The regulations surrounding lifting equipment (LOLER) can seem daunting even to experienced professionals. In this post, we’ll explain what LOLER is, why it matters for your lifting and inspection workflows, and how Motion Software is here to support your compliance needs.
What Does LOLER Stand For?
LOLER is the acronym for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It’s the UK’s primary set of legal requirements for anyone who owns, operates, or has control over lifting equipment.
Core Requirements of LOLER
Under LOLER, all lifting equipment and tasks must be:
- Properly planned – A competent person must carry out a detailed risk assessment and plan of the lifting operation.
- Supervised and executed safely – Workers using lifting equipment, such as cranes, hoists, or slings, must be suitably trained and qualified.
- Regularly inspected and maintained – Equipment must undergo ongoing maintenance, periodic inspections, and thorough examinations by a competent person.
Thorough Examinations: When and How Often?
LOLER specifies that thorough examinations should take place:
- Before first use (unless an EC Declaration of Conformity, less than one year old, is already in place and the equipment hasn’t been reassembled on site).
- After any exceptional circumstances, such as damage, malfunction, or long periods of inactivity.
- At regular intervals – typically every six months for equipment lifting people, or every twelve months for other lifting gear.
Record-Keeping Obligations
It’s not enough to simply perform inspections – the results must be logged. A written report from the competent person is mandatory and should highlight any defects and recommended corrective actions.
Equipment Covered
LOLER applies to all types of lifting equipment and accessories, including:
- Cranes
- Passenger and goods lifts
- Scissor lifts
- Telehandlers
- Forklift trucks
- Vehicle tail lifts
- Bath hoists
- Stairlifts
- Rigging accessories such as shackles, eyebolts, hooks, ropes, slings and spreader beams
- Plus more
How Motion Software Supports LOLER Compliance
Motion Software’s asset inspection platform is tailor-made to help you manage LOLER obligations with confidence.
With Motion Kinetic you can set reminders for six or twelve month checks, or customise them according to your competent person’s scheme, ensuring no inspections are missed.
Our customisable LOLER aligned inspection templates enable you to record findings instantly, with the ability to attach photos and comments for audit-ready records.
You can also rest assured that every inspection certificate and report is saved digitally, making it easy to produce documentation for regulators, insurers, or internal quality teams, without the stress off lost paperwork.
With Motion Kinetic, you can manage lifting equipment more efficiently and with full compliance. Book your free Motion Software demo today and see how easy LOLER compliance can be.
