3 main aims of LOLER: Lifting operations are properly planned and managed. Lifting equipment is used in a safe manner. Lifting equipment is thoroughly inspected at suitable intervals by a competent person.
More complex lifting operations may require a new plan every time they are carried out. This includes where lifting operations involve two or more pieces of lifting equipment or when the operation cannot take place at a time when the area below it is devoid of people.
LOLER and PUWER both reference work equipment, of which a lift is an incredibly common component. LOLER focuses on lift equipment, whereas PUWER is centred more around work equipment in general.
Lifting equipment is any work equipment for lifting and lowering loads, and includes any accessories used in doing so (such as attachments to support, fix or anchor the equipment). Examples of lifting equipment include: overhead cranes and their supporting runways. vehicle tail lifts and cranes fitted to vehicles.
The regulations involve anything which involves the lifting of goods or people at work. Equipment covered would include lifts, cranes, ropes, slings, hooks, shackles, eyebolts, rope and pulley systems and forklift trucks.
What is a Hoist or Lift? A hoist is simply a type of mechanical device for lifting that can work to elevate someone from a sitting position, and move them safely into another area, such as a bathtub, seat, or bed. Some hoists can even carry patients horizontally between areas in a room.
The LOLER regulations require a lift plan, it's the law.
Causes of back pain at work
- lifting heavy or bulky loads.
- carrying loads awkwardly, possibly one-handed.
- pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads.
- manual handling in awkward places, such as during delivery work.
- repetitive tasks, such as packing products.
- bending, crouching or stooping.
- stretching, twisting and reaching.
Check that the electrical equipment is in good condition
- Switch off and unplug the equipment before you start any checks.
- Check that the plug is correctly wired (but only if you are competent to do so).
- Ensure the fuse is correctly rated by checking the equipment rating plate or instruction book.
1. PPE legislation. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 seeks to ensure that where risks cannot be controlled by other means PPE should be correctly identified and put into use.
While the ACOPs are not law, they were made under section 16 of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act) and so have a special status, as outlined in the introduction to the PUWER ACOP: 'Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action.
If you have to push a heavy load, follow the steps above, remembering to keep your back straight, not hunched. If you have to pull a load: Keeping your knees bent, face the object. Walk backward while pulling the object, being careful not to twist the body.
Check out these safe lifting and handling tips, recommended by the Health and Safety Executive.
- Think before you lift.
- Keep the load close to the waist.
- Adopt a stable position.
- Ensure a good hold on the load.
- Do not bend your back when lifting.
- Do not bend the back any further while lifting.
- Do not twist when you lift.
BS7121 is the British Standard Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Cranes. It is recognised as best practice in the industry and has been drawn up by the industry in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Under the law employers are responsible for health and safety management. It is an employer's duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.
A LOLER inspection is a Thorough Examination of lifting equipment by a qualified or 'competent' person, as defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). For lifts, it can be likened to a car MOT, a regular check to ensure that the equipment is safe for people to use and operate.
We offer fixed price LOLER testing for just £125, or the test is FREE with your annual service. A LOLER test can cost as little as £125* and will provide you with real peace of mind.
The LOLER Regulations cover a wide range of equipment including, cranes, fork-lift trucks, lifts, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms, and vehicle inspection platform hoists. The definition also includes lifting accessories such as chains, slings, eye bolts etc.
To comply with LOLER, this equipment must have passed a thorough examination by a competent person in the last 12 months, and it must be marked with its Safe Working Load (SWL), as well as any characteristic that might affect its safe use.
Whilst this is not a legal requirement, all tail lift manufacturers recommend at least one weight test per year, and also after a tail lift has had major work undertaken. Weight tests can be included as part of a tail lift service or a LOLER thorough Examination.
Free rigging is the practice of attaching ropes, chains or slings to forklift tines for the purpose of below tine lifting and moving. It's an all-to-frequent practice and not only is it usually illegal, it's a very bad idea.
As the legally responsible person, it is your job to undertake risk assessments of each task and consider the risks from manual handling to the health and safety of your workers. The purpose of your risk assessment is to identify all the risks so you take proportionate measures to control them.
