LOLER vs PUWER: What's the Difference?
LOLER covers lifting equipment and lifting operations. PUWER covers all work equipment. Lifting equipment is also work equipment, so it usually falls under both sets of regulations.
Everything else, such as machinery, tools and vehicles, comes under PUWER alone.
If you're not sure which one applies to what you own, this post explains the difference and what each one asks of you..
What is PUWER?
PUWER is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It applies to nearly any equipment used at work: machines, hand tools, ladders, vehicles, production lines and more.
In broad terms, PUWER requires that equipment is:
suitable for the job it is used for
kept maintained and in good working order
inspected where its safety depends on how it is installed, or where it can deteriorate and cause danger
used only by people who have the information, instruction and training to do so safely
Where inspection is needed, PUWER (Regulation 6) requires it at suitable intervals, and the results have to be recorded. It doesn't set a fixed timetable. The duty holder, with competent advice, decides what "suitable" means for each item.
What is LOLER?
LOLER is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It applies to equipment used to lift or lower loads or people: passenger lifts, platform lifts, hoists, cranes, car lifts, tail lifts, forklifts and the accessories used with them, such as chains, slings and eyebolts.
LOLER is more specific than PUWER. It requires lifting operations to be planned, supervised and carried out safely. It also sets fixed thorough examination intervals (Regulation 9):
every 6 months for equipment that lifts people, and for lifting accessories
every 12 months for other lifting equipment
or in line with a written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person
Each examination produces a written report.
The key differences betwen LOLER and PUWER
LOLER | PUWER | |
Covers | Lifting equipment and lifting operations | All work equipment, including lifting equipment |
Inspection | Thorough examination at fixed intervals (6 or 12 months, or under a scheme) | Inspection at suitable intervals, decided by risk |
Done by | A competent person | A competent person, and the duty holder decides how often |
Records | Written report of each thorough examination | Inspection results recorded and kept |
Typical equipment | Passenger lifts, platform lifts, hoists, forklifts, slings | Machines, power tools, ladders, vehicles, production equipment |
Do both apply to my lift?
Usually yes. A passenger lift is lifting equipment, so LOLER sets the 6-month thorough examination. It's also work equipment, so PUWER's general duties still apply: maintenance, suitability, training and safe use.
In practice, a LOLER thorough examination covers the main part of the PUWER inspection duty for the lifting equipment itself. PUWER still applies to the rest of your equipment, and to the general duties that sit around it.
Which one do I need?
A lift, hoist, platform lift or accessory: LOLER, and PUWER as well.
A machine, tool or other non-lifting equipment: PUWER.
Not sure: treat it as work equipment first, which means PUWER, then check whether it lifts or lowers a load. If it does, LOLER applies too.
If you have a mix of equipment, a competent person can advise on which items need which inspection and on what timetable.
How do I stay compliant with both?
List your equipment and mark which items lift loads or people.
Put each LOLER item on its 6- or 12-month cycle and record the due dates.
Decide inspection intervals for the other work equipment, based on risk and how it is used.
Keep reports and records somewhere you can find them quickly.
Make sure the people using the equipment are trained.
FAQs
Is LOLER part of PUWER?
No. They are separate sets of regulations, both made in 1998. They overlap because lifting equipment is also work equipment.
Which has stricter inspection rules?
LOLER, because it sets fixed intervals. PUWER leaves the interval to the duty holder.
Does a forklift come under LOLER or PUWER?
Both. A forklift is lifting equipment, so LOLER applies, and it is work equipment, so PUWER applies as well.
Do I need a LOLER inspection for a stairlift or platform lift?
Equipment that lifts people generally needs a thorough examination every 6 months. We cover this in more detail in our platform lift inspections page.
Who can carry out the inspection?
A competent person, meaning someone with the right training, knowledge and experience for the equipment. Many duty holders choose an independent examiner.
What happens if I don't comply?
The HSE can enforce the regulations and the duty holder is responsible. Your insurer may also ask for evidence of compliance if there is an incident.
Need help working out what applies to you?
PULO Compliance carries out LOLER thorough examinations and PUWER assessments across the Midlands and the rest of the UK. Get in touch, or see our LOLER inspection cost guide for a sense of what to budget.
Comments