We know, these sound like to latest internet abbreviations or two characters from a kid’s daytime TV show but, th are actually two very important regulations tha lift owners should not only know about, but also be adhering to. Let’s take a look:
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.