When it comes to lift safety, understanding whether LOLER or PUWER applies is vital. Both sets of regulations aim to protect people at work, but they cover different aspects of equipment use. So, which applies to your lift equipment? The short answer is: both might. The LOLER regulations focus on the use and safety of lifting equipment during lifting operations, while PUWER regulations cover a broader range of workplace equipment, including equipment that is not used for lifting.
Let’s break down what each set of regulations requires, the key differences between LOLER and PUWER, and how to ensure your lifting equipment remains compliant.
What is LOLER?
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These safety regulations apply to lifting equipment used at work. If you have lifts, hoists, or other lifting equipment, LOLER will almost certainly apply. The main aim of LOLER inspections is to ensure that any lifting equipment is suitable for the intended use, is of adequate strength and stability, and is safely used.
Under LOLER:
- Lifting equipment undergoes thorough examinations at suitable intervals by a competent person
- There are clear requirements for safe working load, with clearly visible markings
- Equipment must be correctly installed, maintained, and used
- LOLER inspections identify any safety concerns before they pose a risk
In short, if you are operating lifts or hoists, LOLER is focused on making sure that your lifting operations are safe and that the equipment is fit for purpose.
What is PUWER?
PUWER refers to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This set of health and safety regulations is wider in scope. PUWER covers any work equipment used by employees at work, from lifts to power tools, machinery, and even ladders. The focus is not just on lifting equipment, but on all types of equipment to ensure they are safe to use.
Under PUWER:
- Employers must ensure work equipment is suitable health and safety-wise
- Workplace equipment must be regularly maintained
- Equipment must have necessary safety controls, emergency stop devices, and protective devices
- PUWER requires that staff receive adequate training and user training
- There must be thorough risk assessments for all equipment to identify associated risks
PUWER is about making sure all work equipment is safe equipment at all times, not just when lifting.
Key differences between LOLER and PUWER
Although both sets of regulations aim to ensure safety, they have different areas of focus:
| Feature | LOLER | PUWER |
| Focus | Lifting operations and lifting equipment | All workplace equipment, not limited to lifting |
| Inspection requirement | Thorough examinations by a competent person at suitable intervals | PUWER inspections as part of maintenance and safety measures |
| Covers | Lifting equipment regulations 1998, lifting operations, safe loads, strength, stability | Design, construction, guarding, controls, and general safety regulations for equipment |
| Specifics | Safe working load, examination scheme, load markings, intended use | Protective devices, warning devices, emergency stop devices, risk assessment |
In practice, both LOLER and PUWER often apply at the same time. For example, a passenger lift would need to meet the requirements of both LOLER and PUWER because it is both lifting equipment and work equipment.
Which regulations apply to lifts?
If you are responsible for a lift, whether it is a passenger lift, goods lift, or platform lift, both LOLER and PUWER will typically apply. Here’s how:
- LOLER applies to the lifting equipment part of the lift: ensuring the lifting operations are safe, the equipment has adequate strength, and it undergoes thorough examinations
- PUWER applies to the lift as work equipment: requiring that it is safe in terms of design, has appropriate safety controls, warning devices, and is regularly maintained
In addition to these, your risk management processes will need to cover both sets of duties. This includes making sure any type of equipment inspected is up to standard and that safety concerns are addressed promptly.
How often do LOLER and PUWER inspections happen?
For LOLER:
- Thorough examinations must be carried out at suitable intervals. Typically this means:
- A passenger lift should be inspected every 6 months.
- Every 12 months for other lifting equipment
- Or in line with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person
- Exceptional circumstances (e.g. following damage, significant alteration, or long periods of disuse) require additional inspections
Read More: Your LOLER Inspection Frequency Guide
For PUWER:
- PUWER inspections don’t have a set timetable but must happen often enough to manage associated risks
- Regular inspections and maintenance are expected, and thorough risk assessments must identify when checks are needed
How to maintain compliance with LOLER and PUWER
To maintain compliance, you need clear processes for:
- Regular inspections by a competent person
- Keeping equipment regularly maintained and fit for intended use
- Ensuring clearly visible markings for safe load limits
- Providing adequate training and user training, so staff understand how to safely lift and use equipment
- Using appropriate protective devices, warning devices, and emergency stop devices
- Carrying out thorough risk assessments and acting on findings
- Ensuring equipment is correctly installed and suitable for the job
Failure to comply can result in significant financial penalties, legal action, and serious safety risks.
Read More: How to Pass a Lift Safety Inspection First Time
The importance of using a competent person
Both LOLER and PUWER require inspections and risk assessments to be done by someone who is appropriately skilled. The competent person must have the knowledge and experience to:
- Identify safety concerns
- Judge whether equipment is safe
- Advise on when other lifting equipment or work equipment should be checked or replaced
- Understand the requirements of LOLER and PUWER
At Future Lift Services, our engineers are fully qualified to act as competent persons. We provide LOLER statutory inspections, PUWER-related maintenance, and comprehensive reports to help you maintain compliance.
What happens during a LOLER inspection?
A LOLER health and safety inspection involves checking that:
- The lift and its lifting equipment are of adequate strength
- The load limit is clearly marked
- The equipment is suitable for intended use
- The lift has been correctly installed
- There are no safety concerns that could put people at risk
A report is produced after the inspection, setting out any defects, safety measures, or improvements needed.
What happens during a PUWER inspection?
A PUWER inspection looks at the equipment more broadly, including:
- The condition of work equipment
- The presence and operation of safety controls, warning devices, and emergency stop devices
- The effectiveness of protective devices
- Whether the equipment meets requirements for safe equipment
- The standard of maintenance
Can you have both LOLER and PUWER inspections together?
Yes. Many companies combine their LOLER inspections and PUWER inspections into a single service visit to reduce disruption. This is efficient and ensures both sets of obligations are met at the same time.
Why it matters
Complying with LOLER and PUWER is not just about avoiding financial penalties. It’s about protecting people. When you get inspections done on time, provide adequate training, and keep up with maintenance, you reduce the risk of serious accidents and injuries.
How Future Lift Services can help
If you want to be certain that your lifts and lifting equipment meet the requirements of both LOLER and PUWER, get in touch with our team today. We’ll help you manage risk assessment, safety controls, and maintenance so you can focus on running your business.
We can also help with installation and maintenance service for lifts in workplaces, public structures, and other types of commercial buildings.
Book your free, no-obligation quote today with Future Lifts today, a leading lift company based in London and Essex! Get in touch.
FAQs
Do both PUWER and LOLER apply to all equipment types in the workplace?
Not all equipment types will fall under both PUWER and LOLER, but many will. PUWER applies to virtually all work equipment used by employees to ensure workplace safety, while LOLER only applies to lifting equipment and lifting accessories. If your equipment is used for lifting or lowering loads, including people, then it is likely subject to both sets of regulations.
What lifting accessories are covered by LOLER?
LOLER covers not only the primary lifting equipment but also any lifting accessories used in lifting operations. This includes slings, chains, hooks, shackles, and similar items. The law treats such equipment as part of the overall lifting system, so it must be inspected and maintained to the same standards as the main equipment to ensure workplace safety.
How do I know if PUWER and LOLER inspections are required for my equipment?
If your equipment type involves lifting or supporting loads as part of lifting operations, both PUWER and LOLER will usually apply. You’ll need to assess the equipment’s use and purpose. PUWER applies broadly to ensure all workplace equipment is safe, while LOLER focuses on lifting equipment and lifting accessories. If in doubt, seek advice from a competent person to confirm your responsibilities and maintain compliance.