Does LOLER apply to my equipment?
LOLER is likely to be relevant when work equipment is used for lifting or lowering people or loads. The boundary can be less obvious for attachments, excavators, pallet equipment, vehicle workshop equipment and lifting accessories, so borderline items need competent classification.
Check my situationUse an equipment–operation–trigger test
Identify the item, confirm that its work function involves lifting or lowering, record whether it lifts people or loads, and then check first-use, installation, deterioration and exceptional-event triggers. PUWER can apply at the same time and is not an alternative label.
- Include slings, chains, shackles, beams and other accessories connecting equipment to a load.
- Include attachments and plant used for lifting even if lifting is not the machine’s only function.
- Record damage, overload, major repair, relocation, modification and long periods out of use.
What to do next: Create an asset register with use and last-report evidence, then ask a competent person to confirm LOLER scope and interval. Keep uncertain items visible rather than silently excluding them from the quote.
Clear examples
Passenger and goods lifts, cranes, powered hoists, forklifts, vehicle lifts, MEWPs, patient hoists and lifting accessories are common groups. The precise examination still depends on design, use and environment.
- Equipment lifting people
- Equipment lifting goods or materials
- Accessories attaching or supporting the load
- Equipment whose safety depends on installation or assembly
Borderline examples
Some equipment moves or supports material without performing a lifting operation in the LOLER sense, while other plant becomes lifting equipment only in a particular configuration or use. HSE and industry guidance should be applied to the facts.
The finder deliberately returns “may be relevant” for uncertain equipment. A convenient category answer is not worth hiding the need for equipment-specific judgement.
LOLER and PUWER can both apply
LOLER deals specifically with lifting equipment and operations. PUWER covers work equipment more broadly, including suitability, maintenance and inspection. A thorough examination can be planned alongside PUWER inspection, but the reports should show which requirements were addressed.
Ask providers whether their proposal covers LOLER only or a combined LOLER/PUWER scope, particularly for forklifts and materials-handling equipment.