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LOLER 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 govern any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads — including the attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting them. If it lifts, LOLER applies.
What counts as lifting equipment?
Hoists, cranes, MEWPs, fork-lift trucks, vehicle tail-lifts, patient hoists, gantries — and the accessories: slings, chains, eyebolts, shackles, magnets, vacuum lifters. Items that are 'just for moving' (a wheelbarrow, a pallet truck without a lifting capacity beyond floor clearance) are typically out of scope.
Thorough examination intervals
LOLER sets two default intervals — but a competent person can shorten them via a written scheme of examination.
- Every 6 months — equipment for lifting persons, and any lifting accessory.
- Every 12 months — all other lifting equipment.
- After installation or assembly at a new site, before first use.
- After any exceptional event likely to affect safety (overload, impact, modification).
Safe Working Load (SWL)
Every item of lifting equipment and every accessory must be clearly marked with its Safe Working Load. For accessories, the marking must also identify the item so the report of thorough examination can be traced back to it. Unmarked or illegibly marked kit must be taken out of service.
Planning the lift
Every lifting operation must be planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely. For routine lifts the plan can be generic; for complex or one-off lifts, a written method statement is expected. The plan should cover the load, equipment, positioning, environment and personnel.
Who's a 'competent person'?
Someone with the practical and theoretical knowledge and experience to detect defects and assess their importance. In the UK, examiners are typically registered with LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) and work to the LEEA Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment.