What Is A LOLER Inspection? A Guide to Lifting Operations And Lifting Equipment Regulations

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, or LOLER, is a set of UK health and safety regulations that exist to ensure lifting equipment used in workplaces and professional settings is safe to use. Compliance with LOLER is a legal requirement for businesses that own or operate lifting equipment. This guide will explain what is involved in a LOLER inspection, why businesses must complete one, and tips on effective compliance with LOLER.

What Is A LOLER Inspection?

A LOLER inspection is a systematic examination of lifting equipment to ensure its safety and compliance with legal standards. It is used primarily by industries that rely heavily on lifting equipment, such as construction and manufacturing. LOLER inspections are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safe operation of equipment, including cranes, hoists, and forklift trucks. During a lifting equipment inspection, machinery and accessories are checked for wear and tear and structural integrity, to ensure all parts function correctly. Adhering to LOLER regulations not only helps safeguard employees and equipment but also ensures businesses are compliant with health and safety legislation, and protected from costly legal liabilities.

Who Needs A LOLER Inspection?

Sectors that use lifting equipment routinely, and for heavy loads, need to have regular LOLER inspections. This includes warehousing, aviation and agriculture, alongside construction and manufacturing. Other industries will also require lifting inspections, for example, ground works, events, and facilities management, in order to maintain operational safety. Although every industry will have some basic lifting and manual handling involved, LOLER is specifically for those that use machinery and equipment, which brings with it an added risk. 

How Often Should LOLER Inspections Be Carried Out?

As a general guide, this is when lifting inspections should be performed:

• Before first use for new, refurbished and significantly modified equipment 
• Every 6 months for lifting accessories and equipment used to lift people (e.g., hoists or passenger lifts)
• Every 12 months for all other lifting equipment and complex apparatus
• After exceptional circumstances; for example, following damage, modifications, or extreme operating conditions

Who Can Conduct A LOLER Inspection?

LOLER inspections must be carried out by a competent person. They need to have the appropriate skills, training, and experience to identify obvious and potential issues, as well as a thorough knowledge of LOLER regulations, and an understanding of the specific lifting equipment being inspected. This could be an employee or an external LOLER inspector. The person conducting the inspection should be independent and impartial, so that the outcome of the inspection is a genuine reflection and adheres to safety standards.

What Equipment Is Covered By A LOLER Inspection?

LOLER applies to a wide range of lifting equipment, including:

• Cranes
• Forklifts
• Hoists
• Cherry pickers
• Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
• Lifting slings, chains, and shackles
• Passenger lifts and goods lifts

It also covers lifting operations, making sure that any activity that involves the lifting equipment is properly planned, supervised, and executed safely. Lifting operations should also have appropriate method statements relevant to each task. 

What Is Included On A LOLER Inspection Checklist?

Owing to the potential risks associated with faulty equipment, a LOLER inspection has to be very thorough and detailed. The LOLER inspector will have a list of examinations that must be carried out. This LOLER inspection checklist will typically include:

1. Structural Integrity

The equipment and its parts, such as chains, ropes and hooks, needs to be checked for signs of wear and tear; for example, cracks, corrosion or deformation, which could affect its ability to operate safely and effectively.

2. Safety Mechanisms

Attention should be paid to the parts of the equipment that are designed specifically to keep people safe. This means examining all safety mechanisms for any malfunctions, and ensuring load-limiting devices, brakes and other features all work correctly.

3. Markings

Lifting equipment should come with markings that tell users the safe working load (SWL) limits. Inspectors need to verify that these markings are present and clearly displayed.

4. Functionality 

A LOLER inspection’s primary aim is to maintain safety standards and keep workers protected. It is also important to make sure that equipment functions properly and is fit for purpose. Not only does this improve efficiency, but it also bolsters safety. Therefore, equipment functionality should be assessed to confirm it operates correctly under load and without unusual noise or resistance

5. Documentation

All documentation, such as inspection history, maintenance records, and lifting equipment testing and certification documents, should be reviewed, ensuring it is up-to-date and well-maintained.

LOLER Inspection Reports

After a LOLER inspection, the competent person provides a Thorough Examination Report. This report must include:

• A description of the equipment and its location
• Results of the inspection, including any defects or immediate risks
• Recommendations for repairs, additional inspections, or equipment withdrawal
• The date of the next scheduled inspection
• This report must be kept on record for at least two years and must be accessible for regulatory audits

Why Do Businesses Need A LOLER Inspection?

The obvious answer here is that businesses need a LOLER inspection to ensure the safety and reliability of their lifting equipment, thereby protecting their employees. There is a far higher likelihood of accidents occurring if equipment is not properly maintained, inspected and risk assessed. It is also important for maintaining compliance with health and safety legislation. The consequences of non-compliance can be severe, and include legal penalties such as fines and potential prosecution. It can also lead to insurance issues, with claims being invalidated due to faulty equipment. The knock-on effect is damage to a business’ reputation. 

Preparing For A LOLER Inspection 

Companies should always stay ahead of regulatory requirements and maintain LOLER compliance. In order to make this process easier and prepare for regular LOLER inspections, businesses should: 

• Create a health and safety schedule, incorporating LOLER inspections into the overall health and safety plan
• Train staff to ensure all colleagues involved in lifting operations understand LOLER requirements
• Use third parties and qualified inspectors with verified credentials who understand lifting inspections
• Address any issues and act immediately on recommendations that arise from inspection reports
• Implement a LOLER inspection checklist so that nothing gets missed
• Document everything and maintain clear, organised records of all inspections and  maintenance activities
• Utilise a health and safety dashboard that puts all health and safety activity in one easy-to-see system

Expert Guidance From Rhino Safety 

For the most comprehensive health and safety management, it pays to use experts in the field. Rhino Safety has decades worth of experience managing and maintaining health and safety for businesses in all sectors, and at every scale. If you want to take the hassle out of health and safety, have all your inspections taken care of, and remain compliant, contact us today.