LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment)
Thorough Examination of Lifting Equipment
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER Regulations) requires lifting equipment and accessories undergo a thorough examination (LOLER Examination) by a competent person either every 6 months or 12 months.
Thorough Examination & LOLER
Lifting operations
This is a term defined by LOLER Regulation 8(2): ‘In this regulation “lifting operation” means an operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a load.’
Definition of Lifting Equipment under LOLER
A device or mechanism, such as a crane, winch, pulley block, gin wheel, chain block, which does the work in lifting or lowering the load or provides means of a movement, or the supporting structure and anchoring devices for such a mechanism, e.g. runway, gantry etc., which may also permit a suspended load to be moved in the horizontal direction.
Definition of Lifting Accessory under LOLER
Any device such as a sling, shackle, eyebolt, clamp, spreader beam etc. used to connect the load to a lifting appliance but which does not itself form part of the load or the appliance.
Why Compliancy Group and what can we offer?
Undertaking thorough examination of lifting equipment (LOLER examination) is an essential component of your organisation’s safety compliance programe and the safety of your staff and others. All our LOLER examiners are LEEA trained and competent.
We will ensure your LOLER examination of lifting equipment/accessories happen efficiently on schedule, in accordance with LOLER Regulation and with minimal disruption to your business.
All LOLER examinations will be undertaken in accordance with the LOLER Regulations by LEEA fully trained and competent LOLER examiners.
All our LOLER examiners are Personal Track Safety (PTS) trained to enable LOLER examination to be undertaken on Network Rail infrastructure.
- Sell (where requested by the client) and input your lifting equipment and accessories on to your asset database in your company account. This enables you to view all lifting equipment/accessories for when they were last examined, the result of examination and when they are next due to be examined.
- Allocating lifting equipment and accessories to either an individual or location.
- Monitoring scheduling, arranging, and undertaking your LOLER examinations, ensuring no lifting gear goes out of date.
- Reporting We produce thorough examination of lifting equipment report (thorough examination report) of lifting equipment/accessories on to your online secure company account so they are immediately available to you.
- 24/7 access to your online company account and advice, support, and guidance from your Compliancy Group Ltd Technical Director
What our Comprehensive Assessments Cover
Our Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment Services involve a thorough evaluation of your premises, including the identification of fire hazards, ignition sources, and fuel sources by experienced assessors. We also review existing control measures, such as fire detection systems and evacuation plans, and determine the risk level of a fire occurrence. Our experts provide actionable recommendations to improve fire safety and compliance.
Frequency of Examinations
Every 12 months
Lifting Equipment (cranes, hoists, etc.) not lifting or suspending a person
Every 6 months
Lifting Equipment (cranes, hoists, etc.) lifting or suspending a person
Every 6 months
Lifting Accessories (slings, shackles, eye bolt, chain sling etc
Examples of lifting equipment include:
- overhead cranes and their supporting runways
- patient hoists
- motor vehicle lifts
- vehicle tail lifts and cranes fitted to vehicles
- a building cleaning cradle and its suspension equipment
- goods and passenger lifts
- telehandlers and fork lifts
- lifting accessories
Lifting accessories are pieces of equipment that are used to attach the load to lifting equipment, providing a link between the two.
Any lifting accessories used between lifting equipment and the load may need to be taken into account in determining the overall weight of the load.
Examples of lifting equipment include:
- fibre or rope slings
- chains (single or multiple leg)
- hooks
- eyebolts
- spreader beams
- magnetic and vacuum devices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a thorough examination under LOLER?
A thorough examination under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) is a systematic and detailed examination of lifting equipment by a competent person to ensure that it remains safe to use. The examination aims to identify any defects that are, or might become, dangerous so they can be addressed to ensure the safety of operators and other workers.
How often should lifting equipment be thoroughly examined?
Under LOLER, lifting equipment that is exposed to conditions causing deterioration should be thoroughly examined:
- At least every six months for equipment used for lifting/lowering persons.
- At least every twelve months for other lifting equipment.
- Following exceptional circumstances like damage, long periods of disuse, or changes that might affect the equipment’s safety.
What is the difference between LOLER and thorough examination?
LOLER refers to the “Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998” – the UK regulations governing the safety of lifting equipment. A thorough examination, on the other hand, is a specific requirement under LOLER which mandates that lifting equipment is regularly checked by a competent person to ensure its safety.
Who should carry out thorough examinations of lifting equipment?
Thorough examinations of lifting equipment should be carried out by a competent person. This means someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to detect defects or weaknesses and assess their importance in relation to the safety of the equipment.
Who can complete LOLER inspection?
A LOLER inspection can be completed by a competent person who meets the criteria for understanding and assessing the safety of lifting equipment. This typically involves someone with the relevant qualifications and experience.
Who can carry out a thorough examination?
A thorough examination, like a LOLER inspection, should be carried out by a competent person. This is someone with the right mix of skills, knowledge, and practical experience to undertake the task effectively.
What qualification is needed to inspect lifting equipment?
The specific qualifications needed to inspect lifting equipment can vary. However, recognised qualifications from professional bodies such as LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) can be considered an industry standard. It’s not just about formal qualifications; practical experience and knowledge of the specific equipment being examined are crucial.
Are LOLER inspections a legal requirement?
Yes, LOLER inspections are a legal requirement in the UK for ensuring the safety of lifting equipment. Under the regulations, all lifting equipment must be regularly inspected and have a thorough examination carried out by a competent person at specified intervals.
