The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) introduced new requirements for the safe provision and use of lifting equipment.
The Regulations require that all lifts provided for use in work activities are thoroughly examined at regular intervals. This applies to lifts and hoists used to lift people or loads. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that the lift is safe to use and that it is thoroughly examined by a competent person.
The law requires that all lifts when in use should be thoroughly examined:
- At least every six months if the lift is used at any time to carry people, and every 12 months if it only carries loads or in accordance with an examination scheme
- Following "exceptional circumstances" such as damage
- After substantial and significant changes have been made
The competent person is legally required to send a written and signed report of the thorough examination as soon as practicable. These reports should be kept available for consideration by Health & Safety Inspectors for at least two years.