LOLER Inspections – Keeping Staff and Patients Safe
Keeping staff and patients, students or residents safe is always a constant concern in care environments. Ensuring that servicing and LOLER inspections are kept up to date minimises any potential safety risks and also reduces the chance of any unwanted breakdowns. Having the correct certificates for the equipment gives peace of mind to any organisation should their be any inspections from government regulatory bodies to the location.
What are LOLER regulations?
LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Requirements, 1998) aim to ensure that all lifting equipment and lifting accessories in the workplace are used in a safe and appropriate manner.
The regulations state that all lifting equipment should have suitable strength and stability for its designed use. LOLER also states that the Safe Working Load (SWL) and maintenance dates must be clearly visible on the equipment and any faults are reported immediately.
LOLER is implemented to prevent the risk of injuries or fatalities which may occur from the use of lifting equipment within the care environment.
Thorough LOLER tests should be conducted at least every 6 months on all lifting equipment and any accessories used to lift persons. Accessories covers items such as slings, which are necessary to complete the lift. It is advised that daily routine checks are carried out before any lifting equipment is used. Any faults or defects should be reported immediately and the equipment should not be used until a specialist has conducted a thorough inspection.
Further information as to hoisting can be found following these links: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis4.pdf http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis3.pdf
Who does LOLER regulations apply to?
Persons who have responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for the patient/student lifting equipment and it’s use.
This includes Employers who have responsibility for the health and safety of their staff as well as the condition of the equipment that they use.
Employees may have specific responsibility for the equipment that they use. They also have a responsibility to use the equipment safely and also to report anything that they perceive to be a risk.
The self employed also have responsibilities for themselves and for others depending on the nature of their role
What equipment requires LOLER inspections?
Here are some examples of lifting equipment which requires testing under LOLER regulations.
- Mobile hoists
- Ceiling hoists
- Standing/raising aids
- Slings (lifting accessory)
- Bath hoists/lifts (Known as ‘floor mounted hoists’ which are used to lift and lower a person into their bath)
- Passenger lifts
- Stair lifts
Contact us today
Contact our service department today for further information on 0800 298 6000 or email [email protected]
We can help you comply with LOLER and PUWER regulations.
