Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations SI 1998 No 2307 (LOLER)

These regulations came into force on the 5th December 1998. The parts of these regulations which are relevant to you are Regulations 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Relevant information has been extracted from the regulations.

Regulation 4: Strength & Stability

This regulation relates to the strength of the ground or surface on which the lifting equipment is positioned or located including the stability of the surface under load conditions and the size and nature of the load and how the load is intended to be lifted.

Regulation 5: Lifting Of Persons

This regulation states that equipment used for lifting persons must be specifically designed and marked for that purpose and have all necessary safety features. Do not try and use ordinary lifting equipment which is NOT marked for the purpose of lifting persons.

Regulation 6: Positioning And Installing

All lifting equipment must be positioned and installed in such a manner as to minimize the risk of the load striking a person or another piece of plant or falling. This will include the area to be barbered off and the use of tag lines. Never cross or venture beyond the barrier even if it looks safe.

Regulation 7: Marking Of Lifting Equipment

Every piece of lifting equipment and accessory must be clearly marked with their Safe Working Load and have a unique identification mark, and a CE stamp they should also have the SWL for different configurations. Do not use any item of lifting equipment beyond its stated Safe Working Load marked on them.

Regulation 8: Organisation Of Lifting Operations

All lifting operations must be properly planned and planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner (“lifting operation” means the lifting or lowering of a load the load can be a person/persons). This will include a risk assessment relevant to the task and the complexity of the task.

Regulation 9: Thorough Examination And Inspection

All lifting appliances and accessories must be thoroughly examined and where necessary tested by a competent person, before it is put into use for the first time and after any repair or modification, and at regular intervals. Don’t not try and repair, modify or weld any equipment / accessories as this will INVALIDATE all certification for that piece of equipment. All equipment must be inspected by the user every time prior and after use.