Whatever type of lifting equipment you use, it is vital that it is properly maintained and is safe to use. There are a number of PUWER and LOLER regulations that must be complied with by law. Here is some information which you may find helpful.

Maintenance of work equipment

PUWER requires that: all work equipment be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient order and in good repair; where any machinery has a maintenance log, the log is kept up to date; and that maintenance operations on work equipment can be carried out safely.

What you must do

In order to ensure work equipment does not deteriorate to the extent that it may put people at risk, employers, the self-employed and others in control of work equipment are required by PUWER to keep it 'maintained in an efficient state, in efficient order and in good repair'. Such effective maintenance can not only help in meeting PUWER requirements but can also serve other business objectives, such as improved productivity and reduced environmental impact.

The frequency and nature of maintenance should be determined through risk assessment, taking full account of:

• the manufacturer's recommendations
• the intensity of use
• operating environment (eg the effect of temperature, corrosion, weathering)
• user knowledge and experience
• the risk to health and safety from any foreseeable failure or malfunction

Safety-critical parts of work equipment may need a higher and more frequent level of attention than other aspects, which can be reflected within any maintenance programme. Breakdown maintenance, undertaken only after faults or failures have occurred, will not be suitable where significant risk will arise from the continued use of the work equipment. Click to continue reading

Further information

Thorough examination of lifting equipment

Inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment