LOLER stands for ‘Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations’. It is a set of regulations that came into force in the UK in 1998.The regulations place duties on businesses that own, operate or control lifting equipment. But do pallet trucks come under LOLER?
Does LOLER apply to pallet trucks?
Most pallet trucks do not fall under LOLER regulations in the UK. However, the only type of pallet truck that does is a high-lift pallet truck.
Since high-lift pallet trucks lift pallets higher than other equipment, they pose a discernible risk in the workplace. This means a check from LOLER is required for health and safety reasons.
As other pallet trucks only lift objects slightly off the ground, they do not come under LOLER.
Pallet trucks come under PUWER — the ‘Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations’. In the next section, find out more about these regulations and what they mean for you.
What is PUWER and why does it apply to pallet trucks?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) ensures work equipment remains safe. It requires that employers ensure regular inspections are performed on all work equipment. PUWER covers:
- Overhead guards or cabs.
- Counterweights.
- Wheels and tyres.
- Brakes.
- Seat mountings.
- Steering wheels.
- Seat restraints.
- Traction systems.
Your business will need to comply with PUWER by arranging an inspection of all of the different parts of your truck mentioned above. This will ensure some key requirements are met:
- The equipment is suitable for the intended use.
- The equipment is safe for use and maintained safely.
- The equipment is used by people who receive proper training and information.
- Any equipment is paired with relevant health and safety measures.
An inspection should take place annually unless the manufacturer recommends something different. Other reasons you might want to run an inspection more frequently include:
- The pallet truck is used during every operation and the application is arduous.
- The pallet truck regularly operates under challenging conditions such as rain or cold.
Recently, the HSE changed their stance so hand pallet trucks lifting 300mm or less now remain under PUWER, whilst those lifting above that height would be considered LOLER.
This is where it becomes a legal requirement to have your pallet truck examined — and these examinations must be carried out every 12 months as a minimum.
We can help you with this examination. Our dedicated technicians carry out Thorough Examinations for our customers.
We also offer an extensive range of pallet trucks, including hand pallet trucks and powered pallet trucks. Both of these solutions can offer a range of benefits to your business:
- They are designed to offer maximum safety for operators.
- These solutions can perform in a range of applications and environments.
- If they are correctly maintained and serviced, they will require less frequent replacement and become a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run.
Start comparing your pallet truck options.
Whether or not you need hand pallet trucks or powered pallet trucks will depend on your business and work environment. However, both are guaranteed to make your operation more efficient.
Discover your options and learn about the benefits of these solutions in more detail below.
