Ensuring safety in lifting operations is paramount for any UK business utilising heavy lifting equipment, such as winches and hoists. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the legal obligations surrounding lifting gear inspection, focusing on the key regulations: LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998).
We will also discuss the importance of safe working procedures, including risk assessments, and the necessity of undertaking regular inspections and maintenance to keep your operations compliant and, most importantly, safe. Read on to learn more.
Lifting Regulations in the UK
LOLER
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, more commonly referred to as LOLER, are the primary regulations in place to monitor the safety of lifting equipment, including winches and hoists.
The main objective of LOLER inspections is to reduce dangers related to lifting activities and the use of lifting equipment, making sure it is operated in a safe and efficient manner. These inspections must be carried out by a competent person, who is also an independent third party to the business that owns the equipment, so as to avoid bias.
LOLER requires that all equipment used for lifting is fit for purpose, appropriate for the task and suitably marked. It is a legal requirement that a LOLER inspection be carried out every six months for equipment that is used to lift people and every 12 months for all other lifting equipment.
PUWER
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, more commonly referred to as PUWER, is relative to all work equipment, with lifting equipment included in this.
These regulations are in place to ensure that all work equipment in the workplace is safe and poses no significant, foreseeable risk to health and safety. Ultimately, they aim to protect workers from harm caused by unsafe machinery and equipment.
These regulations require that equipment is suitable for its intended use, are maintained in safe condition, that employees are adequately trained to use equipment safely and that suitable health and safety measures are in place.
Heavy Lifting Equipment Services
If you’re in need of testing, servicing or refurbishment of your lifting equipment, then we can support you here at Atlas Winch & Hoist Services. As well as being lifting equipment suppliers, we also have LEEA Qualified engineers on hand to perform full LOLER inspections and examinations of your equipment as and when required.
We also offer load testing, with an in-house 100-tonne test bed, a 160-tonne portable test frame and on-site load testing up to 400-tonnes.
We offer our services both locally and nationwide, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to benefit from these services. We’re here to help you ensure your lifting equipment remains safe and legally compliant.
