LOLER 1998: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply to all lifting equipment used at work, including mobile cranes, excavators used for lifting, telehandlers with lifting attachments, forklift trucks and lifting accessories such as chains, slings and shackles. LOLER sits on top of PUWER's general duties and adds specific requirements around lift planning, thorough examination, and marking of safe working loads. Its purpose is to prevent the two most common causes of serious lifting incidents: equipment failure through inadequate examination, and poorly planned or poorly supervised lifting operations.
Who it applies to
LOLER applies to employers and self-employed people who own, hire or control lifting equipment used at work — including plant hire companies, principal contractors, farms using telehandlers for lifting, and any site using mobile cranes, excavators fitted with lifting attachments, or forklifts on suspended loads. It also applies to lifting accessories like chains, slings and lifting eyes.
What it requires
- Every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely (Regulation 8)
- Lifting equipment must be marked with its safe working load, and accessories marked with relevant information (Regulation 7)
- Lifting equipment must undergo thorough examination by a competent person at statutory intervals — generally 6 months for lifting people or lifting accessories, 12 months for other lifting equipment, or in line with an examination scheme (Regulation 9)
- Equipment must be positioned and installed to minimise the risk of the load striking people or the equipment collapsing (Regulation 6)
- Reports of thorough examination must be kept and defects reported to the enforcing authority where they pose imminent danger
What inspectors & client auditors look for
- Current, in-date thorough examination reports for all lifting equipment and accessories on-site
- Written lift plans for non-routine or complex lifting operations, signed by a named competent appointed person
- Evidence of specific slinger/signaller training for anyone directing lifts
- Safe working load markings on equipment and accessories, matched against the load being lifted
Duties touching plant training & competence
- Appointed persons responsible for lift planning need demonstrable, genuine competence in lifting operations, not just a job title
- Slingers and signallers need specific training in safe slinging technique, exclusion zones and signalling before working near a lift
- Crane and telehandler operators need category-specific accredited training that includes load chart interpretation and ground condition assessment
- Anyone supervising lifting operations should understand the difference between a basic and complex lift and when a fuller written plan is required
Courses that map to LOLER 1998
FAQs
How often does lifting equipment need thorough examination under LOLER?
Generally every 6 months for equipment used to lift people or for lifting accessories, and every 12 months for other lifting equipment, unless a written examination scheme specifies otherwise.
Who can be an 'appointed person' for lift planning?
Anyone with genuine, demonstrable competence in planning the specific type of lifting operation involved — this is about real capability and experience, not a certificate alone, though formal training significantly supports it.
Does a forklift need LOLER thorough examination?
Yes, when used as lifting equipment (which nearly all forklifts are), it falls under LOLER and requires periodic thorough examination in addition to routine PUWER maintenance.
What's the difference between a basic and complex lift?
A basic lift is routine, repetitive and uses standard equipment under unchanging conditions; a complex lift involves multiple cranes, restricted access, or lifting near structures or services, and needs a fuller written lift plan.
This page provides general guidance for site managers and duty holders and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the current legislation, associated Approved Codes of Practice and HSE guidance, or seek professional legal advice for your specific circumstances.
Need training that maps to LOLER 1998?
Call Chris directly or request a quote — most bookings across Aberdeenshire mobilise inside a week.