The HSE introduced legal requirements for lifting equipment and lifting operations in 1961. Since then, they have been constantly updated and amended to suit modern day industry. The current regulations are the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and work alongside the more general Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act). In addition to the requirements of LOLER, lifting equipment is also subject to the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
These regulations are designed to make lifting operations, and the use of lifting equipment, as safe as it can be.
Do they apply to me?
If you are an employer (or self employed) providing lifting equipment for use at work, or are in control of lifting equipment, then the regulations apply to you.
Ok, so what do I need to do?
LOLER regulations stipulate that: all equipment is strong, stable and suitable for purpose; equipment is positioned or installed correctly; equipment is visibly marked with relevant information for safe use; lifting operations are properly planned; lifting of persons is only done when required and correct equipment is used; equipment is thoroughly examined by a competent person at appropriate periods and a certificate evidencing this is retained for the life of the equipment.
What about employees?
Employees do not have specific duties under LOLER, however, they do have responsibilities under the HSW Act and the Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 1999. These responsibilities include taking reasonable care of themselves and others around them, ensuring they are using equipment as per training and following guidance.
So, how can Scotia Handling Services help?
All equipment we supply is of the highest quality and complies with all regulations.
We can carry out thorough examinations for you with minimal downtime, and therefore cost, to you. Our customers who opt in, receive timely reminders of inspections due and we arrange visits to ensure that your legal requirements are met.
Our online certification portal also helps. It’s a system that stores all your certification – from the original birth certificate right through to the last inspection of your equipment’s useful life.
We partner with our customers to help them comply – taking the hassle away.
Our priority is to make life easier for you!
Get in touch for more information.