Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) is legislation that was introduced by the Health & Safety Executive in 1974 and revised and updated in 1998. It is designed to cover all lifting operations conducted for work purposes, including equipment such as platform lifts.

Part of LOLER states that lifting equipment should undergo thorough examinations and routine inspections. This is imperative as the failure of lifting equipment can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Routine inspections

Some of these checks may need to be made by the user before each operation, to check that the essential components are sound. Depending on the nature of the equipment and how often it is used, routine inspections and checks may be carried out on a weekly, quarterly, or monthly basis.

These should be carried out by trained personnel who are familiar with how the equipment is used, and can verify safe usage of equipment can continue.

Thorough examinations

The HSE defines a thorough examination thus: “This is a systematic and detailed examination of the equipment and safety-critical parts, carried out at specified intervals by a competent person who must then complete a written report.”

The report must contain the examination date, the date when the next examination is due, and any dangerous or potentially dangerous defects.

These examinations must be carried out before first use (unless certain specified conditions are met). The examiner must be a ‘competent person’, which means that they should have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge to identify any defects.

Thereafter, the examinations must be carried out after assembly and before use at each location, and regularly while in service. This could mean every six to 12 months, depending on how the equipment is used. Any devices used to lift people must be thoroughly examined every six months.

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