Collection: Thorough Examination of Arboricultural Equipment (LOLER)


Introduction

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (often abbreviated to LOLER) place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over lifting equipment. These pages explain how they apply to arboriculture.

Lifting operations should be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. For further information on planning lifting operation.

What is lifting equipment in arboriculture?

It is any equipment that lifts or lowers loads, including any attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it. For example:

  • rope access and work positioning systems including anchor points,
  • ropes,
  • karabiners,
  • harnesses and strops;
  • rigging systems for lowering branches;
  • mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs);
  • cranes;
  • tree spades.

Remember the term ‘load’ includes a person.

What is not lifting equipment in arboriculture?

Equipment that does not lift or lower loads, for example, winching equipment used at ground level where the load does not leave the ground, such as skidding operations.

Marking of lifting equipment

All lifting equipment, including accessories, must be clearly marked to indicate their 'safe working loads' (SWL) - the maximum load the equipment can safely lift. Examples requiring this in arboriculture include:

  • ropes, slings, karabiners, strops, and harnesses for rope access; rigging system equipment, particularly to show it is not designed to carry people.

For further advice on marking equipment is available.

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  • LOLER Examination
    LOLER Examination
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