Loler Inspection Repair, Servicing and Maintenance

Ensure that simple pre-use checks are done on lifting equipment. By including this into your routine, you can ensure full compliance and safety.

Ensure that inspections and checks are done on a regular basis (monthly, weekly, quarterly), particularly LOLER inspections, to avoid risk of injury and fines. By doing this, you reduce the risk of injury or damage when using equipment. Complying with LOLER is crucial to your business’ reputation.

Once you become aware of what your equipment needs in order to be compliant, LOLER inspections become less problematic. Inspection periods vary for different equipment, so it is important to be aware of when each type of equipment is due to be examined.

HSE guidelines give employers examples of the different types of lifting equipment and how often they should be inspected:

• • For lifting equipment and any associated accessories used to lift people, LOLER states this should be done every six months. Some examples of these are access platforms, passenger lifts and window cleaning equipment
  • For all lifting accessories (anchoring, fixing for example) the interval is also every six months
  • For all other lifting equipment, inspections should be done every twelve months.
  • Some examples of this kind of equipment include cranes, forklift trucks, lifting jacks (anything that isn’t used to lift people).

These frequencies can also be amended depending on use, condition and/or their environment with the use of a Written Scheme of Examination.

In order to achieve compliance, formal inspections must be carried out by a competent person. While this term is potentially subjective, generally, the term refers to a person who is trained and certified in inspection and has experience of the type of equipment being inspected, with the key requirement being that this person is also independent. Objectivity is extremely important in the inspection process and an independent inspector would ensure that fair decisions are made that are safe.

To do this, an engineering inspection provider is recommended. Not only do they have industry experience, they will be impartial and are able to make sure you have a full understanding of the process.

A competent inspector will come to your business and perform the inspection, which consists of three stages:

• • Visual examination and functional checks
  • Measurements of wear
  • Non-destructive testing and load testing (rare).

When a defect is identified that (in the opinion of the inspector) could cause harm to people, you will be notified immediately. Once you are made aware, you must take action to manage the risk by making sure that the defect is highlighted and that the equipment is not used until it is repaired. It is recommended to make a record of the defect, even if it is fixed immediately. The reason for this is so that you are able to keep track of all equipment testing and make records of defects in case they re-occur.

It is understandable that you may be frustrated with this process, as it could potentially lead to large amounts of down time. However, with the right type of management system, and inspection provider, this can be significantly reduced or eliminated.

You need to be aware of what your responsibilities are to ensure your overall compliance, as well as being able to trust a competent inspector to carry out tests. The safety of workers is your main concern – not worrying about inspectors.