Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

Often referred to by its acronym of LOLER, this regulation states that any employer who uses lifting equipment has a duty to ensure that
• “ (a) lifting equipment is of adequate strength and stability for each load, having regard in particular to the stress induced at its mounting or fixing point; “ and
“(b) every part of a load and anything attached to it and used in lifting it is of adequate strength.” (Regulation 4);
• Lifting equipment for lifting individuals doesn’t injury that person whilst in use through “being crushed, trapped or struck or falling from the carrier”, (Regulation 5);
• Lifting equipment is positioned and installed correctly, (Regulation 6);
• The safe working load is clearly marked, (Regulation 7);
• “every lifting operation involving lifting equipment is —
(a) properly planned by a competent person;
(b) appropriately supervised; and
(c) carried out in a safe manner.” (Regulation 8);
• A thorough examination and inspection is carried out, at least every 6-months for use in lifting person, or 12-months for other equipment, (Regulation 9);
• “as soon as is practicable make a report of the thorough examination in writing”, and of any defects, (Regulation 10);
• Keep information of the report on record for a period of time, which for the lifting equipment itself is until an employer ceases to use that equipment, or for two-years where an accessory for lifting has been reported on; (Regulation 11).