LOLER

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) are applicable to all businesses and organizations who's employees use lifting equipment, whether they own it or not, and is a legal regulation that places duties on people and companies who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment. 

LOLER requires that all equipment used for lifting is fit for purpose, suitably marked, appropriate for the task, and is subject to statutory thorough examinations carried out by a competent person. Records of thorough examinations and inspections must be kept and the competent person must provide a written report of thorough examination identifying any defects and what should be done to put them right. Where there are any defects deemed by the competent person as an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury, he must inform you immediately and sent a copy of the report to the relevant enforcing authority.

Under LOLER, all lifting operations involving lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a safe manner.

In the majority of cases, equipment subject to LOLER regulations are also classified as work equipment, and are thus subject to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) (including inspection and maintenance).

LOLER can be likened to a car MOT. Just like it is illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT certificate, it is illegal to operate any lifting equipment without a valid LOLER certificate.

Some common examples of lifting equipment are forklift trucks, cranes, telescopic handlers, passenger and goods lifts, fore end loaders, and lifting jacks.

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Lifting accessories such as chain slings, beam clamps, shackles, and eyebolts are also subject to LOLER.