What Equipment Is Covered by LOLER?

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LOLER applies to a wide range of lifting equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads.

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This includes equipment such as cranes, forklift trucks, telehandlers, hoists, lifts, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and vehicle lifting equipment.

It also covers lifting accessories used to connect or support a load, including:

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• Chains

• Slings

• Shackles

• Eyebolts

• Lifting beams

• Chain blocks

• Other lifting attachments and accessories

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Attachments used to anchor, fix or support lifting equipment may also fall within the scope of the Regulations.

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Does LOLER Apply to My Business?

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LOLER will generally apply if you are an employer or self-employed person who provides lifting equipment for use at work, or if you have control over lifting equipment used in the workplace.

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Duty holders are responsible for ensuring lifting equipment is suitable, properly maintained and thoroughly examined at the required intervals.

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What Does LOLER Require?

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The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 place specific duties on businesses using lifting equipment.

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A key requirement is the regular thorough examination of lifting equipment by a competent person.

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Duty holders must ensure that:

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• Lifting equipment and lifting accessories are thoroughly examined at the appropriate intervals.

• Equipment exposed to conditions that may cause deterioration is inspected before it becomes unsafe.

• Any supplementary tests or inspections specified by the competent person are completed within the required timescale.

• Defects that could present a danger are identified and dealt with appropriately.

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What Is a Thorough Examination?

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A thorough examination is a detailed and systematic inspection of lifting equipment carried out by a competent person.

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The purpose is to identify defects, deterioration or other issues that could make the equipment unsafe now or in the future.

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Following the examination, a written report is produced detailing the equipment inspected, the findings and any defects or actions required.

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How Often Is a LOLER Examination Required?

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The required examination frequency depends on the type and use of the lifting equipment.

As a general rule:

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• Equipment used to lift people should normally be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months.

• Lifting accessories should normally be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months.

• Other lifting equipment should normally be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months.

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Alternatively, examinations may be carried out in accordance with a written examination scheme prepared by a competent person.

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Additional examinations may also be required following exceptional circumstances, major repairs, alterations, damage or long periods out of use.

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LOLER Examinations from Safe Test Wales

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Safe Test Wales provides independent LOLER thorough examinations and certification for lifting equipment and lifting accessories across South Wales and the South West.

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We inspect a wide range of equipment including cranes, forklift trucks, telehandlers, hoists, MEWPs, lifting beams, chain blocks, chains, slings and other lifting accessories.

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Our examinations are carried out by a competent person, with clear reporting and practical advice where defects or further action are identified.

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