Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

This legislation applies to all places of work, and details the requirements for the examination of lifting equipment. Lifting equipment is defined as work equipment used for lifting and lowering loads. It includes the attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting equipment such as cranes, lifts, excavators and lift trucks.

Accessories for lifting includes any chain, rope, sling or component kept for attaching loads to machinery for lifting. Work equipment means any machine, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work.

An assessment of the risks associated with the equipment must be made to identify where the provision for thorough examination and inspection within LOLER applies. The thorough examination and inspection scheme must be carried out by persons of sufficient competence who are independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made.

LOLER also permits a ‘risk based’ approach to examination, whereby operators can arrange for a scheme of examination to be drawn up taking account of their specific equipment, environment and operations to extend periods between examinations where the risks are acceptable. More frequent examination may need to be considered where lifting operations are continuous.

Under LOLER, examinations should be carried out as follows:

  • Initially, before equipment is put into service (with some exceptions for CE marked new equipment).
  • After Installation, where safety is dependent on correct installation.
  • Periodic examinations are required where lifting equipment is exposed to conditions which cause deterioration that could lead to a dangerous situation.
  • After any exceptional events such as an accident or long period without use.

Examination Frequency can be summarised as:

  • Every six months for lifting equipment used for lifting/lowering persons. e.g, passenger lifts, access platforms, window cleaning equipment.
  • Every six months for lifting accessories, eyebolts, shackles, chain/wire & polyester slings.
  • Period examinations are required where lifting equipment is exposed to conditions which cause deterioration that could lead to a dangerous situation.
  • Every 12 months for all other lifting equipment not falling into either of the above categories, e.g. cranes and lift trucks.
Description Inspection Frequency Comment
Passenger Lifts 6 See Above re: risk based assessment
Other equipment for lifting persons 6
Lifting Accessories 6
Motor Vehicle Lifts 6
Cranes if used to lift people 6
Cranes 12
Motor Cycle Lifts 12
Other Lifting Equipment 12
Fork Lift Trucks 6 / 12 6m under SAFED guidelines / 12m under LOLER Risk based assessment also applies.

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