MIM News > Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

Companies located in the UK who operate lifting equipment must adhere to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 which is better known as LOLER.

What is LOLER?

LOLER is a set of standards to ensure that lifting operations are carried out in a safe manner by competent users and to ensure that lifting activities are supervised accordingly. LOLER describes a lifting operation as “an operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a load” while a “load” is referred to as the item that is being lifted. Under the regulations, lifting equipment is the apparatus that is used to lift the load, but not the accessories and attachments used in supporting the equipment.

What industries are regulated by LOLER?

The LOLER regulations place duties on companies and people who own or operate lifting equipment. The industries that are regulated by LOLER include engineering companies, lifting companies, vehicle recovery companies, garages, transportation companies and construction companies who operate lifting equipment on building sites.

How to carry out safe lifting operations?

There are a number of precautions to take when undertaking lifting operations. Firstly, all lifting operations must be planned appropriately by those who are fully competent with regard to lifting operations. Secondly a lifting operation must be carried out in a safe manner and supervised appropriately. Regardless of the type of lifting operation, it is important that the appropriate steps are taken to minimise the risk to those involved. By minimising the risks involved in lifting, companies can reduce the instances of injuries suffered to employees and damage caused to the items being lifted.

Testing equipment according to LOLER regulations

Under the LOLER regulations all equipment used for lifting must be fit for purpose, suitably marked and subject to thorough examinations. All lifting equipment must be clearly marked to indicate their safe working loads or the maximum load that the equipment can lift safely. Records of all thorough examinations must be kept, and any defects found reported to the people responsible for the lifting equipment.

How to test your lifting equipment according to LOLER

MIM-NI are certified to test and thoroughly examine all lifting equipment and plant under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. We can certify lifting equipment to ensure that they are fit for purpose. MIM-NI can issue LOLER certificates where lifting equipment is deemed to be safe to use.

To arrange an inspection

To avail of your free inspection of your lifting equipment contact us today on 0044 (0)28 7186 1244.