For any business that relies on powered access platforms, the acronym ‘LOLER’ is, or at least should be, a familiar term. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 are a cornerstone of British workplace safety legislation, designed to ensure that any equipment used for lifting is fit for purpose, properly maintained, and safe to use. For machinery like cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and other Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) that lift people to significant heights, these regulations are not just a matter of compliance; they are a matter of life and death.
A key part of adhering to LOLER is the ‘thorough examination,’ a detailed and systematic inspection carried out by a ‘competent person.’ But what exactly does this crucial check involve? What hidden defects and potential weaknesses are these expert inspectors trained to find? Understanding the scope of a LOLER inspection can help businesses appreciate its importance and proactively maintain their equipment, ensuring it remains safe and productive.
Let’s peel back the layers and explore the typical defects a competent person looks for during an access platform LOLER check.
The Foundation: Strength, Stability, and Structural Integrity
Before any functional checks are performed, the very foundation of the machine is scrutinised. The platform’s ability to hold its intended load without risk of collapse or tipping is paramount. An inspector will meticulously examine:
- The Chassis and Superstructure: This includes checking for any signs of corrosion, cracks, distortion, or damage to the main frame of the machine. Even minor surface rust can be an early indicator of a more serious underlying issue, especially in critical welds or joints.
- The Lifting Mechanism: This is the heart of the access platform. For a scissor lift, the inspector will examine the ‘scissor pack’ itself, looking for any signs of bending, cracking in the metalwork, or loose or missing bolts. On a boom lift, the telescopic or articulating sections of the boom are checked for straightness, signs of impact damage, and the integrity of the pivot pins and bushes, which are crucial for smooth and safe movement.
- The Platform/Basket: The work platform is where the operator stands, so its condition is critical. The inspector will check the floor for damage, ensure the guardrails are secure, correctly positioned, and free from any bends or breaks. The gate mechanism must be self-closing and lockable. Any anchor points for safety harnesses will also be thoroughly inspected for security and wear.
- Stabilisers and Outriggers: For machines equipped with them, outriggers and stabilisers are vital for stability. The examination will ensure they deploy correctly, lock in place, and are free from damage. The feet of the stabilisers are also checked to ensure they provide a firm and stable contact with the ground.
The Power and Control Systems: The Brains and Brawn
Once the structural integrity has been verified, the focus shifts to the systems that power and control the platform’s movements. These are complex systems where even a small fault can have catastrophic consequences.
- Hydraulic Systems: This is a major area of focus. The inspector will be on the lookout for:
- Leaks: Any sign of hydraulic fluid leaking from hoses, cylinders, or seals is a red flag. A leak not only represents a loss of pressure, which could lead to uncontrolled movement, but also creates a slip hazard and is harmful to the environment.
- Hose Condition: Hoses are checked for any signs of abrasion, cracking, bulging, or kinking. A damaged hose is a ticking time bomb, liable to burst under pressure.
- Cylinder Integrity: The hydraulic rams that lift the platform are inspected for any scoring, pitting, or bending of the chrome rods and for any leaks from the seals.
- Electrical Systems: Modern access platforms rely on complex electrical systems. The inspector will check:
- Wiring and Connections: All wiring is checked for chafing, exposed wires, or loose connections. Water ingress is a particular concern, as it can cause short circuits and system failures.
- Control Switches: Both the ground and platform controls are tested to ensure they function correctly, are clearly marked, and are not sticking. The emergency stop buttons on both sets of controls must be fully operational.
- Batteries and Chargers: For electric-powered machines, the batteries are checked for their condition and security, and the charging system is inspected to ensure it is working correctly.
The Unseen Protectors: Safety Features and Devices
A critical part of any LOLER inspection is the verification of the machine’s safety systems. These are the features designed to protect the operator in the event of a malfunction or human error. An inspector will rigorously test:
- Emergency Lowering System: In the event of a power failure, there must be a reliable way to get the platform down safely. This system, whether it’s a manual hand pump or a bleed-down valve, is tested to ensure it works as intended.
- Overload Sensors: The machine must be fitted with a system that prevents it from being operated if the safe working load (SWL) is exceeded. This is a critical safety feature that prevents instability.
- Tilt Alarms: These audible alarms sound if the machine is on a slope that is too steep for safe operation, warning the operator to lower the platform and reposition the machine on level ground.
- Limit Switches: These switches prevent the machine from moving outside its safe operational envelope. For example, they might prevent the platform from being raised too high or the boom from extending too far.
- Safety Interlocks: These systems prevent the machine from being operated in an unsafe state. For example, some machines will not allow the platform to be raised unless the outriggers are correctly deployed.
Documentation and Markings: The Paper Trail of Safety
A LOLER inspection isn’t just about the physical machine; it’s also about the documentation that accompanies it. A competent person will check for:
- Clear Marking of Safe Working Load (SWL): The SWL must be clearly marked on the platform, along with the maximum number of occupants.
- CE Marking and Declaration of Conformity: This indicates that the machine was built to the required European safety standards.
- Previous LOLER Reports: The inspector will review past reports to check for any recurring defects or advisories that may indicate a persistent problem.
- Operator’s Manual: This must be present with the machine and in a legible condition.
The Consequences of a Defect
If a defect is found, the competent person will categorise it based on its severity. A defect that is, or could become, a danger to people will result in the machine being immediately taken out of service until the fault is rectified. The owner of the equipment will be issued with a report detailing the defects, and for the most serious issues, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) must be notified.
A thorough LOLER examination is far more than a box-ticking exercise. It is a deep dive into the health of a machine, a comprehensive check-up that seeks out the hidden weaknesses and potential failures that could lead to a tragedy. By understanding the rigour and detail involved, businesses can see the true value of these inspections, not as a regulatory burden, but as a vital partnership in protecting their most valuable asset: their people.