The Role Of LOLER In The Use Of Lifting Equipment And Portable Gantries
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, or LOLER, is one of the main laws governing the use of portable gantry systems in industrial and construction contexts. Regulations create a framework for maintaining workplace safety during lifting operations and include specific requirements for safe working loads, operational planning, supervision, and record keeping. Non-compliance penalties can include heavy fines and prison terms, especially if negligence is deemed to be the cause of accidents or injuries. In this article, we look at the main requirements of LOLER as they apply to portable gantries.
Are Portable Gantries Covered By LOLER?
Yes, all portable gantries are covered by the LOLER requirements regarding ESWL markings, maintenance, risk assessment, load testing, etc. The only possible exception is if a portable gantry is not used for the lifting operations, but only for supporting a static load. In these cases, it may not fall under LOLER but is still probably subject to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
So, What Are The Main Requirements In LOLER-Compliant Lifting?
Thorough Examination Requirements:
Under LOLER, formal and thorough examinations by a competent person are a legal obligation for businesses. These examinations are essential to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and are required at specified intervals. These intervals are (at least) every 12 months for gantries used to products, and 6 months for gantries used to lift people. 6 monthly examinations are also applicable to lifting accessories such as slings and eyebolts etc. Note though, that these are maximum terms, you must reduce these durations when the equipment is used in poor conditions, subject to poor handling or is subject to extreme adverse weather.
Competent Supervision
LOLER mandates that all lifting operations should be properly planned, supervised, and implemented by competent individuals. This means that operators have to be trained and certified as competent in using the equipment safely. Any accessories, such as slings and hooks, used with the gantry must also comply with LOLER standards of competency. This focus on competency ensures that the people responsible for using, maintaining, and inspecting your portable lifting gantries have the required skills, knowledge, and experience to perform their tasks safely and to ensure that the equipment is safe for others to use.
Load Testing And Stability:
Ensuring the strength and stability of lifting equipment for the required task is a fundamental tenet of LOLER. Stability assumes that the gantry is established on stable and level ground to prevent tipping or instability, which is another key aspect of LOLER. Proof load testing is conducted by the manufacturer to verify that each portable lifting gantry can safely handle its maximum working loads without risk of failure.
Marking Of Working Load Limits (WLL)
LOLER requires that all lifting equipment – including gantries – be clearly marked with their , working load limit (WLL) formerly known as the safe working load or SWL and in certain parts of the world still is. This marking immediately informs operators about the maximum load that the equipment can handle under normal conditions, preventing overloading and minimising the risk of accidents.. Never exceed the WLL when this has to occur due to emergencies etc then the competent person must produce a robust risk assessment detailing the need and the subsequent additional control measures that are required to perform the operation without injury or major damage or other loss.
Find out more
To find out more about our gantries and how they can improve lifting operations and processes on your site, please get in touch with one of the experienced team at SHEARFORCE today. You can also discover more about our lightweight portable gantries by clicking here.
Image Source: Canva
