Understanding LOLER Regulations for Equipment Relocations

Engineers responsible for relocating advanced manufacturing equipment must ensure lifting operations are planned and executed with the highest safety standards. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) govern all workplace lifting activities and define the duties of those who own, operate or control lifting equipment. Compliance requires suitable risk assessment, competent personnel, appropriate equipment inspection and maintenance, and documented procedures. This guidance highlights key LOLER considerations for equipment relocations, clarifying regulatory expectations and practical measures to manage risk and protect personnel and assets during transfers.

What are LOLER Regulations?

LOLER regulations were originally introduced by the Health and Safety Commission (the previous name for the HSE), to supplement the 1992 Manual Handling Regulations. Their purpose is to ensure that all work equipment used in lifting operations is safe. 

The regulations are relevant for both employers and workers, placing duties on anyone who owns or operates lifting equipment.

Why does LOLER matter?

LOLER requires that all workplace lifting operations using lifting equipment are conducted safely. Lifting operations must be planned by a competent person who has completed recognised LOLER Competent Person training.

Operations must be appropriately supervised and carried out by employees who are competent to perform the task safely. These controls reduce risks associated with moving machinery, including:

• being struck by moving machine parts or by ejected or dropped materials

• entrapment of body parts between components such as belts, chains or rollers

• lacerations, punctures or severing injuries from sharp edges

• crushing injuries from parts or objects moving together or past each other

• scalds, burns or electric shocks

• injuries resulting from equipment failure, such as dropped loads

Many items covered by LOLER are also subject to the Machinery Regulations.

LOLER for equipment relocations

LOLER applies to all workplace lifting equipment used for raising, lowering, supporting or securing loads, including attachments and fixing points. Consideration under LOLER is required at the equipment’s origin, throughout any relocation and at the destination. The regulations encompass standalone lifting devices, accessories employed during moves and lifting equipment mounted on vehicles. Examples of covered equipment include lifts, forklift trucks, cranes, elevating work platforms and hoists. Applicable lifting accessories include slings, eyebolts and chains. Employers and competent persons must ensure that such equipment and accessories are maintained, inspected and used in accordance with legal requirements and best practice.

Meeting LOLER requirements

Responsibility for compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) rests with those who supply lifting equipment or who exercise control over its use. They must ensure that all lifting operations and equipment meet statutory requirements and safe working practices.

Key equipment requirements include:

• Suitability: Equipment and any associated apparatus (for example, pallets or load-bearing accessories) must be appropriate for the intended task, and sufficiently strong and stable to perform it safely.

• Positioning: Loads and equipment must be located and secured to prevent injury from impacts, tipping or falling.

• Identification: Equipment and lifting accessories must be visibly marked with relevant information, including safe working loads and necessary safety warnings or labels.

Additional responsibilities for the appointed competent person or engineer:

• Planning and supervision: Lifting operations must be planned, supervised and executed by competent personnel following safe systems of work.

• Equipment for lifting people: Devices used to lift people must be specifically designed, certified and marked for that purpose to minimize risk.

• Examination and reporting: Equipment (including accessories) must receive a thorough examination before first use and at appropriate periodic intervals—typically at least every six months—with documented reports and any required remedial actions recorded.

Inspections for LOLER

Regular statutory examinations of lifting equipment are required under LOLER, with specific inspection intervals prescribed for different equipment and accessories. Inspections must be carried out by a competent, qualified person possessing the requisite experience, knowledge and training to evaluate equipment safety. Examinations consist of a systematic inspection to identify wear, defects or any condition that may compromise safe operation.

Equipment must be suitable for its intended purpose and meet all LOLER requirements. Any defects or non-conformities discovered should be addressed promptly by the equipment provider or user, and rectified before the equipment is returned to service. Records of examinations and remedial actions should be maintained.

Training for LOLER

Training is a fundamental requirement of LOLER and aims to ensure personnel involved with lifting operations possess the requisite skills and knowledge to perform safely. Employers are responsible for providing appropriate training and adequate supervision for staff who operate or assist with lifting equipment. Training should cover load securing, pre-use and periodic equipment inspection, safe operating procedures, and emergency response measures. Employers must assess employee competence and identify any additional training needs. Refresher training should be arranged whenever changes in equipment, procedures, or employee performance indicate it is necessary, or to maintain compliance with current LOLER standards and best practice. Records of training, assessments and any corrective actions should be maintained.

Our Machinery Safety Experts conduct comprehensive inspections, produce compliance reports aligned with LOLER regulatory requirements.

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