Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998

came into force 5/12/98 applies to all work activities duties on those in control employers self-employed

Whats been lacking up to now?

Not risk based Regs limited by industry FA 1961, s.26-27 hasnt covered all lifting equipment different Regs, different requirements contradicts Machinery directive http://www.towercrane.com/ tower_cranes_Detail_Selec t.htm
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Key definitions
Lifting equipment - work equipment for lifting or lowering loads and includes its attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it accessory for lifting - work equipment for attaching loads to machinery for lifting lifting operation - concerned with lifting or lowering of a load Load - includes people

Examples
Traditionally; Equipment - cranes, lifts and hoists Components - chains, ropes, slings, hooks, shackles and eyebolts eg office block passenger lift, rope and pulley lifting bucket on site, dumb waiter, vacuum lifting crane, vehicle inspection hoist, scissors lift

Main elements of LOLER

Regulations 4 to 7 - basics strength and stability [Reg 4] Lifting Equipment for lifting persons [Reg 5] Positioning and installation [Reg 6] Marking of Lifting Equipment [Reg 7] Regulation 8 - planning for safe lifting operations and safe operation of equipment; HSE guidance and British Standard BS7121: part 1: 1989 Regulation 9 - Thorough examination and inspection; deals with initial and continuing integrity of equipment.
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Planning and conducting lifting operations safely

HSE guidance - L113, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998: Safe use of Lifting Equipment. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance British Standard BS7121: part 1: 1989 Employers shall ensure that every lifting operation is; properly planned by a competent person supervised carried out safely
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Competent to plan and supervise

The competent person should have adequate and theoretical knowledge and experience of planning lifting operations appropriate supervision means that it should be proportionate to the risk, the nature of the work and the competence of those involved

Lifting operations - Use a Safe System of Work [SSOW]

Appointment of competent persons management & supervision of lifting operation to SSOW; crane driver slinger safe system of work devised contractual considerations; on hire under contract selection of lifting equipment suitable for the load and conditions; examination and inspections big enough to reach and lift the load? Planning of the operation on site

Planning of the operation on site

Load weight, its charactersitics and lifting points safe working load limits [SWL] load centre of gravity Crane duties under different configurations selection of lifting accessories and slinging method site hazards; proximity hazards, eg. Power-lines, structures, other building operations, ground stability, space for maneouvring; erection or dismantling risks; weather [wind loading] Lift communications control of raised load [tag-lines] visibility path of lift [work under suspended loads]

Thorough examination and inspection of lifting equipment Thoroughly examined for any defect: Competent person to draw up examination scheme, including frequency before 1st service use but after installation after assembly, before 1st service or at new site or location, to ensure correct installation and safe to operate where exposed to conditions that may cause deterioration likely to result in danger, it must be examined; passenger lifts at least every 6 months ; other lifting equipment at least every 12 months. After exceptional circumstances have occurred that may have adversely affected the lifting equipment

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