LOLER 1998 Regulation – patient handling equipment
LOLER 1998 regulations – patient handling equipment. LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, and aims to ensure that all lifting equipment and lifting accessories in the workplace are used in a safe manner and that lifting operations are properly planned.
LOLER states that all lifting equipment should be thoroughly examined at suitable intervals (normally at least 6 monthly) by an independent and competent person and the Safe Working Load (SWL) and maintenance dates must be clearly visible on the equipment, and any defects reported on.
The aim of the LOLER 1998 Regulation is to prevent the risk of injuries or fatalities which may occur from the use of lifting equipment within the workplace.
What types of equipment requires testing under the LOLER 1998 regulations?
When deciding whether LOLER applies to you, you need to ask yourself two questions:
1) Is it work equipment?
2) Is it lifting equipment?
Work Equipment is defined in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) as “any machinery appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether exclusively or not)”
Lifting equipment is defined as “equipment which lifts or lowers loads as a principal function”.
Items such as a height adjustable bed or chair does not come under the LOLER 1998 Regulation, as lifting is not the principal function.
Some examples of patient lifting equipment which requires regular testing under LOLER 1998 regulations are as follows:
- Mobile hoists
- Ceiling hoists
- Standing/raising aids
- Slings (lifting accessory)
- Bath hoists/lifts
Who is responsible to ensure LOLER 1998 Regulation is enforced in the workplace?
It is the duty of business owners and employers to ensure that all lifting equipment is suitable and stable for its proposed use. This includes regular inspections and maintenance checks under LOLER & PUWER.
What does a LOLER test under consist of?
A LOLER Inspection should be completed by a competent person, who is impartial and independent, and has enough practical and technical knowledge and experience of lifting equipment to identify faults or weaknesses.
A thorough examination report should be completed and the employer notified of any defects.
How often does patient handling equipment require testing under the LOLER 1998 Regulation?
Thorough LOLER tests should be conducted at least every 6 months on all lifting equipment and any accessories (this includes slings). Daily routine checks should also be carried out before any lifting equipment is used. If faults or defects are found in these daily checks, they should be reported immediately and the equipment taken out of use until a specialist has conducted a thorough inspection.
For more information on the LOLER 1998 Regulation, see http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis4.pdf
N H Maintenance believes in simplifying compliance, and can help you with your patient handling equipment inspection requirements under the LOLER 1998 Regulation and PUWER 1998 Regulation – CONTACT US today to discuss your requirements.
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