This short article ‘ A quick introduction to LOLER’ is designed for those that want to know what LOLER is, but don’t want to spend hours perusing endless, in-depth paragraphs on the specifics of LOLER.
The article answers the following questions:
Why was LOLER created?
Which lifting equipment is covered by LOLER?
What is a LOLER inspection?
What’s the difference between LOLER and PUWER?
What happens if you don’t comply with LOLER?
Lifting anything has its dangers, even if it's just a small piece of furniture or a laundry basket in your home. In a commercial setting, however, the things that need lifting get bigger, and often require lifting equipment.
This is why LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) was created, with the main purpose to provide a set of regulations to ensure lifting equipment is:
Strong and securely stabilised
Positioned in a safe location
Regularly inspected
Routinely maintained
Stored in a suitable and safe location
LOLER also insists that:
Plans must be put in place for how equipment is used (including a risk assessment)
Managers keep relevant safety records
Anyone operating the lifting equipment is suitably trained and experienced
LOLER is quite specific on the type of lifting equipment it covers, and generally includes high-risk lifting equipment used for work. For example, a customer lift wouldn’t be covered, but a lift for employees would. Pallet trucks are also excluded from LOLER, as they’re considered low risk.
However, LOLER does cover a wide range of work-specific equipment designed for lifting and lowering loads, these include:
Cranes
Forklifts
Lifts (used for work)
Vehicle inspection platforms
Slings
Hoists
Plus any attachments used for any of the above
Similar to an MOT test on a car or van, a LOLER inspection or Thorough Examination, is a legally-required, yearly inspection of your lifting equipment by a qualified and competent person as defined by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive).
On a forklift, for example, to award a LOLER Certificate, a LOLER inspector would look at areas such as:
Hydraulic hoses and fluid
Rams and seals
Lift chains
Tyre pressures and tyre condition
All controls
Indicators
Brakes
Fork configuration
Power sources, including batteries
Cockpit, seat and protection cabin
Regarding LOLER not covering certain types of equipment, such as customer lifts etc., these items will more than likely be covered by PUWER (Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations).
Like LOLER, PUWER is a set of regulations designed primarily for the safe use of machines and equipment used at work, but unlike LOLER, the regulations are designed to protect non-workers, such as passers-by or customers etc.
Firstly and most importantly – if you or your business doesn’t comply with the regulations set out by LOLER, you risk a high chance of fatal and non-fatal accidents, plus potential and expensive damage to equipment.
Secondly, non-compliance with LOLER in the UK is illegal, and the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) has the power to enforce the regulations by imposing fines and regular inspections, or orders to cease operations.
If you’re looking for a LOLER inspection on your forklift, contact Beds & Bucks Forktrucks today. With over 30 years of experience in the materials handling industry, we have a fully-equipped workshop fitted with the latest technology, plus a friendly team of experienced LOLER-certified professionals.
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01234 391784
sales@bbforktrucks.com