CPCS Lifting Operations (LOLER) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum interval for thorough examination of lifting equipment NOT used for lifting persons?
- 6 months
- 12 months (Correct answer)
- 24 months
- 36 months
Correct answer: 12 months
Under LOLER, lifting equipment not used for lifting persons must be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months, or in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. Lifting accessories (slings, shackles) must be examined every 6 months regardless.
Question 2: Under LOLER, what records must be kept following a thorough examination?
- No records are required if the equipment passes
- A written report from the competent person must be kept and be available for inspection (Correct answer)
- Only a verbal confirmation to the site manager is needed
- Records are only required for equipment over 10 tonnes
Correct answer: A written report from the competent person must be kept and be available for inspection
LOLER requires that a written report is produced following every thorough examination. This report must be kept available for inspection by the enforcing authority. It must detail the equipment examined, any defects found, and whether the equipment is safe for continued use.
Question 3: What is the relationship between LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998 in the context of lifting equipment?
- LOLER replaces PUWER entirely for lifting equipment
- Both apply — PUWER covers general equipment requirements while LOLER adds specific lifting requirements (Correct answer)
- PUWER only applies to non-lifting equipment
- They are different names for the same regulations
Correct answer: Both apply — PUWER covers general equipment requirements while LOLER adds specific lifting requirements
Both LOLER and PUWER apply to lifting equipment simultaneously. PUWER sets out general requirements for all work equipment (maintenance, training, guarding), while LOLER adds specific requirements for lifting operations and lifting equipment (planning, examination, load marking).
Question 4: Under LOLER, what must be considered when positioning lifting equipment on site?
- Only the aesthetic appearance of the site layout
- The risk of the equipment or load striking persons, and the risk of the load drifting or falling freely (Correct answer)
- Only the convenience of the delivery driver
- The proximity to the site canteen
Correct answer: The risk of the equipment or load striking persons, and the risk of the load drifting or falling freely
LOLER Regulation 6 requires that lifting equipment is positioned and installed to reduce the risk of the equipment or load striking a person, and to reduce the risk of the load drifting, falling freely, or being released unintentionally. Ground conditions, exclusion zones, and proximity to hazards must all be assessed.
Question 5: A colour-coded inspection tag system is commonly used for lifting accessories. What does a system of quarterly colour changes help to identify?
- Which company owns the equipment
- Whether the lifting accessory has been inspected within the current period (Correct answer)
- The weight of the accessory
- The country of manufacture
Correct answer: Whether the lifting accessory has been inspected within the current period
The colour-coded tag system uses a different colour for each quarter of the year. By checking the colour of the tag against the current quarter's colour, anyone on site can quickly verify whether the lifting accessory has been inspected within the required period without needing to check paperwork.
Question 6: Under LOLER, who has the duty to ensure that lifting operations are carried out safely?
- Only the crane driver
- The employer or any person who has control of the lifting operation (Correct answer)
- The equipment manufacturer
- The Health and Safety Executive directly supervises all lifts
Correct answer: The employer or any person who has control of the lifting operation
Under LOLER, the duty falls on the employer and every person who has control of lifting equipment or the way it is used. This includes principal contractors, subcontractors, and crane hire companies. All parties in the chain share responsibility for ensuring safe lifting operations.
CPCS Lifting Operations (LOLER) 2
What is the maximum interval for thorough examination of lifting equipment NOT used for lifting persons?