Lifting operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
These Regulations replaced the majority of existing legal requirements relating to both the use of lifting equipment including the Lifting Equipment Plant and Equipment (Records of Test and Examination
etc) Regulations 1992.
The Regulations aim is to reduce risks to people’s health and safety from lifting equipment provided for use at work. Lifting equipment is also subject to the requirements of the Provision and Use at Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
LOLER requires lifting equipment to be:
· strong and stable and marked with the safe working load (SWL).
· positioned and installed to minimise risks.
· used safely (i.e. planned, organised and used by competent people)
· subject to thorough examination by competent people (at least 6 monthly for people-lifting equipment and annually for all other equipment)
LOLER applies to any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, e.g. cranes, forklift trucks, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms and vehicle inspection platform hoists.
Rider Operated Lift Trucks
Lift trucks are designed to lift loads, move and re-stack them in a different place. The common types of lift trucks are usually powered by electrical batteries or by an internal combustion engine (LPG, diesel or petrol).
Lift trucks account for a large proportion of accidents in warehouses. Many of these accidents are due to operator error associated with inadequate training, poor maintenance and inadequate premises.
From 1st April 1989 employers had to ensure that employees who operate lift trucks have undergone basic training in truck driving and operation, and have been issued with a certificate of competence by an authorised instructor or training school.
Training of operators should cover the safe use of the truck, any handling attachments and the layout of the workplace.
Untrained personnel must never operate lift trucks.
For more information why not try:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg339.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg290.pdf
Leaflet INDG290 – Simple Guide to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L113 – Safe use of Lifting Equipment. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
HS(G)6 – Safety in working with Lift Trucks (HSE)
COP26 – Rider Operated Lift Trucks – Operator Training ACOP and Supplementary Guidance (HSE)