The LOLER regulations came into force on the 5th of December 1998 and
apply to all equipment used in Lifting Operations. In arboriculture
this means climbing equipment, lowering equipment, and lifting
platforms. Essentially the regulations require equipment lifting people
(i.e. ropes, harness, karabiners etc., and Cherry pickers - MEWPs -
mobile elevated work platforms) to be thoroughly inspected by a
competent person at six monthly intervals, and lowering equipment to be
similarly inspected at twelve monthly intervals. Most importantly,
LOLER requires accurate records to be kept itemising every component
and identifying it with a unique mark.
Many people are worried that this will mean all old gear will need to
be replaced. This is NOT the case. LOLER inspections are intended to
make sure equipment is safe to use, and suitable for the application.
It is quite acceptable to clean and lubricate a dragging karabiner
lock, shorten a climbing rope to remove a frayed or cut section (but
obviously not to re-seal an end snapped through overload ), or
indeed to return a harness to the manufacturer for re-stitching or
repair, just so long as the item is safe for use when presented for
inspection. It should be understood that maintenance like this must be
done on a day to day basis and not left until the inspection (this
would indicate a breakdown in good working practice and a failure to
work to acceptable safety standards). Guidelines for the lifespan of
ropes and harnesses are 2 and 5 years respectively, but these are
guidelines for equipment in daily use and an examiner is at liberty to
exercise his discretion. If a harness is only used a few times a year
and is in pristine condition it is unlikely to be failed after five
years.
Marking equipment should not cause any problems. Most equipment
suppliers carry items such as heat-shrink tubing, permanent marker
pens, and most DIY stores can supply an engraving tool at a reasonable
price. Some items will carry manufacturer’s serial numbers and
others will need to be marked. You can make up your own code numbers
but DO make a note of them so you know what to use when you replace or
add to your equipment, and DO make sure when engraving karabiners etc.,
that it is done on a non load bearing part (for instance on the hinge
end of the barrel ). Equipment that was marked before but has lost its
mark for one reason or another can be re-marked with a new code. If you
get into the habit of marking equipment and recording your codes you
will save your LOLER inspector a good deal of time, and therefore save
yourself money.
A competent person is someone who has attended a recognised course and
achieved certification for LOLER inspection. Whilst it is possible to
get yourself certificated to inspect your own equipment, the time and
expense of the course often means that it is preferable to have an
outside organisation do the job for you. CEDARDALE near Hartley Wintney
is one such organization. They are primarily an Arboricultural
Association approved contractor but also offer full workshop facilities
for saws, brushcutters, blowers etc., and independent LOLER
inspections. CEDARDALE do not normally supply any climbing
equipment and are therefore able to carry out inspections without any
conflict of interests.
They can be contacted on 01256 763162. MEWPs should be inspected by a
specialist engineer, usually through a lifting platform supplier.
The Health and Safety Executive have prepared a very useful information
sheet on the subject of LOLER ( Leaflet Number AIS 30 ) and this is
available by clicking here - See LOLER AIS 30 PDF
Simon Coombes our Technical Director and qualified Safety Officer may
be able to offer assistantce if you are having difficulties with
your health and safety policy and generic risk assessments
