Understanding the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is crucial for ensuring safety in workplaces where lifting equipment is used. A common question is: What Equipment Is Covered Under Loler? This article provides a detailed explanation, clarifying which types of equipment fall under LOLER’s scope and highlighting the responsibilities of employers and equipment operators.
Decoding LOLER’s Coverage A Comprehensive Guide
LOLER’s scope is quite broad, covering a wide array of lifting equipment. It’s not just about cranes and hoists; it extends to any equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, including accessories used in these operations. Therefore, properly identifying the equipment that falls under LOLER is paramount for compliance and risk mitigation. LOLER aims to prevent or control any risk arising from the use of lifting equipment at work.
Specifically, LOLER covers equipment used to lift or lower loads as a principal function. Examples of lifting equipment include:
- Cranes (mobile, overhead, gantry)
- Forklift trucks (used for lifting)
- Lifts (passenger and goods)
- Hoists
- Lifting slings
- Chains
- Ropes
- Eyebolts
However, LOLER’s reach extends beyond the lifting equipment itself. It encompasses all accessories used in lifting operations. To get a better sense of some of the equipment that falls under LOLER regulations, consider the following examples:
| Equipment Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Lifting Machines | Cranes, hoists, lifts |
| Lifting Accessories | Slings, shackles, eyebolts |
| Equipment for specific tasks | Forklift trucks when lifting, telehandlers when lifting |
It’s also important to distinguish between lifting equipment and other types of machinery. For example, conveyors that move items horizontally, escalators, and earth-moving equipment used primarily for digging are generally not considered lifting equipment under LOLER. However, if earth-moving equipment is used for lifting a load (as opposed to the earth itself) it could be covered by the legislation, depending on what is being lifted. The core principle is that if the equipment’s primary function is to lift and lower, it’s likely covered by LOLER.
Want to delve deeper into the specifics and access the official guidance on what is covered under LOLER? You can find the complete and definitive information on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website. Make sure you are always referencing the official source for the most up-to-date information.