If you operate forklifts or other lifting equipment, you’ve probably heard the term LOLER. However, many businesses are unsure exactly what it means. How does it differ from other regulations? What are businesses’ responsibilities surrounding LOLER inspections?
Understanding LOLER is essential for maintaining health and safety within a workplace and ensuring your equipment remains legally compliant.
In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about forklift inspections, LOLER regulations and Thorough Examinations.
1. What Does LOLER Stand For?
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
These regulations were introduced to ensure that lifting equipment used in the workplace is safe, properly maintained and suitable for its intended purpose.
LOLER inspections are a legal requirement and apply to a wide range of lifting equipment, including:
- forklifts
- telehandlers
- vehicle lifts
- cranes
- any other machinery used to lift or lower loads.
The regulations place responsibilities on employers and equipment owners to ensure lifting equipment is inspected and remains safe to use.
2. What Is a LOLER Inspection?
A LOLER inspection, more accurately known as a Thorough Examination, is a detailed assessment of lifting equipment carried out by a competent person.
The purpose of the examination is to identify any defects, wear or damage that could affect the safe operation of the equipment.
A Thorough Examination is similar to an MOT for a vehicle. It provides an independent assessment of the condition of your forklift and helps ensure it can continue to operate safely.
During a forklift inspection, the examiner may assess:
- Forks and fork arms
- Mast assemblies
- Chains and lifting mechanisms
- Hydraulics
- Safety devices
- Structural components
- Load-bearing parts
Following the inspection, a report of thorough examination is issued detailing the findings and highlighting any defects that require attention.
3. What Is the Difference Between LOLER and PUWER?
One of the most common questions businesses ask is about the difference between LOLER and PUWER.
While both regulations relate to workplace equipment, they serve different purposes.
LOLER
LOLER focuses specifically on lifting operations and lifting equipment. It ensures equipment used for lifting loads is safe and subject to regular Thorough Examinations.
PUWER
PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
PUWER covers all workplace equipment. The regulation focuses on ensuring machinery is suitable for use, properly maintained and operated by trained personnel.
In simple terms:
- LOLER focuses on lifting safety
- PUWER focuses on the safe use of work equipment
Most forklifts are subject to both LOLER and PUWER requirements.
4. What Equipment Does LOLER Apply To?
LOLER applies to any equipment used for lifting or lowering loads as part of a work activity.
Examples include:
- Forklift trucks
- Reach trucks
- Telehandlers
- Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
- Vehicle lifts
- Cranes
- Hoists
If equipment is used to lift materials, goods or people in the workplace, it is likely to fall under LOLER regulations.
If you’re unsure whether a particular piece of equipment requires a Thorough Examination, it’s always best to seek professional guidance.
5. Do Pallet Trucks Need a LOLER Inspection?
This is another frequently asked question. The answer depends on the type of pallet truck and how the business uses it.
Standard manual pallet trucks that only raise loads slightly from floor level are not usually subject to LOLER Thorough Examination requirements. However, powered pallet trucks and equipment that lifts loads to a significant height may require LOLER inspections.
Because equipment specifications vary, it’s important to confirm the requirements for your particular machine.
6. How Often Should a LOLER Inspection Be Carried Out?
The frequency of a Thorough Examination depends on the equipment and how it is used.
For most forklifts used to lift goods, they typically require a LOLER inspection every 12 months.
However, more frequent inspections may be necessary in certain circumstances, including:
- Intensive operating environments
- High-risk applications
- Equipment used to lift people
- Recommendations from a previous examination
A competent examiner will be able to advise on the appropriate inspection schedule for your equipment.
7. Who Is Responsible for Arranging a Thorough Examination?
The responsibility for arranging a Thorough Examination usually rests with the user of the equipment.
This applies whether the forklift is:
- Owned
- Leased
- Hired
Many businesses mistakenly assume responsibility sits with the supplier or finance company, but ensuring LOLER compliance generally falls to the organisation using the equipment.
Keeping accurate records of inspections and maintenance is also an important part of demonstrating compliance.
Why LOLER Inspections Matter
Regular forklift inspections and Thorough Examinations help businesses:
- Improve workplace safety
- Meet legal obligations
- Reduce the risk of equipment failure
- Protect operators and pedestrians
- Identify defects before they become serious problems
Combined with regular forklift maintenance and servicing, LOLER inspections play a vital role in keeping equipment safe, reliable and compliant. Businesses looking to take a more proactive approach may also benefit from a forklift service contract. Service contracts help to ensure inspections, servicing and maintenance are carried out at the appropriate intervals.
Arrange Your LOLER Inspection with Gwynedd Forklifts
At Gwynedd Forklifts, we carry out Thorough Examinations for businesses across North Wales, Shropshire, the West Midlands and the North West of England.
Our experienced engineers can help ensure your forklifts and lifting equipment remain compliant, safe and ready for work.
Contact our team today to arrange a LOLER inspection or discuss your forklift maintenance requirements.