CPCS Lifting Operations (LOLER) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does LOLER 1998 stand for?
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (Correct answer)
- Loading Operations and Logistics Equipment Regulations 1998
- Lifting Oversight and Legal Enforcement Regulations 1998
- Licensed Operators and Lifting Equipment Rules 1998
Correct answer: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations apply to all work equipment used for lifting and lowering loads, including cranes, telehandlers, hoists, and their associated lifting accessories such as slings and shackles.
Question 2: Under LOLER, what is required before every lifting operation takes place?
- A tea break for the lifting team
- The operation must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely (Correct answer)
- Only a verbal agreement between the crane driver and banksman
- Written permission from the Health and Safety Executive
Correct answer: The operation must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely
Regulation 8 of LOLER requires that every lifting operation is properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a safe manner. The plan must address the risks and specify the equipment, personnel, and procedures to be used.
Question 3: How often must lifting equipment that is used for lifting persons be thoroughly examined under LOLER?
- Every 12 months
- Every 6 months (Correct answer)
- Every 24 months
- Only after an accident
Correct answer: Every 6 months
Under LOLER Regulation 9, lifting equipment used for lifting persons must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months. This more frequent interval reflects the higher risk when people's lives depend directly on the equipment's integrity.
Question 4: What information must be marked on all lifting accessories (slings, shackles, etc.) under LOLER?
- The date of manufacture only
- The safe working load (SWL) and any conditions of use (Correct answer)
- The operator's employee number
- The purchase price and supplier
Correct answer: The safe working load (SWL) and any conditions of use
LOLER requires all lifting accessories to be clearly marked with their safe working load (SWL). Where the SWL depends on the configuration (e.g., sling angle), the relevant conditions must also be marked or available. This ensures users can verify the equipment is suitable for the load.
Question 5: What is a 'thorough examination' under LOLER, and who can carry it out?
- A quick visual check by any site worker
- A detailed examination by a competent person to detect defects and assess continued safe use (Correct answer)
- An MOT carried out at a government testing station
- A manufacturer's warranty inspection
Correct answer: A detailed examination by a competent person to detect defects and assess continued safe use
A thorough examination under LOLER is a detailed and systematic examination by a competent person (such as an insurance company engineer or independent inspection body) to detect any defects that could cause danger and to assess whether the equipment remains safe for continued use.
Question 6: Under LOLER, what must happen if a thorough examination reveals a defect that poses an imminent risk?
- The equipment can continue to be used at reduced capacity
- The equipment must be taken out of service immediately and not used until the defect is rectified (Correct answer)
- The defect should be logged for repair at the next scheduled maintenance
- The HSE should be consulted before taking any action
Correct answer: The equipment must be taken out of service immediately and not used until the defect is rectified
If a thorough examination reveals a defect involving imminent danger, the competent person must notify the employer immediately and the equipment must be taken out of service straight away. The examiner must also send a report to the relevant enforcing authority (HSE or local authority).
CPCS Lifting Operations (LOLER)
What does LOLER 1998 stand for?