Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Requirements for the safe use of Lifting Equipment

LIFTING EQUIPMENT

  • Lifting equipment must be of adequate strength and stability for each load lifted.
  • Safe working loads for each configuration must be marked on the equipment or kept with it.
  • Every part of the load and anything attached to it or used in lifting must be of adequate strength.
  • Equipment for lifting people must:
    • safeguard people from being crushed, struck or trapped and from falling from the carrier;
    • have suitable devices to prevent the carrier from falling; and
    • ensure anybody trapped in the carrier is not exposed to danger and can be readily freed; and
    • be marked as such.
  • Lifting equipment must be positioned safely and to:
    • minimise the risk of anybody being struck; and
    • prevent anybody falling down a shaft or hoist way.
  • Lifting operations must be:
    • planned and carried out safely by competent, authorised people; and
    • appropriately supervised.
  • Lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined for defects by a competent person:
    • before being put into service for the first time (unless accompanied by declarations specified in LOLER);
    • after installation/assembly and before being put into service where safety depends on the installation/assembly conditions; and
    • at appropriate intervals while in service.
  • If exposed to conditions causing deterioration likely to result in a dangerous situation equipment must be thoroughly examined by a competent person:
    • at least every 6 months if a passenger carrying device or a lifting accessory; and
    • at least every 12 months otherwise.
    • If appropriate, inspections by a competent person should be made at intervals between thorough examinations.
  • Equipment must not be used until defects revealed by examinations or inspections have been rectified.
  • Equipment leaving the University or obtained from another undertaking for use in the University must be accompanied by evidence of any tests and thorough examinations required by LOLER.
  • Departments must keep the following documents:
    • EC Declaration of Conformity accompanying equipment; and
    • reports of thorough examinations for the periods specified in LOLER.