete LOLER inspections. This implies that your business will suffer substantial repercussions even if no one is hurt while using non-compliant equipment. These typically include a sizable fine, but not always.
Under the revised, tougher regime that is less forgiving of businesses that don’t comply, fines as a whole have climbed. This should serve as a severe reminder to businesses that any violation of LOLER might result in a fine that most corporations would find difficult to pay.
Get an expert LOLER inspection from Future Lift Services
We provide a top-notch installation and maintenance service for lifts in workplaces, public structures, and other types of commercial buildings.
We can assist with leading LOLER testing and certification if your organisation uses platform lifts, passenger lifts, or other types of access equipment that elevates people.
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LOLER inspection FAQs
Is LOLER mandatory?
These Regulations (commonly referred to as LOLER) impose obligations on individuals and organisations who own, operate, or are under the control of lifting equipment. This encompasses all companies and organisations, whether they are owned by them or not, whose workers use lifting equipment.
How often should lifting equipment be inspected?
Depending on whether the lifting equipment is intended to lift people or not, you can arrange for the thorough examination to be performed either: – at regular intervals (at least every 6 months or 12 months); or – in accordance with an examination schedule created by a qualified individual.
Who is responsible for LOLER inspections?
Inspections of lifting equipment must be performed by qualified individuals in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations of 1998 (LOLER). A competent individual is one who possesses the necessary training, expertise, and understanding to fully comprehend what they are seeking.