Do you know your LOLER 98 requirements from your PUWER 98 requirements in order to comply with workplace health and safety? First things first, what is the difference between LOLER 98 and PUWER 98?
- LOLER 98 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) is a specific regulation covering lifting equipment. The Regulations cover a wide range of equipment including, cranes, forklift trucks, lifts, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms, and vehicle inspection platform hoists. Also included are lifting accessories such as chains, slings, eyebolts, quick hitches, shackles etc.
- PUWER 98 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) is a regulation covering every kind of work equipment i.e. excavators, telehandlers, rollers, dozers, loaders, hammers, knives, ladders, drilling machines, power presses, circular saws, photocopiers, lifting equipment (including lifts), dumper trucks and motor vehicles to name but a few.
In some respects the two regulations are quite similar, however the LOLER 98 requirements are more generalised as they apply to equipment which is specifically used for lifting and the aim of the regulation is to reduce the risks to a person’s health and safety from lifting equipment used in the workplace. As a regulation anything which falls under the LOLER 98 requirements will also fall under PUWER 98 as remember this regulation relates to ANY equipment which is used by an employee at work.
Another important difference between LOLER 98 requirements and PUWER 98 is the intervals at which inspections should be carried out.
LOLER 98 requirements state that examinations should be conducted every:
- 6 months, for lifting equipment and any associated accessories used to lift people, and;
- 12 months, for all other lifting equipment
PUWER 98 requirements state that examinations should be conducted:
- At least every 12 months
More comprehensive information can be found on PUWER 98 and LOLER 98 requirements by visiting the HSE website (Health and Safety Executive).
Always remember that your Thorough Examinations in relation to either PUWER or LOLER 98 must be carried out by a competent person as defined by the HSE.