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When Does LOLER Apply – And When Does It Not?
If your business uses lifting equipment, you’ve likely come across LOLER—but understanding exactly when it applies (and when it doesn’t) can be less straightforward. Misinterpreting these regulations can lead to safety risks, legal exposure, and unnecessary costs.
This guide breaks down the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) in a practical, real-world way—helping you stay compliant while avoiding over-application.
What Is LOLER?
LOLER is a UK regulation designed to ensure that lifting equipment is used safely. It applies to employers, self-employed people, and anyone responsible for lifting equipment at work.
Its core focus is simple:
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Equipment must be strong and stable
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Lifting operations must be properly planned and supervised
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Equipment must be regularly inspected by a competent person
When Does LOLER Apply?
LOLER applies when lifting equipment is used at work—but the key detail is how that equipment is used.
1. Equipment Used for Lifting Loads
LOLER applies if equipment is used to lift or lower a load, including:
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Goods or materials
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People (this includes higher-risk requirements)
Examples:
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Cranes and hoists
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Forklifts
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Passenger lifts
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Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
If lifting is part of the equipment’s intended function, LOLER almost certainly applies.
2. Lifting Accessories
Items used to attach loads to lifting equipment also fall under LOLER:
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Slings
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Shackles
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Eyebolts
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Chains
These components are critical because failure here often leads to accidents.
3. Work Situations (Not Personal Use)
LOLER only applies in a work context, including:
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Construction sites
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Warehouses
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Factories
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Offices (yes—even small goods lifts)
If equipment is used by employees or for business purposes, LOLER is relevant.
4. Equipment Requiring Regular Thorough Examination
LOLER mandates formal inspections:
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Every 6 months (for lifting people or accessories)
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Every 12 months (for other lifting equipment)
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Or according to a written scheme
This is one of the most enforced aspects of LOLER compliance.
When Does LOLER NOT Apply?
Understanding exclusions is just as important—it can save time and prevent unnecessary inspections.
1. Equipment Not Used for Lifting
If equipment does not lift loads, LOLER doesn’t apply—even if it looks similar.
Examples:
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Conveyor belts (horizontal movement only)
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Pallet trucks lifting under 300mm (manual, non-lifting in regulatory sense)
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Fixed storage systems
These may fall under other regulations like PUWER instead.
2. Purely Domestic Use
LOLER does not apply to equipment used entirely in a private, non-work setting.
Examples:
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Stairlifts in private homes
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Domestic hoists (unless used by care workers as part of their job)
However, the moment work activity is involved, this can change.
3. Non-Lifting Attachments
Attachments that do not perform a lifting function are excluded.
Example:
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A forklift fitted with a non-lifting tool attachment
If the attachment doesn’t lift, LOLER may not apply—but the base machine still might.
Common Grey Areas (Where People Get It Wrong)
Forklifts
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Covered by LOLER when used for lifting loads
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Also covered by PUWER for general safety
MEWPs (Cherry Pickers)
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Always covered by LOLER because they lift people
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Require stricter inspection intervals
Tail Lifts on Vehicles
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Covered by LOLER when used for lifting goods & persons
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Often overlooked in transport businesses
Why Getting It Right Matters
Misapplying LOLER can cause problems in both directions:
Under-applying (high risk):
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Legal penalties
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Workplace accidents
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Insurance issues
Over-applying (inefficient):
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Unnecessary inspections
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Increased costs
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Operational delays
The goal is accurate compliance, not blanket application.
Expert Insight: A Practical Rule of Thumb
A useful way to think about LOLER is:
If equipment is used to lift or lower a load at work, and failure could cause injury, LOLER probably applies.
But always assess:
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The function of the equipment
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The context in which it’s used
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The risk involved
Final Thoughts
LOLER is a critical piece of UK health and safety law—but it’s often misunderstood. Knowing when it applies (and when it doesn’t) helps you strike the right balance between safety, compliance, and efficiency.
If you’re unsure, consulting a competent person or carrying out a formal risk assessment is always the safest route.
Need Help with LOLER Compliance?
If you’re managing lifting equipment and want clarity on inspections, documentation, or responsibilities, consider speaking with a qualified LOLER inspector or health & safety consultant. Getting expert advice early can prevent costly mistakes later.
Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to official HSE guidance or consult a qualified professional for specific situations.
LOLER98 FAQ's
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It’s a UK law that ensures lifting equipment is used safely in work environments.
No. LOLER only applies to equipment used for lifting or lowering loads at work. If the equipment doesn’t perform a lifting function or is used purely for domestic purposes, it typically falls outside LOLER.
Yes—when it’s used for lifting loads. Forklifts are also subject to PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), meaning they must meet both operational safety and lifting-specific requirements.
- Every 6 months for equipment lifting people or lifting accessories
- Every 12 months for other lifting equipment
- Or according to a written scheme of examination
A thorough examination is a detailed and systematic inspection carried out by a competent person to ensure lifting equipment is safe to use and compliant with regulations.
No—LOLER does not apply to purely domestic use. However, if equipment is used in a home as part of a work activity (e.g. by a care worker), LOLER may apply.
LOLER focuses specifically on lifting operations and lifting equipment, while PUWER covers the safe use of all work equipment. In many cases (like forklifts), both regulations apply.
Yes. Items like slings, chains, shackles, and hooks are all covered and must be regularly inspected and properly maintained.
Non-compliance can lead to:
- Legal action and fines
- Increased risk of workplace accidents
- Invalidated insurance claims
Responsibility typically falls on the employer, business owner, or duty holder—anyone who controls the use of lifting equipment in a workplace.
Yes—if the tail lift is used for lifting goods as part of work activities, it falls under LOLER and must be inspected accordingly.
A simple rule: if the equipment is used to lift or lower a load at work and failure could cause injury, LOLER likely applies. When in doubt, carry out a risk assessment or consult a competent professional.
