Navigating the labyrinth of health and safety regulations can be as daunting as it is essential. For commercial building owners and those overseeing compliance, understanding and adhering to the rigorous standards set by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) is paramount to the well-being of staff and the public, not to mention the avoidance of serious legal consequences.
An average of 27 deaths per year are attributed to elevator accidents and more than 10,200 people are injured yearly in elevator accidents.
Whether it’s a crane putting steel beams at a construction site, a forklift hoisting big pallets in a warehouse, or a rope and pulley system pulling a window cleaner up the side of a skyscraper, lifting operations can be very dangerous. It’s vital that nothing goes wrong when it comes to the use of lifting equipment.
This comprehensive post will decode LOLER regulations and provide actionable insights to foster a compliant and secure working environment within your commercial property.
Understanding LOLER
LOLER, an acronym we encounter regularly in the realm of health and safety, stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These laws were put into effect by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain to regulate the use and maintenance of lifting equipment.
The scope of LOLER is extensive — it encompasses everything from cranes and forklift trucks to simple lifting devices like slings and eye bolts. These directives are designed to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring due to substandard equipment or inadequate operating practices.
What Equipment is covered by LOLER?
At its core, LOLER establishes duties and responsibilities for those who own, operate, or have control over lifting operations and equipment. The regulations are clear in their expectations regarding the safety and maintenance of lifting machinery.
The stringent framework requires that equipment is “strong, stable, and suitable for its assigned task” — in other words, it should be fit for purpose, and its safety features should be in good working order.
More precisely, LOLER restricts its application to lifting equipment and lifting accessories used for work. This implies, for instance, that staff-used goods lifts in a shopping mall are protected, but passenger lifts are not, since they are not utilised for work-related activities. Pallet trucks and dentist chairs are deemed low risk enough to not be protected by LOLER, while escalators have their own set of laws that prevent them from being covered.
But it’s crucial to remember that even if a certain piece of equipment isn’t covered by LOLER, it’s still probably covered by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), which lay out comparable obligations for maintenance, inspection, training, and selection.
Additionally, employers and independent contractors are accountable under the Health and Safety at work Act for the safety of any person who may be impacted by their job, including clients, workers, and bystanders. Therefore, even if LOLER may not apply to you, another piece of legislation will most likely cover you.
Provisions for Commercial Building Owners
If you’re a commercial building owner, LOLER necessitates appropriate selection of lifting equipment, supervision of its use, regular inspections, and reporting procedures for any defects found. As part of these responsibilities, you are required to provide your staff with clear guidelines on their roles within the lifting process, ensuring their safety and the integrity of the whole operation.
The Impact of Non-Compliance
The consequences of failing to comply with LOLER can be severe. Non-compliance and failure to have your statutory periodic thorough examination not only jeopardises the safety of your employees and the public but also exposes you to significant financial penalties and legal repercussions.
The Dire Risks of Cutting Corners
LOLER is not a set of guidelines to be taken lightly, as doing so can result in severe damage to property, or even fatal injuries. Disastrous consequences are all too often the result of lifting operations gone awry due to neglected maintenance, inadequate training, or poor planning.
Legal Implications and Penalties
The HSE takes a dim view of breaches in LOLER compliance. Upon identifying a violation, the penalties can include hefty fines and, in cases of gross negligence, custodial sentences. The long-term damage to a company’s reputation can be equally devastating, leading to loss of public trust and business.
Proactive Compliance Tips for Elevator Owners
The best approach to ensure compliance with any regulation is to be proactive. For those in the elevator industry, the following strategies can help maintain a compliant and safe environment.
Regular Inspection Routines
Develop and adhere to a strict schedule for the inspection and maintenance of all lifting equipment. This includes both frequent inspections and more in-depth, statutory periodic thorough examinations (SPTE) by a competent person.
Lift Maintenance Plan
Create a comprehensive plan for the maintenance and repair of all lifting machinery, outlining areas that require attention, inspection criteria or protocols, corrective actions, and documentation procedures. A lift maintenance plan should also help reduce your lift maintenance costs in the future.
Staff Training and Certification
Investing in the development of your staff is paramount. Ensure that all employees who work with lifting equipment are appropriately trained and certified. Keep abreast of any new developments in LOLER compliance to update your lifting operation training protocols.
Get an expert LOLER lifting equipment inspection from Future Lift Services
LOLER might seem like a complex jumble of statutes and guidelines, but at its heart, it’s a roadmap to safe and efficient lifting. By integrating LOLER’s requirements into your health and safety policies, you’re not only ticking the boxes of compliance — you’re fostering an environment where everyone can work and operate with peace of mind.
In conclusion, LOLER is not merely a set of regulations to follow; it’s a philosophy of safety that should be woven into the fabric of your business practices. As a commercial building owner, your commitment to LOLER is an investment in the welfare of all those who interact with your property’s facilities. In the complex dance of health and safety, every step forward in compliance is a step away from potential catastrophe.
At Future Lift Services, we provide a top-notch installation and maintenance service for lifts in workplaces, public structures, and other types of commercial buildings.
We can assist with leading LOLER testing and certification if your organisation uses platform lifts, passenger lifts, or other types of access equipment that elevates people.
Book your free, no-obligation quote today!
What Does LOLER stand for FAQs
What is LOLER?
LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, which are health and safety regulations in Great Britain that pertain to the use and maintenance of lifting equipment.
Who is responsible for LOLER compliance?
Those who own, operate, or have control over lifting operations and equipment are responsible for complying with LOLER regulations.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with LOLER?
Non-compliance can result in severe fines, legal repercussions, and damage to a company’s reputation. In cases of gross negligence, custodial sentences may also be imposed.
How can elevator owners ensure compliance with LOLER?
Elevator owners can ensure compliance by developing strict inspection routines, creating a lift maintenance plan, providing adequate staff training and certification, and staying updated on LOLER compliance developments. Overall, being proactive in adhering to LOLER regulations is the best approach.