PUWER & LOLER Regulations

HallmarkFIX provide certification for the HSE's manual handling equipment regulations

PUWER & LOLER regulations require manual handling equipment to be regularly inspected. Your employees and the public must not be put at risk whilst on site.

There are two main HSE regulations that apply to manual handling applications – PUWER and LOLER.

What is PUWER?

PUWER Regulations

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) covers just about all machinery that is used in the workplace. This includes all manual handling equipment, including pallet trucks and stair climbers.

The HSE PUWER Regulations changed from an annual requirement into a Risk Assessment based system on January 1st 2021.  The implications of this are really quite interesting.  Fundamentally, it confirms that safe use of the equipment entails regular service and repair, in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.  This change can be viewed on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website which we recommend you read.

What is LOLER?

LOLER Regulations

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 1998) requires lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined regularly, usually at 12-monthly intervals.

LOLER is a more specific regulation requiring equipment to be safe to use, and inspected by a competent person, with records kept. Equipment involved with lifting or transporting people must be inspected more regularly often 6 monthly.

What's the difference between PUWER and LOLER?

Conclusion

PUWER and LOLER are separate and distinct regulations. Generally speaking, anything that has to meet LOLER standards will also need to meet PUWER standards.  Some equipment like low lift pallet trucks only have to meet PUWER standards, not LOLER standards.  High Lift pallet trucks and stair climbers must be inspected under both LOLER and PUWER.

All our pallet truck and stair climber service packages include the relevant inspection together with all necessary documentation.  Full details are available on the HSE site which should be consulted for latest information.

This article is intended as a guide only prior to reviewing the regulations.

 

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