What is LOLER?
LOLER = Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
These regulations place duties on employers and self-employed people to ensure that lifting equipment is safe to use and that lifting operations are properly planned and carried out by competent people.
LOLER applies to all workplaces and work activities where lifting equipment is used. It works alongside PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) which covers general requirements for work equipment.
The regulations are particularly important in construction, where cranes, hoists, telehandlers, and other lifting equipment are used daily. Failures can result in catastrophic accidents including fatalities.
Equipment Covered by LOLER
LOLER applies to a wide range of equipment used to lift loads, including lifting people.
Lifting Equipment
- Mobile cranes (all types)
- Tower cranes
- Overhead gantry cranes
- Telehandlers/forklifts
- Vehicle-mounted loaders (HIAB)
- Hoists and winches
- Scissor lifts and MEWPs
- Passenger/goods lifts
Lifting Accessories
- Chains and chain slings
- Wire rope slings
- Webbing slings
- Shackles and hooks
- Eyebolts
- Lifting beams and spreaders
- Vacuum lifters
- Clamps and grabs
Important Note
The definition of "lifting equipment" includes any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including attachments. This means even simple equipment like a gin wheel on scaffolding is covered by LOLER.
Employer Duties Under LOLER
LOLER places specific duties on employers (and the self-employed) regarding lifting equipment:
Regulation 4: Strength and Stability
Equipment must be of adequate strength and stability for each load. This includes considering the load and stresses induced, and for mobile equipment, the ground conditions.
Regulation 5: Lifting Equipment for People
Equipment used for lifting people must have enhanced safety features including prevention of falling, crushing, trapping, collision, and means of evacuation if stuck.
Regulation 6: Positioning and Installation
Equipment must be positioned to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable. This includes considering dropping loads, loads striking people, and drift from intended path.
Regulation 7: Marking
Equipment must be clearly marked with its Safe Working Load (SWL). Accessories must show information necessary for safe use. Equipment for lifting people must be marked accordingly.
Regulation 8: Organisation of Lifting Operations
Every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a safe manner. This is the key planning requirement.
Thorough Examination Requirements
Regulation 9 requires that lifting equipment is thoroughly examined at specified intervals. This is NOT the same as routine maintenance or pre-use checks.
Examination Intervals
Equipment for lifting people
MEWPs, passenger lifts, man-riding hoists
Lifting accessories
Chains, slings, shackles, hooks, eyebolts
Other lifting equipment
Cranes, hoists, telehandlers (or as per examination scheme)
Who Can Do Thorough Examinations?
Thorough examinations must be carried out by a "competent person" - typically an insurance company engineer or independent inspection body. They must be impartial and have appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience.
Additional Examination Triggers
- Before first use (if no EC Declaration of Conformity)
- After assembly at a new location (if safety depends on installation)
- After exceptional circumstances (accidents, damage, long periods out of use)
Planning Lifting Operations
Regulation 8 requires that every lifting operation is properly planned. For routine lifts, planning may be a mental process. For complex lifts, a written lift plan is essential.
Lift Plan Contents
Roles in Lifting Operations
Appointed Person
Plans the lift, selects equipment, ensures competent personnel. Required for all but the simplest routine lifts. Holds CPCS A61 or equivalent.
Lift Supervisor
Supervises the actual lift in accordance with the lift plan. Ensures safe execution. May be same person as Appointed Person on simple lifts.
Crane Operator
Operates the crane. Must be competent (CPCS card for type of crane). Takes direction from slinger/signaller.
Slinger/Signaller
Attaches the load and gives signals to the operator. Must understand rigging and use standard hand signals. CPCS A40 slinger/signaller card.
Competence Requirements
LOLER requires that lifting operations are carried out by competent people. In UK construction, this typically means holding relevant CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) cards.
Common CPCS Categories for Lifting
Appointed Person (Lifting Operations)
Plans complex lifts, selects equipment
Slinger/Signaller
Attaches loads, directs crane movements
Crane Supervisor
Supervises crane operations on site
Crane Operators (by type)
Mobile crane, tower crane, crawler crane, etc.
Documentation Requirements
LOLER requires specific documentation to be kept for lifting equipment:
Report of Thorough Examination
Must include: equipment identification, date, defects found, whether safe to use, when next examination due, name of competent person.
Retention: Until next examination or 2 years (whichever longer)
EC Declaration of Conformity
Required for new equipment. Confirms compliance with relevant EU directives (Machinery, Lifts). Keep with equipment records.
Retention: Life of equipment
Lift Plans
Written plans for complex lifts. Should be kept for reference and review. Required for any lift that is not routine.
Retention: Project duration minimum, ideally longer
Common Lifting Hazards
Overloading
Exceeding SWL causes structural failure. Always know the load weight and equipment capacity.
Control: Load weighing, rated capacity indicators, competent appointed person
Ground Conditions
Soft ground, underground voids, or slopes can cause crane overturn.
Control: Ground assessment, outrigger mats, level setup, exclusion from edges
Overhead Power Lines
Contact with HV lines is frequently fatal. Electricity can arc across gaps.
Control: DNO consultation, goal posts, banksmen, minimum clearances
Falling Loads
Poorly secured or rigged loads can fall, causing fatal injuries.
Control: Competent slinger, correct accessories, exclusion zones
Crushing/Trapping
People caught between load and fixed objects, or under falling equipment.
Control: Exclusion zones, trained signallers, never work under suspended loads
Two-Crane Lifts
Tandem lifts are complex - load sharing changes dynamically.
Control: Detailed lift plan, experienced appointed person, constant communication
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lift plan for every lift?
Every lift must be planned, but not every lift needs a written lift plan. Routine, repetitive lifts with known loads may only need a generic assessment. Complex, heavy, or unusual lifts require detailed written plans.
What's the difference between examination and inspection?
Thorough examination is a detailed examination by a competent person at statutory intervals. Inspection includes daily pre-use checks by operators and regular visual inspections. Both are required but serve different purposes.
Can I use hired equipment without examination reports?
No. The hire company should provide current examination reports. You must not use equipment without valid documentation. Check reports before accepting delivery.
Who is responsible for LOLER compliance on site?
The employer using the equipment is responsible. For hired equipment, this is typically the hirer (customer), not the hire company. Principal contractors should ensure subcontractors comply but don't take on their duties.
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