Lifting Equipment and Testing


If you are an employer or self-employed person providing lifting equipment for use at work. of if you have control of the use of lifting equipment, you must make sure the lifting equipment is safe.

The main requiremenst for you as in a 'duty holder' are in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). In recent years Spencer Rigging has taken this step further to include other related services such as Thorough Examination of Lifting Equipment and PPE, such as harnesses and rope access equipment, in accordance with the most recent legislation.

In order to enhance Spencer Rigging's 15 years of experience in the lifting industry Mark Spencer trained and qualified as an Appointed Person for lifting operations, as well as attending various Examination of Lifting Equipment courses through Lloyds British and Leea (through Evita) for example.

What is LOLER?

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) addresses the specific risks associated with the use of lifting equipment. Thorough examination and inspection are key requirements of the Regulations. To meet these requirements, duty holders must:
Ensure lifting equipment (including lifting accessories) exposed to conditions causing deterioration which could lead to dangerous situations undergoes regular thorough examination by a competent person; and
Ensure all supplementary inspections and tests recommended by the competent person are carried out within the timescale stated.

What equipment is covered by the Regulations?

Lifting equipment includes any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it. The Regulations cover a wide range of equipment including, cranes, fork-lift trucks, lifts, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms, and vehicle inspection platform hoists.
The Health and Safety Executive definition also includes lifting accessories such as chains, slings, eyebolts etc. LOLER does not apply to escalators, these are covered by more specific legislation, ie the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.