If you have overhead cranes or hoists, you have to have LOLER inspections as a legal requirement. LOLER is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations from 1998, meaning that inspections have to be done from a ‘competent’ person as a legal requirement.
Inspection Frequency
- Legal requirement is inspections happen every 12 months
- If the cranes or hoists are lifting people, inspections must happen every 6 months
- If the cranes or hoists are used in harsh conditions, (extreme temperatures, corrosives, heavy use), inspections must happen more frequently
- Inspections must be done based on the risk assessments done for that specific equipment
What Gets Checked
A ‘competent’ person checks the full system:
* Hoist or crane unit
* Beam or gantry
* Hook and lifting gear
* Controls and all safety features
* Brake operations
* Limit switch functions
* Emergency stop functions
* For chain hoists: chain stretch, wear, and damage.
* For wire ropes: check for broken strands, corrosion, and kinking.
Hooks are checked for cracks and deformation.
Some common failures are:
-Damaged Bent Hooks
-Faulty Limit Switches
-Worn Out Brake Linings
-Missing, Illegible, or Improper SWL Markings
-Poor Maintenance Records
With regular maintenance, many of these issues are preventable, and What You Get is a written report stating whether the equipment is:
- Safe to use
- Safe to use with minor repairs
- Out of service; major repairs are needed.
HSE requires you to keep all reports; the legal requirement is the last two years, at a minimum. Report includes:
- Inspection Date
- Equipment Details (model, SWL, and serial number)
- Defects Found
- Recommendations
- Next Inspection Due Date
Failed Equipment
Do not use it, and tag it clearly. Get repairs done, and re-inspect before putting it back into service.
With older equipment, sometimes replacement is cheaper than repairs.
Bottom line, LOLER inspections are not optional. You need to book them in advance and keep your paperwork. Repairs need to be done in a timely manner.\
Need inspections? Give us a call.
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