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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-18 Origin: Site
Q1: What is LOLER, and what equipment does it cover?
A: LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It is a key piece of UK health and safety legislation that places specific duties on businesses and individuals who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment. The primary goal is to ensure all lifting operations are planned properly, carried out safely, and that the equipment itself is fit for purpose.
LOLER covers any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including any attachments used for anchoring, fixing, or supporting it. This broadly includes:
Cranes and forklift trucks
Hoists and lifts
Eyebolts and lifting clamps
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)
Any machine whose principal function is to lift and lower a load.
Q2: So, are electric pallet trucks explicitly subject to LOLER?
A: Yes, in most operational scenarios, electric pallet trucks are subject to LOLER. The crucial factor is their function. While a standard manual pallet truck (pumped by hand) is generally considered a manual handling aid and falls under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations, an electric pallet truck changes the dynamic.
Its principal function is to mechanically lift and lower a load (the pallet) using its powered hydraulic system. This act of lifting, even if it's just a few centimetres to move a load, classifies it as "lifting equipment" under LOLER. The fact that it is rider-operated or pedestrian-guided does not exempt it.
Q3: What are the key LOLER requirements for my electric pallet trucks?
A: If your electric pallet trucks are subject to LOLER, you have several legal duties. The most significant requirements are summarised in the table below:
| LOLER Requirement | What It Means for Your Electric Pallet Truck |
|---|---|
| Suitability & Strength | The truck must be robust and stable enough for its intended use, including the maximum rated load (as per its nameplate). |
| Safe Installation/Positioning | It must be used on a suitable surface to prevent instability or overturning. |
| Thorough Examination | The truck must undergo a statutory Thorough Examination by a competent person at regular intervals. |
| Inspection by Users | Operators should perform pre-use visual and functional checks (e.g., brakes, controls, warning devices, forks). |
| Marking & Safe Working Load | The truck must be clearly marked with its Safe Working Load (SWL). Never exceed this limit. |
| Safe Operation | Lifting operations must be planned, supervised, and carried out in a safe manner by trained personnel. |
| Record Keeping | Reports and certificates from Thorough Examinations must be kept for at least two years. |
Q4: How often does an electric pallet truck need a Thorough Examination under LOLER?
A: The law requires a Thorough Examination:
Before first use (if new to your premises).
At least every 12 months for all equipment used to lift persons.
At least every 6 months for all other lifting equipment, which includes electric pallet trucks used for standard goods.
Following exceptional circumstances, such as a major incident, damage, or a long period out of service that might affect safety.
Important Note: This examination is in addition to routine daily checks and planned preventative maintenance. It is a detailed inspection by a competent person (often an engineer from your service provider) to determine if the equipment remains safe for continued use.
Q5: Who is responsible for ensuring LOLER compliance?
A: Responsibility lies with the "duty-holder." This is typically the employer of the site where the electric pallet truck is used. It can also be a self-employed person, or anyone who has control over the lifting equipment or direct control over the personnel using it (e.g., a site manager). Simply put, if you own, operate, or manage a workplace where an electric pallet truck is used, you have responsibilities under LOLER.
Q6: What happens if I don’t comply with LOLER?
A: Non-compliance is a serious matter. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local authority inspectors can issue enforcement notices (Improvement or Prohibition Notices), halting the use of your equipment. In cases of severe breach or negligence leading to an accident, you could face unlimited fines and potential imprisonment. Furthermore, invalidated insurance and civil claims from injured employees are significant risks.
Q7: Are there any other regulations that apply to electric pallet trucks?
A: Absolutely. LOLER operates alongside other critical regulations:
PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998): This mandates that all work equipment, including pallet trucks, is suitable, maintained, inspected, and used only by trained personnel. PUWER’s inspection requirements complement LOLER's Thorough Examinations.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations: Requires risk assessments for lifting operations.
Specific Training: Although not a single regulation, ensuring operators are fully trained is a legal requirement under PUWER and the Health and Safety at Work Act. Untrained use is a major cause of accidents.
Conclusion
In summary, electric pallet trucks are unequivocally subject to LOLER when used in a work environment due to their mechanical lifting function. Compliance is not optional; it is a legal requirement designed to protect your people, your products, and your business. Ensure you have a robust system in place for operator training, pre-use checks, scheduled maintenance, and—critically—regular statutory Thorough Examinations by a competent person. Always refer to the HSE website or consult a qualified health and safety advisor for specific guidance on your equipment and operations.
