LOLER and PUWER turn 20…
This month marks the 20th anniversary of LOLER and PUWER. CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin
reflects on their introduction, what each entails and their ongoing impact on the fork lift truck
employers.
Why the confusion? The cost of getting it wrong
While LOLER (Lifting Operations and The introduction of Fee for Intervention
However, for those in the fork lift Lifting Equipment Regulations) addresses (FFI), Corporate Manslaughter and
industry, it was a time of great change. the forklift’s lifting mechanism, including Corporate Homicide Act and updates to
the mast, forks and chains, PUWER the Approved Code of Practice (L117),
(Provision and Use of Work Equipment means assumptions can be dangerous…
December 1998 is probably most-widely
remembered for its Christmas gales.
That month saw both the Provision and
Use of Work Equipment Regulations
(PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and
Lifting Equipment Regulations come into
force.
Created to implement the EU’s changes
to the Use of Work Equipment Directive
(AUWED), the legislation aims to make
Regulations) covers the truck’s safety-
critical components, including brakes and
steering. demands LOLER and PUWER has never
Because forklift trucks must meet both compliance comes at a much heavier
sets of requirements, there is room for cost – to individuals as well as companies
interpretation. – so it’s essential that those most at risk
working life safer for everyone using and Without an agreed standard for the
coming into contact with equipment. crucial checks required, such as we see
This lack of clarity, however, has led to
widespread confusion among lift truck
employers over what’s necessary for
compliance… and how to achieve it easily.
For employers, complying with the
been so tough… or so costly. Non-
understand their obligations, as well as
potential penalties.
in the automotive MOT, employers may The lack of clarity over Thorough
assume their truck complies with both. Examinations – which must be carried out
at least once every 12 months – makes
choosing providers a real challenge.
This is made more difficult when you
consider the significant responsibility on
employers to ensure operations are both
safe and legal.
8 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk