For any business involved in lifting operations or the use of lifting equipment, understanding and complying with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is essential. These regulations are a cornerstone of health and safety compliance in the UK and are particularly critical for organisations involved in working at height. At Access Platform Sales (APS), with over 35 years of industry leadership, we help clients stay safe and compliant through expert guidance, powered access platform hire, servicing, and inspections.
Key Objectives of LOLER
LOLER aims to ensure that all lifting equipment used at work is:
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Strong and stable enough for the intended use
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Positioned and installed correctly
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Marked with appropriate indicators (such as safe working loads)
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Subjected to thorough examination and inspection by competent persons
These regulations apply to a broad range of equipment, including powered access platforms like scissor lifts, boom lifts, and material handling equipment used across various sectors.
Main Requirements of LOLER
1. Thorough Examination
LOLER requires lifting equipment to undergo regular thorough examinations carried out by a competent person. This includes initial inspection before first use (unless it has an EC Declaration of Conformity less than one year old), periodic inspections, and checks after installation, damage, or significant changes. The inspection frequency depends on the type of equipment:
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Every 6 months for lifting accessories and equipment used for lifting people
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Every 12 months for other lifting equipment
At APS, our LOLER inspections are part of our comprehensive access platform servicing packages. Our engineers are trained and certified to identify safety-critical issues before they become operational hazards.
2. Safe Working Load (SWL) Labelling
All lifting equipment must clearly display its safe working load. This ensures operators and site managers can use the equipment appropriately, minimising the risk of overloading and potential failure. APS-supplied platforms, from material lifts for construction to large boom lifts, come with clear, durable SWL markings as standard.
3. Proper Use and Positioning
LOLER requires that lifting equipment be used only for its intended purpose and positioned to reduce risks. This includes avoiding risks to those nearby during operations. APS provides IPAF training and expert consultancy to ensure your teams are equipped with the knowledge to operate safely and within the bounds of the law.
4. Competent Personnel
Only competent individuals - someone with the appropriate training, knowledge and experience - should conduct lifting operations and equipment inspections. APS supports businesses with certified engineers and trainers who ensure compliance and safe practices across all lifting activities.
5. Record Keeping and Documentation
LOLER mandates that thorough examination reports be kept for at least two years and made available to enforcing authorities or future equipment owners. Our service plans help clients manage their documentation through streamlined record-keeping and proactive maintenance scheduling.
The APS Advantage
APS is more than just a provider of powered access solutions. We are a trusted partner to hundreds of UK businesses thanks to:
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Dedicated Parts division that includes next day delivery and expert support to get you the right parts you need, every time.
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OEM and Aftermarket parts supply for all major brands including Genie, Hinowa, BoSS, Niftylift, LGMG, and Omme Lift
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In-house and on-site repairs and servicing to keep your equipment performing at its best and maximising your investment, thanks to our engineers nationwide.
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Access platform sales, new or used, including scissor lifts, cherry pickers, tracked spider booms and material lifts.
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Flexible finance options tailored to your budget and project timelines
Our extensive experience and manufacturer partnerships enable us to deliver unmatched expertise, reliability and value. APS ensure all of their customers are able to minimise their downtime and work from height safely. Whether you need regular LOLER inspections, access platform servicing, or high-performance equipment, APS provides an end-to-end solution.
Compliance with LOLER is not just a legal obligation—it’s a crucial part of ensuring safety in all lifting operations. By partnering with APS, you can be confident your powered access platforms and lifting equipment are maintained to the highest standards, fully compliant with regulations, and ready for safe, efficient use.
Get in touch with APS today to schedule your LOLER inspection or to discuss your access platform and servicing needs. Our expert team is ready to help you work at height safely and confidently.
