LOLER Regulations

A Guide to LOLER Regulations for Businesses

Commercial lifts are complex systems. If they go wrong they can cause injury, trauma and financial loss. It is for this reason that the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) exist. LOLER regulations are designed to clarify the duties required of people or businesses providing a lift for public use.

What are the LOLER Regulations?

LOLER covers all lifting equipment used at work but, for the purposes of this blog, we’ll be discussing LOLER regulations in relation to goods lifts or passenger lifts. These are required to undergo a periodic thorough examination and inspection. The aim of LOLER is to ensure that lifts used in a work environment are maintained regularly, and conform to industry standards of safety.

Is a Thorough Examination the Same as Maintenance?

The thorough examination shares some of the same elements as maintenance, but it is different. A maintenance checklist will include the replacement of damaged or worn components, routine adjustments to minimise risk, and the topping up of fluid levels. It is a preventive process which should be carried out at least once a year. The thorough examination may assess the quality of the maintenance, but it has a different function.

What is a Thorough Examination?

A thorough examination is required in addition to preventive maintenance. It should be carried out by a competent person, which is to say someone who is technically proficient, has practical knowledge, and is impartial. Your examination should include an assessment of maintenance carried out to date. The HSE has published detailed guidance on what should be included in a thorough investigation.

What is an Inspection?

The inspection is supplementary to preventive maintenance and thorough examination. It can be carried out by a trained, competent employee. Inspections punctuate the period between thorough examinations and comprise a series of routine checks. It would include, for example, an inspection of the alarm interlocks, and checks that lift doors cannot be opened from the landing side, for example.

How Often Should Thorough Examinations Take Place?

The guidance is clear on the regularity with which the examinations should take place:

  • Passenger Lifts – every 6 months
  • Goods Lifts – every 12 months
  • Goods Lift With Assistant – every 6 months
  • Newly Refurbished, Modernised or Upgraded lift – immediately following substantial changes
  • Newly Installed Lift – no examination required so long as the lift is installed in accordance with Lifts Regulation 1997

Who is Responsible for LOLER Compliance?

If you own a lift, or you manage a building which includes a lift you are considered the ‘dutyholder’ As such you have a legal responsibility to manage the lift in compliance with LOLER, and ultimately, to ensure that the lift is safe for use. A dutyholder is required to oversee regular preventive maintenance and repairs, periodic thorough examinations, and inspections.

How Can Tower Lifts Help Businesses With LOLER Compliance?

Tower Lifts offers tailored preventive maintenance packages to businesses managing passenger or goods lifts. We are also able to carry out thorough examinations for businesses that don’t use our maintenance and emergency repair services. If you would prefer to hand over management of your lift, we offer lift consultancy in London and across the UK.

Need help implementing the LOLER regulations? Call the Tower Lifts team today for free advice and guidance on 01525 601099

Tower Lifts carry out design and installation on a varied range of lifts throughout the UK including:

Domestic Lifts • Food Lifts • Bespoke Platform Lifts • Service Lifts • Platform Lifts • Goods Lifts • Scenic Lifts • Heavy Duty / Car Lifts • Passenger Lifts • Dumbwaiter Lifts • MRL Lifts • Fire lifts • Residential Lifts • low-Headroom Lift