Lifting operations and equipment

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply across all industry sectors. The HSE explains that LOLER “place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over lifting equipment. This includes all businesses and organisations whose employees use lifting equipment, whether owned by them or not”. It adds that, in most cases, lifting equipment is also work equipment, so PUWER will also apply, including in relation to inspection and maintenance. It says: “All lifting operations involving lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner.”

The LOLER regulations also require that lifting equipment is fit for purpose, appropriate for the task, suitably marked and, in many cases, subject to statutory periodic thorough examination. Examinations must be recorded and any defects found must be reported to both the person responsible for the equipment and the relevant enforcing authority.

Safe use of lifting equipment: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Approved Code of Practice and guidance (L113) can be found on the HSE website.