When it comes to operating lifting equipment, understanding LOLER and PUWER is crucial for lift owners. These two acronyms represent vital regulations governing the safety and operation of lifting equipment in the UK. LOLER, which stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, ensures that lifting equipment is safe to use. PUWER, or the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, complements LOLER by addressing the safe use of all work equipment, including lifting equipment.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of LOLER and PUWER for lift owners, emphasizing the importance of compliance and regular LOLER inspection. Whether you’re a seasoned lift owner or new to the industry, understanding these regulations is essential for maintaining safety standards and avoiding penalties. Let’s dive in and explore why LOLER and PUWER are two names lift owners can’t afford to overlook.
PUWER: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
PUWER requires any risks to people’s health and safety, risks that come directly from the equipment that they use at work, to be prevented or controlled.
PUWER regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is:
- Suitable for the intended use
- Safe for use (as per LOLER requirements)
- Used only by trained people, familiar with the equipment
- Accompanied by suitable safety measures such as signage, protective devices/clothing, markings and warnings
- Any equipment used at work from knives and hammers, to lifts and motor vehicles, will be covered by PUWER.
PUWER compliance can be achieved through regular lift maintenance and servicing. You can find out more about servicing in our blogs.
LOLER: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
LOLER places responsibilty on individuals and companies who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment. This includes all businesses and organisations whose employees use lifting equipment, whether owned by them or not. The Regulations require that lifting equipment provided for use at work is:
- Strong & stable enough for the specific use and marked clearly to indicate safe working loads
- Positioned and installed to minimise any risks
- Used safely e.g. the work is planned, organised and performed by trained employees
- Subject to ongoing thorough examination and where appropriate, inspection by competent people.
LOLER compliance can be achieved through examinations that are in addition to regular servicing – think of it as similar to an M.O.T. for lifts .These are documented in service reports to show compliance.