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Contents
Authorisation for Issue
Amendment Record
Amendment Summary
Distribution List
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Paragraph Page
1 Introduction 12 BP Recommended Guidance 13 Regulation 1 Citation and Commencement 2
3.1 Synopsis 23.2 Key Points 23.3 Roles and Responsibilities 2
4 Regulation 2 Interpretation 24.1 Synopsis 24.2 Key Points 24.3 Roles and Responsibilities 34.4 Examples 3
5 Regulation 3 Application 45.1 Synopsis 45.2 Key Points 45.3 Roles and Responsibilities 55.4 Examples 5
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Contents (contd)
Paragraph Page
6 Regulation 4 Strength and Stability 66.1 Synopsis 66.2 Key Points 66.3 Roles and Responsibilities 66.4 Examples 7
7 Regulation 5 Lifting Equipment used for Lifting Persons 77.1 Synopsis 77.2 Key Points 77.3 Roles and Responsibilities 87.4 Examples 9
8 Regulation 6 Positioning and Installation 108.1 Synopsis 108.2 Key Points 108.3 Roles and Responsibilities 108.4 Examples 11
9 Regulation 7 Marking of Lifting Equipment 119.1 Synopsis 119.2 Key Points 119.3 Roles and Responsibilities 129.4 Examples 12
10 Regulation 8 Organisation of Lifting Operations 1210.1 Synopsis 1210.2 Key Points 1210.3 Roles and Responsibilities 1310.4 Examples 13
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Contents (contd)
Paragraph Page
11 Regulation 9 Thorough Examination and Inspection 1411.1 Synopsis 1411.2 Key Points 1411.3 Roles and Responsibilities 1511.4 Examples 16
12 Regulation 10 Reports and Defects 1612.1 Synopsis 1612.2 Key Points 16
12.3 Roles and Responsibilities 17
12.4 Examples 1713 Regulation 11 Keeping of Information 18
13.1 Synopsis 1813.2 Key Points 1812.3 Roles and Responsibilities 18
13.4 Examples 1814 Schedule 1 Information to be Contained
in a Report of Thorough Examination 1914.1 Synopsis 1914.2 Key Points 1914.3 Roles and Responsibilities 19
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Authorisation for Issue
Technical Authority
Name: Peter Thompson
Signature: ________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________
Position: Regional Lifting Consultant
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Amendment Record
AMOSAF.171
AmendmentNumber
Incorporated By
Name Signature Date Signature Date
For Audit Use
Checked
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Amendment Summary
Issue No Date Description
Issue 1 February 2002 First issue.
Issue 1/AM01 August 2002 Paragraph 7.4 revised to read that the use of
Billy Pugh baskets are prohibited for routineoperations.
Distribution List updated.
corrective action September 2002 Distribution List updated to add names and allBU SMS Co-ordinators.
Issue 1/AM02 November 2003 Issue Authority removed from document.
Technical Authority changed to Peter Thompsonfrom Patrick McCrory.
Distribution List updated.
documentcontrol action
August 2004 Distribution List updated.
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Distribution List
Holders of Controlled Hard Copy
Copy Copyholder Location
01 Data Control Centre (DCC) ODL, Aberdeen
02 Contracts Manager Offshore Crane Engineering
03 Manager of BP Contracts Sparrows Offshore Ltd
Virtual Copyholders
Copy Copyholder
01 Document Technical Authority
02 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 demonstratingcompliance 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.
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 promptlyincorporated 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 Approved Code of Practice
AUWED Amending Directive to the Use of Work Equipment Directive
HSWA Health and Safety at Work etc Act
LOLER Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
MHSWR Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
PFEER Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response
PTW Permit to Work
PUWER Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
RCI Rated Capacity Indicator
SI Statutory Instrument
SLI Safe Load Indicator
STL Shift Team Leader
SWL Safe Working Load
UKCS United Kingdom Continental Shelf
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1 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.
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 orprocuring 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.
2 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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3 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.
4 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, althoughit 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 Roles and Responsibilities
None specifically associated with this regulation.
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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5 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
- 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 Roles and Responsibilities
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
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 theequipment 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 toParagraph 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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6 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.
6.3 Roles and Responsibilities
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)).
7 Regulation 5 Lifting Equipment
used for Lifting Persons
7.1 Synopsis
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 beingcrushed, 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, suitableprecautions must be undertaken, as follows:
A risk assessment must be carried out to confirm that the equipment can be
used safely
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 Roles and ResponsibilitiesBuyers 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.
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 regularmaintenance 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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8 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:
- 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 orthrough 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 Roles and Responsibilities
This regulation is very much concerned with pre-operational requirements and as such
the person in control of the positioning or installation takes responsibility. Withequipment 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.
9 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).
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 Roles and Responsibilities
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.
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, underadequate 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
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) Ensure that a risk assessment is in place under the MHSWR, ie the employer.
(2) Select suitable equipment for the range of tasks, ie the competent person.
(3) 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 is used to
identify a number of different roles under the Regulations. In practical terms the
competency of a person may be confirmed by formal, vocational qualification or through
first-hand knowledge of planning or supervising the lifting operations or using the
equipment.
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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 otherthan 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 competencyof 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.
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)
- 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 identifiedinspections 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
11.3 Roles and Responsibilities
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 makingthis 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.
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.
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12.3 Roles and Responsibilities
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
- 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 significantchange 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.
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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 liftingequipment
The reports for lifting accessories subject to thorough examination prior to first use
must be kept for 2 years
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
13.3 Roles and Responsibilities
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.
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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
14.3 Roles and Responsibilities
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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