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All of our products are manufactured here in the UK. Bulk discount available on large orders, contact our sales team for more information.
All of our products are manufactured here in the UK. Bulk discount available on large orders, contact our sales team for more information.
Do I need LOLER certified equipment?

Do I need LOLER certified equipment?

When it comes to handling equipment, it’s important to ensure that you’re using the equipment safely - and that the equipment is in good working order. Failure to work safely can result in injury to the user, other employees, as well as potential damage to the equipment, the products being moved or the work premises - or even all three!

To make sure that your equipment is safe to use, the government issued a regulation known to most as LOLER. Keep reading to find out more about LOLER and how it may affect you and your business.

What is LOLER?

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) is a legislation that was passed in 1998. It refers to the way handling and lifting equipment is used in commercial and industrial settings. The aim of the legislation is to enforce high safety standards that are met throughout the industry to prevent injury and damage.

What does ‘lifting and handling equipment’ apply to?

Lifting and handling equipment refers to any piece of equipment that is used for lifting or lowering loads in the workplace. Here are some of the pieces of equipment that the regulation covers:

  • Cranes
  • Forklift trucks
  • Lifts
  • Hoists
  • Mobile elevating work platforms
  • Vehicle inspection platform hoists
This can also include attachments or accessories such as chains, slings and eyebolts that are used for anchoring, fixing or supporting the equipment. In other words - it all has to be safe.  

Does it apply to you?

LOLER applies to employers and self-employed individuals who use handling and lifting equipment at work. It also applies to whoever is in control of the equipment, like employees; although employees don’t have specific duties under LOLER, they do have to take reasonable care of themselves and others under the HSW Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

What does the regulation require you to do?

Any lifting equipment that you use must meet the LOLER requirements. This means that all equipment should be:

  • Strong, stable and suitable for its intended use. Similarly, the items being moved and any attachments must also be suitable
  • Positioned or installed in a safe position to prevent the risk of injury
  • Clearly marked with safety information
Here at BlueTrolley, we ensure that all of our equipment matches these standards so you know that you’re buying safe and reliable equipment.

Examinations and inspections

To make sure that lifting equipment and accessories are safe to use, thorough examinations are required throughout the lifetime of the equipment. This includes:

  • Before the equipment has been used for the first time
  • After assembly and before use at each location (if it needs to be dismantled and put back together)
  • Regularly while in service - most equipment will undoubtedly experience wear and tear, and so you can arrange for examinations to be carried out every 6 or 12 months
  • If any damage or failure occurs, any major changes are made to the equipment, or if it has been out of use for a long period of time
A full explanation of examinations can be found on the HSE website.

What about Brexit?

The regulations might change when the UK leaves the EU, so it’s a good idea to keep yourself up to date on what’s happening in the world of politics. Regularly checking the HSE website would also be beneficial, particularly looking at their dedicated Brexit pages.

Contact BlueTrolley

Want to know more about safe and secure lifting apparatus? Or have a specific trolley you have in mind but can’t see it on our website? Contact us today to find out how we can help. We would be more than happy to discuss your requirements, explore your options and talk you through our made to measure service.
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