LOLER stands for “Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998”. These regulations were created under the Health and Safety at Work Act with the aim to reduce the risk of injury from using lifting equipment at work.
LOLER regulations apply to people and companies who operate or have control over lifting equipment, whether they own the equipment or not.
A LOLER inspection involves a “thorough examination” of the equipment in question to ensure it is fit for purpose and safe to use. The inspections must be carried out by a competent person and any defects must be reported to the person responsible for the equipment and the relevant enforcing authority.
Lifting equipment used at work also comes under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). PUWER requires that all equipment provided for use at work is suitable and safe for the intended use, is used by adequately trained people, is maintained correctly and is accompanied by suitable health and safety measures.
Lifting equipment must comply with both PUWER and LOLER regulations, which include extra requirements specific to lifting equipment.
LOLER inspections are a legal requirement and are part of managing the safe condition of mobile elevating work platforms.
LOLER inspections should be carried out every:
Any defects or problems with the equipment that could prevent it from working correctly need to be reported and resolved before any further use. This reduces the risk of injury to the operator and can prevent prolonged downtime of the machine.
If you own a piece of powered access equipment or manage a building which includes powered access, you are considered as the “duty holder”. You are therefore responsible for the regular maintenance and repairs including LOLER inspections, in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, to ensure the equipment is safe to use.
LOLER examinations are a legal requirement when working with powered access platforms. Failure to comply with the “Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998” can result in fines, imprisonment and the biggest cost of all, serious injury and death.
The consequences of not complying with LOLER regulations can be severe, affecting the operation of your business and reputation in the industry, so they need to be taken seriously.
The construction industry continues to have significantly higher workplace injury rates compared to other industries. Common causes of workplace injuries are, injuries from being struck by moving objects, injuries from handling, lifting and carrying and of course, falls from height. The risk of injury can be significantly reduced with proper planning, risk assessment and ensuring equipment is fit for use.
Ensure you are LOLER compliant and book your LOLER examination with APS today on 01480 891251.
The LOLER Approved Code of Practice and guidance states:
“You should ensure that the person carrying out a thorough examination has such appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined as will enable them to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the lifting equipment.” Source hse.gov.uk
Our technicians who carry out LOLER inspections have been trained to industry standards, and have achieved the IPAF CAP qualification. They have the specialist knowledge needed to carry out inspections on all types of powered access, regardless of manufacturer.
LOLER inspections involve a detailed examination, by a competent person, of the machine to ensure all its parts function correctly. Measurements of wear and tear are recorded to be monitored over time.
For what's included in a spider lift LOLER inspection, click here.
For what's included in a boom lift LOLER inspection, click here.
For what's included in a scissor lift LOLER inspection, click here.
For what's included in a low level access LOLER inspection, click here.
What areas do you cover? Our technicians can travel nationwide to carry out LOLER inspections at your premises.
LOLER inspections cover lifting equipment that is used at work. The LOLER definition of lifting equipment is “work equipment used for lifting and lowering loads. This includes lifting accessories and attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting the equipment.”
Examples of types of lifting equipment:
APS only carry out LOLER inspections on mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, low level access and telehandlers.
Call 01480 891251 to speak to our team and book your LOLER inspection.
In order for a LOLER inspection to be carried successfully, it's a good idea to be prepared.
Upon completion of a LOLER inspection, you'll receive a Report of Thorough Examination.
On this report will be:
LOLER inspections are a legal requirement and need to be carried out every six months.
All platforms that have been thoroughly inspected by APS will have an APS Aftercare decal. This will show the date that the LOLER inspection took place and the date that the next examination is due.
APS specialises in Hinowa, BoSS and LGMG powered access platforms, being the main dealer for these brands in the UK. However LOLER inspections can be booked for all manufacturers such as JLG, Genie, Haulotte, Skyjack, Niftylift, ISOLI, Versalift, Snorkel etc…
For any questions about LOLER inspections, call our team on 01480 891251.
Yes, our fixed price service plans not only offer great value but also take the hassle out of routine servicing and maintenance, giving you peace of mind that your access platform is legally compliant under the LOLER 98 regulations and PUWER regulations.
Any problems can be picked up early before they become costly and put the platform out of action.
There are no hidden costs - the price is inclusive of labour, travel time, mileage and any relevant consumables detailed in the service plan.
Service plans can be tailored to suit your requirements, give us a call on 01480 891251 to find out more.
Typical Service Plan
Even though the UK has left the EU, LOLER regulations remain in place and need to be adhered to.
The HSE website advises however that there are changes to the requirements of placing work equipment and machinery on the UK and EU markets.
Struggle to keep on top of when your access platform needs a LOLER test? Let us remind you when your LOLER test is due.
Get in touch with us via the form below and we can arrange for a reminder to be sent to you via email or text message.
LOLER regulations were created under the Health and Safety at Work Act with the aim to reduce the risk of injury from using lifting equipment at work.
Helpful links (correct as of March 2023):
What you need to know about LOLER regulations
Yes. The full LOLER regulations is available to download on the HSE website, but you can download the LOLER Regulations here
According to the LOLER regulations, When defects are identified during a LOLER inspection they should be reported to both the person using the equipment (and to any person from whom it has been hired or leased), and the relevant enforcing authority (HSE for industrial workplaces; local authorities for most other workplaces
Give the APS LOLER testing team a call or email or fill in the form at the base of this page
We have a team of experienced LOLER testing professionals across the UK.
Call the APS LOLER inspection team on 01480 891251.
Yes, we can undertake LOLER inspections of access platforms that do not currently hold a valid LOLER test. If the platform successfully passes the LOLER inspection - it will then be legal and valid for use.
Benefit from manufacturer & CAP-trained service engineers
OEM and after-market parts with 12 months warranty
Fixed-cost affordable service plans, so you can manage your costs
Nationwide network of fast response fully-equipped service vans
