Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 is a legal requirement relating to the use of patient lifting equipment. Specifically Regulation 5 of LOLER applies to the lifting or lowering of people. Within your Healthcare setting there will be many items of equipment which will require a LOLER Inspection, for example:-

• Electric/Manual Patient Lifting Hoists and Standaids
• Overhead Hoists
• Hi-Lo Baths
• Pool Hoists

• All hoists and standaids will be functionally checked in all modes of operation and on completion of the thorough examination and service, a service certificate is issued and the equipment is labelled to show the inspection date.
• All slings where available at the time of the scheduled visit will be inspected and if a replacement is judged necessary, this will be advised.
• Where fitted, the electronic scale will be checked for correct operation and calibration, adjustments being made when necessary.
• Floor fixtures of static hoists will be inspected and checked for security under a full load test.
• The tracks and support brackets for overhead hoists will be inspected and a full load test is applied along the length of the track.
• Lifting mechanisms and controls for Hi-Lo baths and integral hoists are thoroughly examined and load tested to conform to the requirements of LOLER.
• Pool Hoists – Stainless steel wire ropes are inspected once every 6 months and replaced every 2 years or before wear is extreme.
• Hydraulic cylinders and controls will be inspected for leakage with a full load test. Servicing does not include upgrades and spare parts will be subject to availability from original manufacturers.

Regulations require that lifting equipment provided for use at work is:

• Strong and stable enough for the particular use and marked to indicate safe working loads;
• Positioned and installed to minimise any risks;
• Used safely, i.e. the work is planned, organised and performed by competent staff;
• Subject to ongoing thorough examination and where appropriate, inspected by competent people.

If you are an employer providing lifting equipment or use any of the equipment mentioned above within your care homes or hospitals and you have control of the use of lifting equipment, then these Regulations will apply to you.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998 place duties on people and companies who own or have the control of work equipment and also places responsibility on businesses and organisations whose employees use this equipment, whether owned by them or not.

Although not a legal requirement, it is advised that the following equipment should be inspected under the PUWER regulations as well as other equipment in your care setting.

• Pressure Area Care - Dynamic Mattresses
• Medical/Hospital Beds
• Wheelchairs
• Recliner Chairs