What is LOLER?

The Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) are regulations created under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which came into force in Great Britain on 5 December 1998 and replaced several other pieces of legislation which covered the use of lifting equipment.

Why was it introduced?

LOLER was introduced in 1998 as regulations created under the Health and Safety at Work Act, this provides guidance and requirements for lifting equipment and lifting operations to help lower the rate of injury in the workplace from faulty equipment and poor planning.

They replaced the Construction and Use (Lifting) regulations of 1961, which required each piece of lifting equipment to undergo an overload test every four years.

How does it apply to haulage?

Health and safety inspectors enforce LOLER Regulations. As they have the authority to request access to your Thorough Examination and lifting operation reports at any time, it is crucial that you maintain a record of all this information.

If one of your employees suffers an accident while using a piece of lifting equipment, you will be prosecuted if the regulations weren’t properly followed.

How often does equipment need to be tested?

Thorough Examinations of the lift should be carried out at least every six months by a competent Engineer. Fleet-Serv recommend every 17 weeks.

Summary

A tail lift is a highly regulated piece of equipment for fitment to a vehicle /trailer. Tail lift manufacturers, installers and suppliers have a legal duty to ensure that tail lifts are constructed and installed to appropriate standards and that they are supplied with information to allow them to be used safely.

Each party in the supply chain has a vital role to play in the provision of a tail lift to ensure its safety in use and conformance with LOLER regulations.

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