The Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) place responsibilities on equipment managers and companies who own, operate or have control over lifting equipment. All processes involving lifting equipment must be organised by a competent person, the regulation also necessitates that equipment is fit for purpose, suitable for the task and appropriately marked, with maintenance and faults reported.
Lifting equipment includes any apparatus that is used in the workplace for lifting or lowering loads, together with accessories providing a link between the two. This includes any lifting accessories used for anchoring, securing or supporting it.
Examples of lifting equipment according to the HSE:
An evaluation of the risks at work associated with the equipment must be able to identify where the provision for thorough examination and inspection within LOLER applies. The detailed examination and inspection scheme must be carried out by persons of sufficient competence, who are independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made and complete a LOLER Inspection before the use of lifting equipment at work.
It is required by LOLER regulations 1998 that lifting equipment is:
Anyone with responsibility directly or indirectly for work equipment and its use must comply with LOLER, this includes equipment managers, employers, employees, self-employed and those who hire work equipment. Anyone who is accountable for lifting equipment in their company must be aware of LOLER and the procedures.
