In this guide we explain the key requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), who the regulations apply to, and best practices to follow to help your organisation maintain a safe and legally compliant workplace.
What are the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998?
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) are UK regulations that aim to make sure lifting equipment is installed, maintained, and used safely in workplaces.
These regulations apply to any organisation or individual responsible for lifting equipment and operations, helping to prevent accidents, injuries, and equipment failures.
LOLER forms part of an employer’s duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires businesses to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their work activities.
These are the key areas covered by LOLER:
Lifting equipment suitability
All lifting equipment must be fit for purpose, safely installed, and used correctly. Employers must ensure that:
- The right equipment is chosen for the task, considering the load type, weight, and lifting environment.
- Lifting equipment is properly installed and positioned to prevent tipping, structural failure, or hazards to workers and the public.
Safe installation and use
Lifting equipment must be installed, positioned, and used correctly to prevent instability, structural failure, or hazards to workers and the public. Key considerations include:
- Ensuring the correct placement of lifting equipment to prevent tipping, collapsing, or obstruction of walkways.
- Assessing the ground or surface stability where mobile lifting equipment (for example, cranes) is used.
- Confirming that the equipment has sufficient load-bearing capacity for the tasks it will perform.
- Ensuring that lifting operations are properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely, in line with risk assessments and method statements.
Thorough examination and inspections
Under LOLER, lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a competent person to ensure it remains safe to use. This involves:
- Initial inspection before first use, especially for new or modified lifting equipment.
- Routine inspections based on how often the equipment is used and the risk level associated with its operation.
- Mandatory thorough examinations:
- Every six months for lifting equipment used to lift people.
- Every twelve months for all other lifting equipment.
- After any significant repair or modification.
- Keeping detailed records of inspections, which must be readily available for regulatory authorities or internal audits.
If an inspection reveals a defect that poses a risk, the equipment must be taken out of service immediately until it is repaired and re-examined.
Competency of personnel
LOLER requires that anyone operating, inspecting, or supervising lifting equipment is properly trained and competent to do so. This means:
- Providing adequate training and refresher courses for operators.
- Ensuring supervisors and managers understand lifting procedures and safety measures.
- Appointing a competent person to conduct thorough inspections. This must be someone with sufficient knowledge, experience, and training to assess the safety of lifting equipment.
Ensuring that only qualified personnel handle lifting operations reduces the risk of human error, ensuring safe and compliant lifting activities.
Record-keeping and compliance
Employers must document and retain inspection records and certificates to:
- Ensure that any identified faults or maintenance needs are recorded and addressed.
- Demonstrate compliance with LOLER and other health and safety regulations.
- Provide an audit trail for regulatory authorities in the event of an inspection.
By following LOLER’s inspection, maintenance, and record-keeping requirements, organisations can ensure their lifting equipment remains safe, legally compliant, and fit for use.
What equipment does LOLER cover?
LOLER applies to a wide range of lifting equipment and accessories, such as:
- Care home and mobility lifting equipment – hoists, slings, and mobility assist devices.
- Cranes – mobile, tower, and overhead cranes.
- Forklift trucks – any equipment used for lifting or moving loads.
- Hoists and winches – used in construction, logistics, and vehicle recovery.
- Lifting accessories – such as slings, shackles, hooks, chains, and eyebolts.
- Passenger and goods lifts – including industrial lifts and platform lifts.
What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER?
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) are both essential workplace safety laws designed to regulate the safe use of equipment.
LOLER specifically applies to lifting equipment and lifting operations, whereas PUWER covers all types of work equipment used in the workplace. LOLER provides additional, specific requirements for lifting equipment.
Lifting equipment must comply with both PUWER and LOLER to be legally used in the workplace.
Who does LOLER apply to?
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply to individuals and organisations that own, operate, or have responsibility for lifting equipment and lifting operations.
Employers and duty holders responsible for workplace safety
LOLER applies to all employers who have lifting equipment in their workplace, regardless of the industry.
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that lifting equipment is properly maintained, thoroughly inspected, and used safely. They must also conduct risk assessments, implement control measures, and ensure lifting operations are planned and supervised by competent personnel.
In addition to employers, duty holders such as facilities managers, site managers, and health and safety officers also have legal obligations under LOLER. If they have control over lifting equipment, they must ensure that it is fit for purpose and compliant with LOLER inspection requirements.
Self-employed individuals who use lifting equipment
LOLER also applies to self-employed workers who use lifting equipment as part of their job. This includes contractors, freelance operators, and those working in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
Self-employed individuals must ensure that any lifting equipment they use is safe, properly maintained, and inspected at the required intervals. They are also responsible for ensuring they are competent to operate the equipment.
Equipment owners leasing or supplying lifting gear
Businesses or individuals that hire out, lease, or supply lifting equipment must comply with LOLER. This includes rental companies and suppliers of cranes, hoists, forklift trucks, and lifting accessories. They must ensure that all equipment provided is safe, fit for purpose, and has undergone the necessary LOLER inspections before being supplied to customers.
Employers who rent or lease lifting equipment must still ensure that it is properly inspected and maintained while in use at their workplace.
Industries affected by LOLER
LOLER applies to any industry where lifting equipment is used, but it most affects the following sectors:
- Agriculture – lifting equipment, such as telehandlers and lifting attachments for tractors, must be properly maintained and checked.
- Construction – cranes, hoists, and lifting gear are frequently used on construction sites, requiring strict compliance with LOLER regulations to prevent accidents.
- Healthcare – patient lifting equipment, such as hoists and slings used in hospitals and care homes, must be inspected under LOLER to ensure patient safety.
- Marine and offshore industries – lifting gear is used in dockyards, offshore platforms, and shipbuilding, requiring compliance with LOLER to prevent accidents in high-risk environments.
- Manufacturing – factories and production plants use lifting equipment such as overhead cranes, conveyor lifts, and robotic lifting arms to move heavy loads safely.
- Warehousing and logistics – forklift trucks, pallet lifts, and other lifting devices are used to transport goods, requiring regular inspections under LOLER.
What are LOLER maintenance and inspection requirements?
LOLER requires lifting equipment to be inspected at specific intervals, depending on its use:
- Lifting equipment used for lifting people (e.g., passenger lifts, patient hoists, and aerial work platforms) must be inspected every 6 months. These inspections are more frequent due to the higher risk to human safety.
- Lifting equipment used for goods only (e.g., cranes, forklift trucks, and lifting slings) must be inspected every 12 months.
- Accessories for lifting (e.g., slings, shackles, and chains) must also be inspected every 6 months.
- Additional inspections must be conducted after any significant repair, modification, or accident that could affect the equipment’s safety.
Who can conduct LOLER inspections?
LOLER requires that lifting equipment inspections and thorough examinations be conducted by a competent person. A competent person is someone with sufficient training, experience, and technical knowledge to assess the safety of lifting equipment and identify any defects or risks.
To ensure that LOLER inspections are objective and reliable, the competent person must be independent from the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the lifting equipment.
Who is a competent person under LOLER?
An employee
In some workplaces, an appropriately trained and experienced employee may be appointed as the competent person to carry out LOLER inspections. However, they must:
- Have specific technical knowledge of the lifting equipment they are inspecting.
- Be able to identify safety-critical defects and assess whether the equipment remains safe to use.
- Hold industry-recognised qualifications or certifications relevant to lifting equipment inspections.
- Be independent from the operation and maintenance of the equipment they are inspecting.
An external inspector
Many organisations choose to hire an external inspection body to conduct LOLER examinations. These inspectors are often:
- Accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) or other recognised regulatory bodies.
- Specialised in LOLER compliance and lifting equipment safety assessments.
- Fully independent, ensuring an unbiased and thorough inspection.
What happens if an inspection is failed?
If a LOLER inspection identifies a defect or safety risk, the lifting equipment must be immediately removed from use to prevent accidents. The employer or duty holder is responsible for ensuring corrective action is taken before the equipment can be returned to service.
Repairs must be carried out by a qualified technician or lifting equipment specialist to restore the equipment to a safe, operational condition.
If the equipment cannot be repaired to meet LOLER standards, it must be decommissioned and replaced. All repair work should be documented, including details of the faults, corrective actions taken, and any replacement parts used.
Once repairs are completed, the equipment must undergo a follow-up thorough examination conducted by a competent person. If it meets LOLER safety standards, it will be re-certified and deemed safe to use. The inspection report must be updated and retained as official documentation of compliance.
Best practices for LOLER compliance
Following these best practices protects workers and ensuresLOLER compliance:
- Train employees on LOLER requirements. Provide training on safe lifting practices, equipment handling, and inspections. Cover load limits, lifting accessories, and emergency protocols. Keep records of training and offer regular refresher courses.
- Ensure only competent personnel handle lifting equipment. Only trained and qualified individuals should operate or inspect lifting equipment. Employers must ensure supervisors and inspectors have the necessary expertise to prevent accidents.
- Carry out regular risk assessments. Assess load weight, equipment condition, environmental factors, and operator competency before lifting operations. Document and update risk assessments regularly to prevent accidents.
- Document inspections and keep records. Maintain detailed records of LOLER inspections, including inspection dates, defects, repairs, and re-certifications. Proper documentation supports compliance and reduces legal risks.
Ensure compliance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
To comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), organisations must provide comprehensive training, conduct thorough risk assessments, and implement robust equipment safety procedures.
Our PUWER Training provide employees with essential knowledge on equipment safety, risk management, and best practices for lifting operations. These courses complement practical training by reinforcing legal requirements, hazard awareness, and correct procedures.
Find out more about PUWER Training on our website, or contact our friendly team today on 0203 011 4242/info@praxis42.com
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
