LOLER 1998: HSE Lifting Equipment Rules

Regulatory citation: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2307)

What Is LOLER?

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply to equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads in Great Britain, such as cranes, forklifts, hoists, passenger lifts, mobile elevating work platforms and lifting accessories like slings and shackles.

Why LOLER Matters

Failures of lifting equipment or poorly planned lifts can drop loads, overturn equipment and cause fatal injuries. LOLER focuses on strength, stability, planning and thorough examination.

Core Requirements

1. Strong and Stable Equipment

Lifting equipment must be of adequate strength and stability for each load, and suitably positioned or installed.

2. Lifting People

Equipment for lifting people must be designed to prevent people from being crushed, trapped, struck or falling.

3. Marking

Lifting equipment and accessories must be marked with their safe working load, and equipment not designed for lifting people must be clearly marked as such.

4. Plan Lifting Operations

Every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.

5. Thorough Examination

Lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined by a competent person before first use (unless it has a valid declaration of conformity and hasn't been assembled on site), after installation where safety depends on it, and periodically: at least every six months for accessories and equipment used to lift people, and at least every 12 months for other lifting equipment, or in line with a written examination scheme.

6. Reports and Defects

Examination reports must be produced and kept. Defects involving an existing or imminent risk of serious injury must be reported to the employer and the enforcing authority.

Common Compliance Approaches

Lift Plans

Use written lift plans for complex or high-risk lifts.

Track Examination Dates

Keep a register of lifting equipment with next examination dates.

Pre-Use Checks for Accessories

Train workers to check slings, chains and shackles for damage before each use.

Example: LOLER in Practice

A steel fabricator uses an overhead crane and a set of chain slings. The crane is thoroughly examined every 12 months and the slings every six months by an independent engineer. Before a heavy lift of a new beam, a competent person prepares a lift plan, checks the sling ratings against the load, and sets up an exclusion zone.

Related regulations: HSE PUWER, OSHA Forklift Standard, HSE Work at Height.

Note: This summary reflects the regulations as they apply in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities. Northern Ireland has equivalent but separate legislation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must lifting equipment be thoroughly examined under LOLER?

Lifting accessories and equipment used for lifting people must be thoroughly examined at least every six months. Other lifting equipment must be examined at least every 12 months, unless a competent person has drawn up an examination scheme with different intervals.

Does a forklift need a LOLER inspection?

Yes. Forklifts are lifting equipment and need periodic thorough examination under LOLER. Many are examined every 12 months, but forklifts used to lift people, or with attachments used as accessories, may need examination every six months.

What is the difference between inspection and thorough examination?

A thorough examination is a systematic, detailed examination by a competent person to detect defects that could become dangerous. Inspections are usually more frequent, less detailed checks carried out between thorough examinations.