Plant_Operations

Lifting Operations and Equipment (LOLER 98) Inspection of equipment Thorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment are important parts of the lifting regulations. Inspections should be carried out by a competent person with experience of the equipment, who is usually independent, and is often an employee of an insurer. However, anyone who is sufficiently knowledgeable and trained for the purpose can carry out these duties. The risks associated with failure of the equipment will relate to how thorough the examination needs to be. The competent person who draws up the inspection schedule usually recommends how often it should be carried out. Equipment should receive an initial thorough examination, which is usually carried out by the manufacturer or supplier prior to supply. Subsequent thorough examinations should be carried out annually, except for equipment used to lift persons, which must be examined every six months. In addition, it is important that the person receiving inspection and maintenance reports from lift inspectors understands their contents and importance and that a clear procedure is in place to take equipment out of use immediately if this is required. Legal duties and obligations around lifting operations and equipment The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 These Regulations were introduced in order to control and minimise the risks posed by lifting equipment and related operations to employees and others including members of the public, contractors, other users of the premises, sites, etc. The Regulations replaced many other pieces of Health and Safety legislation, although the general requirement for businesses to risk assess the work still remains in place.