Tayside Loler Inspection Ltd

Definitions

Lifting equipment is work equipment used for lifting and lowering loads.
It includes the attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting equipment such as cranes, lifts, excavators and lift trucks.

Accessories for lifting includes any chain, rope, sling assembly or component kept for attaching loads to machinery for lifting.

Examination scheme means a suitable scheme drawn up by a competent person for the thorough examination of lifting equipment at such intervals as may be appropriate for the purpose described within the regulations.

Working equipment means any machines, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work.

Relevant Legislation

The requirements for the examination of lifting equipment are found within the lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations 1998 (LOLER).
Loler applies over and above the more general requirements of the provision and use of work equipment regulations 1998 (PUWER). Unlike previous legislation which applies to specific industry sectors, PUWER and LOLER apply to all work places.

LOLER covers work equipment that lifts or lowers a load. The following points need to be considered:

• The type of load being lifted
• The risk of the load falling and striking a person or object and the consequences
• The risk of the lifting equipment failing of falling over whilst in use

LOLER is concerned with many aspects of lifting operations and lifting equipment, such as strength, stability and positioning of lifting equipment and the planning of lifting operations.

However, this guide is limited to the examination requirements of LOLER. An assessment of risk associated with the equipment must be made to identify where the provision for thorough examination and inspection within LOLER applies.

The thorough examination of lifting equipment must be carried out by persons of sufficient competence who are independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made. Our engineers can provide thorough examinations where required.

Different categories of examination are identified within LOLER examination should be carried out:

• Initially before equipment is taken into service (there are some exceptions for CE marked new equipment)
• Post installation where safety is dependent on correct installations
• Where lifting equipment is exposed to conditions which cause deterioration that could lead to a failure

Periodic examinations are required: following any exceptional events such as an accident or long period without use.

Examination Frequency

These are every 6 months for lifting equipment used for lifting and lowering persons.

Access platforms, all lifting accessories ie: chains, sling, shackles and eyebolts
Every 12 months for all other lifting equipment, i.e. lift trucks, lifting machines, overhead gantry cranes.

However, LOLER offers a risk-based approach to examination. This means that customers can arrange for a scheme of examination to be drawn up based on their specific equipment environment and operational uses between examinations where the risks are acceptable.

We also have a CFTS Accreditation to carry out Thorough Examination certificate