LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)

LOLER 1998 requires that lifting equipment is strong, stable, properly used, and thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a competent person.

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, known as LOLER, apply wherever equipment is used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including cranes, hoists, forklifts, and their accessories such as chains and slings. The regulations are enforced by the HSE.

LOLER requires that lifting equipment is sufficiently strong and stable, positioned and installed to minimise risk, and used safely by trained people. Crucially, it requires thorough examination by a competent person at set intervals: generally every six months for equipment used to lift people, and every twelve months for other lifting equipment, or in line with an examination scheme.

Records of thorough examinations must be kept, and any defects reported. Keeping track of examination dates and certificates is essential, as using lifting equipment with an expired examination is a common compliance failure.