Practical Guide to LOLER Regulations

Practical Guide to LOLER
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Contents
Authorisation for Issue Amendment Record Amendment Summary Distribution List Preface List of Abbreviations
Paragraph Page
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Introduction BP Recommended Guidance Regulation 1 Citation and Commencement 3.1 Synopsis 3.2 Key Points 3.3 Roles and Responsibilities Regulation 2 Interpretation 4.1 Synopsis 4.2 Key Points 4.3 Roles and Responsibilities 4.4 Examples Regulation 3 Application 5.1 Synopsis 5.2 Key Points 5.3 Roles and Responsibilities 5.4 Examples
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February 2002 Issue 1
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Contents (contd)
Paragraph
Page
Regulation 4 Strength and Stability 6.1 Synopsis 6.2 Key Points 6.3 Roles and Responsibilities 6.4 Examples Regulation 5 Lifting Equipment used for Lifting Persons 7.1 Synopsis 7.2 Key Points 7.3 Roles and Responsibilities 7.4 Examples Regulation 6 Positioning and Installation 8.1 Synopsis 8.2 Key Points 8.3 Roles and Responsibilities 8.4 Examples Regulation 7 Marking of Lifting Equipment 9.1 Synopsis 9.2 Key Points 9.3 Roles and Responsibilities 9.4 Examples Regulation 8 Organisation of Lifting Operations 10.1 Synopsis 10.2 Key Points 10.3 Roles and Responsibilities 10.4 Examples
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Contents (contd)
Paragraph
Page
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Regulation 9 Thorough Examination and Inspection 11.1 Synopsis 11.2 Key Points 11.3 Roles and Responsibilities 11.4 Examples Regulation 10 Reports and Defects 12.1 Synopsis 12.2 Key Points 12.3 Roles and Responsibilities 12.4 Examples Regulation 11 Keeping of Information 13.1 Synopsis 13.2 Key Points 12.3 Roles and Responsibilities 13.4 Examples Schedule 1 Information to be Contained in a Report of Thorough Examination 14.1 Synopsis 14.2 Key Points 14.3 Roles and Responsibilities
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Authorisation for Issue
Technical Authority
Name: Signature: Date: Position: Peter Thompson ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Regional Lifting Consultant
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November 2003 Issue 1/AM02
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Amendment Record
Amendment Number
Incorporated By Name Signature Date
For Audit Use Checked Signature Date
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AMOSAF.171
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Amendment Summary
Issue No Issue 1 Issue 1/AM01
Date February 2002 August 2002 First issue.
Description
Paragraph 7.4 revised to read that the use of Billy Pugh baskets are prohibited for routine operations. Distribution List updated.
corrective action Issue 1/AM02
September 2002 November 2003
Distribution List updated to add names and all BU SMS Co-ordinators. Issue Authority removed from document. Technical Authority changed to Peter Thompson from Patrick McCrory.
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Distribution List updated. document control action August 2004 Distribution List updated.
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Distribution List
Holders of Controlled Hard Copy Copy 01 02 03 Copyholder Data Control Centre (DCC) Contracts Manager Manager of BP Contracts Location ODL, Aberdeen Offshore Crane Engineering Sparrows Offshore Ltd
Virtual Copyholders Copy 01 Copyholder Document Technical Authority G ABZ SMS Notifications
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Preface
Purpose
A BP UK Group network with representatives from BP Exploration, BP Oil and BP Chemicals was formed in December 1998 with the objective of providing Group guidance on the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, SI 1998/No 2307. For the sake of convenience, the title of the regulations has been abbreviated and is referred to throughout industry as LOLER. The purpose of this document is to provide common understanding of the new legislative requirements across the BP Group, and to ensure a common approach in demonstrating compliance with the standards. All persons involved with management and implementation of lifting operations on BP-operated sites must familiarise themselves with the requirements of the legislation and the related BP guidance and procedures. A useful summary/explanation is also available in the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice (ACoP). To simplify reference, the content of this document has been structured in line with that of each specific regulation of the SI 1998/No 2307, ie Regulation titles and numbers are the same.
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Review and Update

This document will be subject to 12-monthly review and update, when document holders will have the opportunity to express opinions and suggest improvements. However, the document control system allows for continuous update of this document. As such, any user may at any time identify an error or suggest an improvement using an Amendment Proposal proforma which is available electronically on the UKCS SMS website, from the Data Control Centre (DCC) Supervisor or from the Technical Authority. All holders of this document are registered so that they can be sent updates and be kept informed of changes or reviews.
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Responsibility of Copyholders
It is the responsibility of the registered copyholder of controlled hard copy versions to maintain the accuracy of the document by ensuring that all updates are promptly incorporated and acknowledged. Furthermore, the registered copyholder of controlled hard copy versions must at all times maintain custody of this document unless prior approval is given by the relevant Technical Authority. The roles and responsibilities of copyholders and virtual copyholders are detailed in Section 1 of the Document Control Procedure (UKCS-DCM-001).
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List of Abbreviations
ACoP AUWED HSWA LOLER MHSWR PFEER PTW PUWER RCI SI SLI STL SWL UKCS
Approved Code of Practice Amending Directive to the Use of Work Equipment Directive Health and Safety at Work etc Act Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response Permit to Work Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations Rated Capacity Indicator Statutory Instrument Safe Load Indicator Shift Team Leader Safe Working Load United Kingdom Continental Shelf
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Introduction
On 5 December 1998 Statutory Instrument (SI) 1998/No 2307 became law. SI 1998/No 2307 is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and this document has been prepared as a practical guide for all those who have involvement, with the management and control of lifting operations or in the actual use of equipment during their implementation. SI 1998/No 2307 was developed under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, SI 1974/No 1439 (HSWA) as a means of implementing the lifting provisions of the Amending Directive to the Use of Work Equipment Directive (AUWED, 95/63/EC). Unlike previous legislation used to control the operation and use of lifting equipment, LOLER is industry wide, covering all workplaces subject to the HSWA, be they onshore or offshore. As a consequence, many of the existing regulations were revoked, including The Offshore Installations (Operational Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations 1976, SI 1976/No 1019, The Construction (Lifting Operations) Regulations 1961, SI 1961/ No 1581, and The Lifting Plant and Equipment (Records of Test and Examination etc) Regulations 1992, SI 1992/No 195.
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Although LOLER covers all aspects of lifting operations and equipment, reference is made to two other SIs upon which LOLER builds. They are the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, SI 1998/No 2306 (PUWER), and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, SI 1992/No 2051 (MHSWR). It is essential that reference be made to these regulations when planning any lifting operations or procuring lifting equipment. In addition to the SI an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) has been issued by the Health and Safety Commission. The SI is the law, which must be complied with. The ACoP is the guide to the law; if you comply with the requirements of the ACoP you will comply with the law. The ACoP also contains extensive guidance to the regulations. This document takes Regulations 1 to 11 and provides a brief synopsis of each regulation, a list of the key points, roles and responsibilities under the regulation and, where applicable, examples of typical applications. Regulations 12 to 17 are not covered by this document, as they are concerned with the armed forces, shipping and dock regulations and the repeal and revocation of previous legislation. Similarly, Schedule 2 is not covered, as it is merely a list of revoked instruments.
BP Recommended Guidance
This document forms guidance for the BP Group network following the review of LOLER and is the master document for the development of the BP Guidance for Lifting Equipment Supply, Control and Operations. This document is the precursor of Element 6 Lifting Operations of the BP Golden Rules of Safety.
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Regulation 1 Citation and Commencement

3.1 Synopsis
Regulation 1 lays out the overall scope and timing of the Regulations at its highest level.
3.2
Key Points
Came into effect for all lifting equipment on 5 December 1998 All lifting equipment means new, existing, second-hand and leased equipment Although all equipment must be thoroughly examined under LOLER, equipment examined under previous legislation (eg SI 1976/No 1019) need not be re-examined until such time as specified on the current examination certificate
3.3
Roles and Responsibilities
None specifically associated with this regulation.
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Regulation 2 Interpretation
4.1 Synopsis
Regulation 2 is a series of definitions used throughout the Regulations with the ACoP giving guidance on the equipment and operations which are covered by LOLER, although it is stressed that the list is not exclusive and all work equipment associated with lifting or lowering of a load is covered by the Regulations.
4.2
Key Points
Definitions of particular note are: Lifting equipment work equipment for lifting or lowering loads including its attachments for anchoring, fixing or supporting it Accessory for lifting work equipment for attaching loads to machinery for lifting (pendant, sling, shackle etc) Note: An accessory is also an item of lifting equipment as far as application of the Regulations is concerned. Load that which is lifted or lowered by the lifting equipment and accessories, including any carrier used to hold materials, persons or animals Examination scheme suitable scheme drawn up by a competent person for such thorough examination of lifting equipment at such intervals as may be appropriate for the purpose described in Regulation 9 (refer to Paragraph 11) Thorough examination a thorough examination by a competent person including such testing as is appropriate for the purpose
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Competent person a person with appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience Employer does not necessarily signify a contractual arrangement between an employer and an employee. Rather the employer is an individual, partnership or organisation that has control to any degree of lifting equipment, its management or the way in which it is used. Refer to Paragraph 5 for a fuller description Equipment and operations not covered by the Regulations include: Horizontal conveyor belts Winching a load on level ground, as the load does not leave the ground. However, PUWER does cover this activity Unassisted manual handling, which is covered by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
4.3
None specifically associated with this regulation.
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4.4
Examples
As the range of LOLER is all encompassing, the following list of equipment and situations will be covered by the Regulations: Pedestal cranes Mobile cranes Overhead gantry cranes Loose lifting gear, eg chain hoists, lever hoists, slings, shackles, pendants etc Wire line masts Drawworks and travelling block Lifts for persons or goods Abseiling equipment Sling-sets attached to containers or pieces of equipment Runway beams and padeyes to which lifting equipment is anchored or fixed Emergency escape equipment such as lifeboats (including any davits, winches, ropes etc) and doughnuts found on offshore Installations although covered by Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosions, and Emergency Response) Regulations 1995, SI 1995/No 743 (PFEER) would also be required to follow a maintenance and examination programme under LOLER.
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Regulation 3 Application
5.1 Synopsis
Regulation 3 details the where and who to which the Regulations apply. The where is anywhere that the HSWA applies and the who is any employer whose personnel use lifting equipment. Included within the ACoP is a detailed look at the application of PUWER, Regulation 4, which is concerned with the selection of equipment suitable for the anticipated tasks.
5.2
Key Points
Applies to all work locations covered by the HSWA, which includes offshore Installations within UK territorial waters and the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) The Regulations impose requirements on an employer who supplies lifting equipment for use by an employee at their work. The employer can also be: - A self-employed person using lifting equipment
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- A person who has control to any extent of: Lifting equipment Users, supervisors or managers of lifting equipment The way lifting equipment is used The regulations do not apply to: - Equipment on a ship which is covered by merchant shipping requirements. However, it does apply to BP project teams working on merchant ships as part of a BP Installation workscope The ACoP provides extensive guidance on the application of PUWER to the supply of suitable lifting equipment. Specific areas covered are: - Ergonomic risks assessed under MHSWR - Material of manufacture suitability for use under anticipated conditions - Means of access and egress - Protection against slips, trips and falls - Environmental protection for the equipment operator - Means of measuring high wind speed if this will influence the safe operation of the lifting equipment
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5.3
Although LOLER uses the term employer rather than Dutyholder, any duties specifically assigned to the employer can be assumed to apply to the Dutyholder, if they have any control over lifting operations. The following are criteria to apply to employers: If you have management control over lifting equipment then you are an employer If you have management control over lifting operations then you are an employer If you buy lifting equipment for use by others then you are an employer If you hire lifting equipment then you are an employer If you are a supervisor in charge of persons using lifting equipment then you are an employer If you direct persons to carry out work, for which lifting equipment will have to be used at some stage then you are an employer If you provide persons to undertake the use of lifting equipment then you are an employer
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5.4
Examples
It is worth noting the distinction in requirements between equipment hirers and users or employers. For example, the supplier of lifting equipment on hire has a duty to provide physical evidence that a thorough examination has been carried out and that the equipment is fit for use; the recipient/employer has a duty to ensure that such certification is in place. When the equipment has been accepted by the user/employer then the duties for safe operation and subsequent inspection and examination fall to the user/employer not the supplier. Where the supplier also provides the equipment operator, for example with a mobile crane, then the supplier assumes full responsibility for all use, maintenance and examination of the equipment. Another common example would concern the control of rigging lofts. The supplier of the loft is an employer under LOLER and has responsibility for ensuring that the equipment provided is fit for safe use and accompanied by appropriate certification (refer to Paragraph 11 for more detail). The recipient of the loft is also an employer and assumes a different set of responsibilities concerning the safe operational use of the equipment and periodic thorough examination. Where a company provides personnel to undertake work which will involve the use of lifting equipment then that company is regarded as an employer and has a duty under LOLER to provide persons competent to undertake the work. A duty also rests with the controller of the work to ensure that the competency of the persons provided can be assured.
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Regulation 4 Strength and Stability

6.1 Synopsis
Regulation 4 calls upon the employer to ensure that the lifting equipment and its load is of adequate strength and stability for the anticipated use. In particular, the ACoP details numerous factors which must be considered before the lifting equipment is used. Attention must be paid not only to the equipment itself but also to the mounting or fixing points of installed equipment and the ground conditions for mobile equipment. This regulation is especially applicable if the use or configuration of the equipment changes after it has been installed.
6.2
Key Points
To ensure adequate strength and stability the following must be ensured: Take account of the combination of forces which the equipment may be subjected to Assess the implication of the weight of any accessories Ensure that the equipment is not susceptible to in-service failure modes (fracture, wear or fatigue) Have an appropriate factor of safety against foreseeable failure modes Take account of any combination of destabilising forces Provide resistance to overturning Ensure that necessary positioning or stabilising arrangements are in place before use Maintain the stability of mobile equipment when in use Provide rail-mounted equipment with devices to prevent derailing Lay rails in such a way that they provide suitable support for rail-mounted equipment Provide a means of checking the pressure of pneumatic tyres for mobile equipment Where there is a significant risk of overload, for example offloading a supply vessel onto a Platform, then the lifting equipment should be fitted with equipment which provides an audible and/or visual warning before an overload situation is reached.
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6.3
The person in control of lifting equipment or lifting operations (Deck Co-ordinators, Shift Team Leaders (STLs) and Deck Foremen of offshore Installations) must assume responsibility for the continuing strength and stability of the equipment. This can be achieved through the appointment of a competent person to assess the lifting equipment, for example, the design and construction function checking the integrity of crane pedestals and tie-backs on an offshore Installation.
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Although the load does not fall within LOLER it is incumbent upon the employer (person in control of the lifting operations) to ensure that any lifting points on the load are of adequate strength, under regulations governing the load, for example BS 7072 for offshore containers.
6.4
Examples
Permanent points provided on a load to assist with lifting are regarded as part of the load and do not fall under LOLER, for example padeyes built into a container. However, screw-in eyebolts would be regarded as lifting accessories and would be covered by LOLER. The equipment typically used for warning of overload is a Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI) (previously called Safe Load Indicator (SLI)).
Regulation 5 Lifting Equipment used for Lifting Persons

7.1 Synopsis
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This regulation takes precedence over all other LOLER regulations when the lifting of persons is to be carried out. Primarily concerned with passenger lifts and liftcars, this regulation requires that lifting equipment for lifting persons must be designed so that persons cannot be harmed while travelling or working from the carrier, fall from the carrier and escape in an emergency. In addition, there should be devices in place to prevent the carrier falling. Lifting of persons in equipment, which is not specifically designed for that purpose, should only be carried out under exceptional circumstances following a risk assessment and appointment of suitable supervision, not as a matter of routine.
7.2
Key Points
The first paragraph of this regulation requires the employer to ensure that: The lifting equipment should be such as to prevent the passenger from being crushed, trapped, struck or falling from the carrier, normally by fully enclosing the carrier. This sub-paragraph refers particularly to liftcars While carrying out activities from the carrier, measures should be in place so as to prevent the passenger from being crushed, trapped, struck or falling from the carrier. In particular the risk assessment should identify: - Any external equipment or structures which the person in the carrier may strike - The need for non-slip flooring - Devices required to prevent any doors inadvertently opening - The need for safety harnesses and lanyards
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Devices, such as multiple ropes with independent anchorage, multiple cylinders and check valves for hydraulically-powered systems, should be in place to prevent the carrier falling on failure of the primary means of support If a person becomes trapped in a carrier they should not be exposed to any danger and can be freed. The passenger should be able to summon assistance and be competent to use emergency lowering or self-rescue equipment provided The second paragraph is solely concerned with operations undertaken in mines under the Mines (Shafts and Windings) Regulations 1993. Where practicable access should always be gained by equipment specifically designed for lifting persons, particularly for regular or routine operations. However, in exceptional circumstances, equipment primarily designed for lifting materials can be fitted with a suitable carrier or working platform and used for lifting persons (cranes, fork-lift trucks and telescopic handlers are examples). If this type of equipment is to be used, suitable precautions must be undertaken, as follows: A risk assessment must be carried out to confirm that the equipment can be used safely
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A means of communication must be provided between the passenger and the lifting equipment operator (may be hand signals but radio communication is preferred) The equipment must be manned at all times during person-lifting operations A reliable means of rescue is available in the event of equipment failure Appropriate supervision is made available for the operations If a crane is to be used for lifting persons then the following must be in place: - Free-fall capability lockout - Hoisting and lowering limiters - Rated capacity indicator and limiter - Schedule of daily inspections of the crane and carrier by a competent person - Adequate instruction for all persons involved passenger, operator, supervisor etc
7.3
Buyers of equipment which will be used for lifting persons have a duty to ensure that it complies with the safety requirements stated above. Controllers of lifting equipment or operations have a duty to ensure that equipment which is not designated for lifting persons is not used in this manner.
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7.4
Examples
Rope Transfer Basket Billy Pugh The Billy Pugh transfer basket does not conform to Regulation 5 on three counts: - It does not prevent a person from being crushed while being carried - It does not prevent a person from falling from it - It puts a person in danger if they become trapped in the carrier, particularly if in the water The use of Billy Pugh transfer baskets is therefore prohibited except for emergency, life threatening situations. Basket transfer is only permitted using suitable LOLER compliant devices. Emergency Response The use of equipment, other than that designed for the purpose, for lifting persons in an emergency situation (for example, lifting a stretcher out of a Platform leg with an injured party) falls outwith the considerations of this legislation and appropriate precautions should be determined in response to the situation.
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Use of Equipment Not Designed for Lifting Persons - As stated in Paragraph 7.2, equipment, such as cranes and forklifts, which is not specifically designed for lifting persons should only be used in exceptional circumstances. In most cases it should be possible to design-out any requirement for using such equipment. For example, the need to use a Platform crane to gain access to another crane booms head or the outside of the derrick for regular maintenance could be eliminated through the provision of adequate walkways - Where such equipment is used on an occasional basis, for example man-riding winches in drilling derricks, then the risk assessment should address all potential dangers, in this case primarily from the passenger striking equipment, and minimise the risks
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Regulation 6 Positioning and Installation

8.1 Synopsis
Regulation 6 is a very straightforward regulation whereby equipment must be positioned and installed so as to minimise the risk of the equipment or its load striking a person, or of control over the load being lost.
8.2
Key Points
In particular, lifting equipment should be installed in such a way that: - The need to lift loads over people is minimised - Crushing is prevented at extreme operating positions - Loads moving along a fixed path are suitably protected to minimise the risk of the load or equipment striking a person - Trapping points are prevented or access limited on travelling or slewing equipment The employer must also minimise the risk of a load:
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- Drifting runway beams should be level and tag lines used to control the movement of long or awkwardly shaped loads - Falling freely through the fitting of suitable devices such as multiple ropes, safety gear or check valves - Being unintentionally released during a loss of power to the lifting equipment or through the collision of equipment or their loads. The use of hooks with safety catches, motion-limiting devices and safe systems of work are possible means of minimising these risks Suitable devices must be provided to prevent persons from falling down shafts or hoist ways, such as gates with interlocks
8.3
This regulation is very much concerned with pre-operational requirements and as such the person in control of the positioning or installation takes responsibility. With equipment which is installed on a permanent or semi-permanent basis this would normally only be a consideration at the design stage. However, with mobile equipment, which is positioned rather than installed, then the person with operational control must ensure that the equipment is safely situated.
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8.4
Examples
Pedestal cranes with access ladders which slew with the crane are prime examples of situations where trapping is a distinct possibility. This is normally overcome through limiting access to the crane. The supervisor in charge of the lifting operation must pay particular attention to ensure that the risk to others caused by trapping or crushing by the load is minimised. For example, the rigging foreman must assume responsibility for the safety of all the people involved in the execution of the lifting operation.
Regulation 7 Marking of Lifting Equipment

9.1 Synopsis
It is a basic requirement to mark the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the lifting equipment on the equipment, or to make readily available to the operator such information. In addition, equipment must be marked as either for lifting persons or not for lifting persons (if it could be used for such a purpose in error).
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9.2
Key Points
The SWL is the maximum load that the equipment may safely lift If it is not possible to mark the equipment with the SWL then a coding system or labels may be used If the SWL is dependent upon the configuration of the equipment then the SWL for each configuration should either be marked on the equipment or the information kept with the equipment where it is readily available to the operator, for example load-radius charts Where the SWL changes with the operating radius of the equipment then a load-limiting device may need to be fitted to inhibit the equipment and provide visual and/or audible warnings Any structural element of a piece of lifting equipment which can be separated from the equipment (boom section, slew ring etc) should be marked to indicate the equipment of which it is a part Where a number of accessories are brought together and not dismantled, for example a spreader beam with slings and shackles, the assembly should be marked to indicate its safety characteristics Lifting equipment and accessories should be marked with any relevant safety information such as the thickness of plates, which may be lifted with a plate clamp Lifting equipment designed for lifting persons should be marked as such and the carrier should display the SWL and maximum number of persons which may be carried
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9.3
As the controller of lifting operations the employer is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is appropriately marked with the SWL and identified as person carrying if appropriate.
9.4
Examples
Colour coding of lifting equipment does not necessarily in itself meet the requirements of this regulation. The equipment should be: Hard-stamped ferrules on wire slings Affixed with a metal plate chain hoist The SWL painted onto the equipment runway beams Where there is more than one winch in a drilling derrick it may be possible for a winch which has not been designated for man-riding, to be used for lifting persons. In such a case, all winches shall be clearly marked as either suitable for lifting persons or not.
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10 Regulation 8 Organisation of Lifting Operations

10.1 Synopsis
Regulation 8 is the basis upon which all other regulations in LOLER are formed. This regulation calls for all lifting operations to be carried out in a safe manner, under adequate supervision and following a plan.
10.2 Key Points

The competent person planning the operation should have adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of planning lifting operations The plan will need to address the risks identified during a risk assessment and should identify all resources, procedures and responsibilities necessary for safe operation The degree of planning will vary considerably depending on the type of lifting equipment and complexity of the lifting operation and degree of risk involved There are two elements to the plan: - The suitability of the lifting equipment as per Regulation 4 of PUWER - The individual lifting operation to be performed As a means of minimising risk, the plan should consider the following areas: - Working under suspended loads, for example in temporary offices - Breakdown in communication during blind lifting - Attaching/detaching the load - Environment and location
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- Overturning - Proximity hazards - Lifting persons with non-dedicated equipment - Overloading - Pre-use checks by the operator - Deterioration in the condition of lifting accessories - The experience, competence and training of all associated personnel Following a risk assessment and preparation of a standard instruction or procedure, the person using the equipment can normally plan routine lifts on an individual basis A routine plan should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it remains valid The level of supervision provided should be proportionate to the degree of risk identified and should consider the experience and competence of the personnel using the lifting equipment
10.3 Roles and Responsibilities
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Under Regulation 8 the employer or controller of lifting operations has a primary responsibility to ensure that suitable persons are appointed for planning and supervising of such operations. For any lifting operation it is necessary to: (1) (2) (3) Ensure that a risk assessment is in place under the MHSWR, ie the employer. Select suitable equipment for the range of tasks, ie the competent person. Plan the individual lifting operation, ie the competent person.
Although the employer has overall responsibility for lifting operations it is likely that a hired specialist will be employed to actually provide the equipment and undertake the planning of the operations. For example, the equipment hirer could select suitable equipment for the task specified by the employer, a firm of lifting specialists could then plan the activity and the maintenance contractor actually carry out the work all of whom would be regarded as competent persons. Particular responsibilities are placed on the deck crew and crane operator offshore to ensure that radio communication is maintained, especially during blind lifting.
10.4 Examples
The term Competent Person is not prescriptively described in LOLER and identify a number of different roles under the Regulations. In practical competency of a person may be confirmed by formal, vocational qualification first-hand knowledge of planning or supervising the lifting operations or equipment. is used to terms the or through using the
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Standing instructions, operating manuals and environmental procedures cover many of the routine lifting operations carried out on a daily basis. These generic plans should be adequate to allow the competent user to undertake individual lifting operations safely. The pedestal cranes, for instance, would require little or no additional procedures other than for special lifts such as utility shaft lifting operations, tandem lifts etc. The opposite is more likely to be true with the use of portable lifting equipment where standard procedures may not exist and the competence of the users may require additional supervision. Special lifts are generally well covered by individual rigging studies, where the full plan is developed and carried out by well-supervised specialist teams. However, caution must be exercised when authorising work where the lifting elements are not readily apparent. For example, during maintenance on a diesel engine by diesel fitters involving the removal of a radiator utilising pull-lifts and lifting accessories the emphasis would probably be on the engine maintenance tasks, rather than the suitability of the lifting equipment, the lifting methodology and the competency of the personnel involved. In the majority of cases a Permit to Work (PTW) provides the ideal opportunity to carry out a risk assessment and control lifting operations in such a way as to minimise any identified risks. In particular, suitable procedures and supervision must be specified.
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Reference should be made to the following publication for more explicit guidance on the safe use of particular items of lifting equipment: Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes, BS 7121
11 Regulation 9 Thorough Examination and Inspection

11.1 Synopsis
Throughout the life of any piece of lifting equipment it must be accompanied by a valid certificate to show that it has been manufactured properly and subsequently received thorough examinations to ensure continued integrity and fitness for safe use. This regulation presents the owner and user of lifting equipment with a number of options, some prescriptive, for establishing examination schemes. The term inspection has a special meaning under LOLER and in general thorough examination should always be used.
11.2 Key Points

The employer must identify all equipment which requires thorough examination The employer shall ensure that lifting equipment transferred in or out of their undertaking has a valid thorough examination record Testing of equipment is not mandatory under LOLER, although it may be required as part of the examination scheme prepared by a competent person
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11.2.1 Pre-service Prior to an employer using lifting equipment for the first time a thorough examination must be carried out, unless the equipment has not been used before and is accompanied by an EC declaration of conformity not more than 12 months old A thorough examination must be carried out if the safety of the lifting equipment is dependent upon installation or assembly conditions 11.2.2 In-service All lifting equipment deteriorates in use and therefore a thorough examination must be carried out A choice exists, either to have the lifting equipment thoroughly examined at intervals no longer than those specified in the regulation or in accordance with intervals specified in an examination scheme prepared by a competent person Thorough examination intervals under the fixed scheme are as follows: - Every 6 months if the equipment is used for lifting persons - Every 6 months for lifting accessories (slings, shackles etc)
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- Every 12 months for all other lifting equipment (chain hoists, lever hoists etc) A thorough examination must be carried out following exceptional circumstances which may have jeopardised the safety of the equipment. For example, following an overload or change out of a major loadpath item In addition to thorough examinations, where user risks have been identified inspections should be carried out. The inspection should include visual checks and function tests and be carried out by persons competent to do so Lifting equipment currently under a scheme of thorough examination need not be examined under LOLER until next required under the existing scheme

Although there is a duty on the equipment supplier to provide suitable certification, the employer must ensure that it has indeed been provided before accepting the equipment. For all equipment which requires examination a competent person must prepare a scheme of examination which identifies parts to be examined, resources required, frequency and parts requiring testing. In general, the equipment controller would appoint a specialist service provider to undertake the preparation of an equipment register and examination scheme. A competent person who is impartial must carry out examinations, although they need not necessarily be independent of the employer. In practice, however, the appointment of a specialist examination company would ensure impartiality. The body appointed to carry out examinations should be accredited to BS EN 45004:1995 (general criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection).
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Inspections would include pre-operation visual checks and function tests and the equipment operator (particularly crane operators) are considered competent to perform such tasks.
11.4 Examples
In practical terms if a scheme of examination is presently being run under revoked legislation, ie SI 1976/No 1019, then no further action need be taken to comply with LOLERs requirements. The examination must be able to detect defects or weaknesses that would have an adverse effect on safety. This may involve strip-down, load testing or NDT of equipment. Distinction is drawn between lifting equipment and accessories in LOLER, with all chains, ropes, slings and components used for attaching the load to the machinery used for lifting classified as accessories. However, BP does not propose making this distinction. All accessories and lifting equipment, whether man-riding or not, will undergo examination at 6-monthly intervals as historical reliability and performance problems does not warrant extending the examination interval. This common interval will also avoid colour coding conflicts or other complications such as planning and scheduling individual maintenance inspection intervals. Fixed lifting equipment (runway beams, padeyes etc) will be examined at 12-monthly intervals.
Uncontrolled
12 Regulation 10 Reports and Defects

12.1 Synopsis
Regulation 10 is tied directly to Regulation 9. This regulation places a duty on the equipment examiner to provide a report of examination to the employer (and the Health and Safety Executive in some circumstances) and for the employer to address any defects noted in the report. The report must contain the information specified in Schedule 1 (refer to Paragraph 14).
12.2 Key Points

Refer to Paragraph 12.3.
16
UKCS-TI-010

The roles and responsibilities can be summarised as follows: Competent Person Carrying Out the Thorough Examination - Immediately report any defects to the employer and persons using the equipment if the defect could cause the equipment to become a danger to persons - Within 28 days complete an authenticated written report of examination in line with Schedule 1 (refer to Paragraph 14) and submit this to the employer and equipment hirer (if applicable) - If any item of lifting equipment has a defect that could cause an imminent risk of serious personal injury, then a copy of the report must be forwarded to the relevant enforcing authority (the Health and Safety Executive) The Employer - Immediately withdraw the equipment from service if notified of a defect which poses an immediate threat to persons, and do not re-use it until the defect has been rectified
Uncontrolled
- If notified that a defect will become dangerous and the defect is not rectified within the period specified by the competent person, then the equipment must be withdrawn form service until rectified
12.4 Examples
In reality little difference to what happens presently, with the exception of the significant change in the law, which requires the person/organisation carrying out the thorough examination to forward a copy of the report to the Health and Safety Executive if defective equipment is likely to be of immediate danger to personnel, rather than the employer. Such serious defects are fairly rare occurrences and it is important to remember that only those defects judged of imminent risk need be reported to the Health and Safety Executive. Reports would normally be restricted to the actual machine for lifting rather than a lifting accessory. Cracks in crane boom main chords or severe wear in the spline drive of main hoist motors would be considered defects reportable to the Health and Safety Executive. Damage to a crane boom lattice member or slight wear to a main hoist motor spline would not be reported, as these do not create a situation which could cause an immediate danger to persons.
17
UKCS-TI-010
13 Regulation 11 Keeping of Information

13.1 Synopsis
Regulation 11 is straightforward and ensures that initial conformity certificates and subsequent examination reports follow a piece of equipment. This allows the user of the equipment to be sure that the equipment is safe for use.
13.2 Key Points

Lifting equipment will be supplied with an EC declaration of conformity and the employer must retain such records for so long as they use the equipment If lifting equipment has undergone a thorough examination prior to first use then a copy of this report must be kept until the employer ceases to use the lifting equipment The reports for lifting accessories subject to thorough examination prior to first use must be kept for 2 years
Uncontrolled
18
Where a report of thorough examination has been issued following installation or assembly of lifting equipment a copy of this report must be retained until the equipment ceases to be used at that location Thorough examination reports issued under a schedule or following the equipment being subjected to exceptional circumstances must be retained until the next report or for 2 years, whichever is later Inspection reports must be retained until the next report is available Reports should be readily available to inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive upon request

The whole onus of this regulation is upon the employer or controller of the equipment to ensure that the records are in order.
13.4 Examples
Normally, reports are stored at the location where equipment is being used. However, if this is not possible they can be kept elsewhere provided they are easily accessible. Records may be kept in hardcopy form, stored electronically or on computer disc. Computer systems should be able to provide written copy when necessary.
UKCS-TI-010
14 Schedule 1 Information to be Contained in a Report of Thorough Examination

14.1 Synopsis
Schedule 1 is a list of 11 key pieces of information which must be recorded whenever an item of lifting equipment undergoes a thorough examination ranging from the name of the employer for whom the examination was carried out to the time limit by which a defect must be rectified.
14.2 Key Points

The report must contain, among others, the following: Unique identification of the equipment That equipment has been installed correctly where this affects safety The type of examination scheme being used Identification of defective parts and the nature of the defect Repairs, renewals or alterations necessary to remedy any defects Time given to effect remedial action for defects which do not pose immediate danger Date of next examination Details of any test carried out
Uncontrolled

The equipment examiner has the responsibility to ensure that the report contains all requested information and that it is authenticated. Employers have a duty to ensure that all relevant information is available on a report accompanying an item of equipment before allowing it to be used.
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Practical Guide to LOLER Regulations

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Practical Guide to LOLER Regulations

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Practical Guide to LOLER

February 2002 Issue 1