LOLER Inspections for Patient Lifting Equipment
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) requirements place certain statutory duties on employers and establishments who operate, have ownership, or have control over lifting equipment.
In a care environment, the regulations state that equipment must be inspected for condition and safety once every 6 months. This applies not just to mechanised equipment like the hoist itself, it also applies to accessories like guide tracks and slings used in conjunction with the hoist.
Medaco LOLER Testing and Inspections
If you need a reliable, adaptable, and customer-focused company to carry out your LOLER inspections, we invite you to get in touch with us at Medaco to find out how we can make life easier for you.
We have over two decades of experience supplying, installing, and servicing mechanised patient lifting hoists plus ancillary equipment and slings. Our clients include the NHS, private healthcare establishments, care homes and SEND schools.
With skilled engineers and systems in place, we take the worry of keeping up to date with LOLER requirements out of your hands, leaving you to get on with the important job of caring for your service users.
We offer independent and impartial LOLER inspections as an integral part of our annual servicing and maintenance agreements.
The Importance of LOLER Checks and Inspections
Regular equipment safety inspections play a vital role in maintaining a safe and caring environment for residents as well as looking after the health and safety of staff.
LOLER inspections are an addition to, and not a replacement for, the regular pre-use checks carried out by staff that form part of the daily routine. They ensure that more in-depth and detailed checks are regularly carried out by an expert.
The aim is to minimise or even eliminate the potential for accidents and injuries that result from faulty lifting equipment. Regular inspections help to identify potential problems before they occur and ensure that servicing and maintenance requirements are at the forefront of best practices.
Regular inspection and reporting also assist management teams in budget-scheduling for essential repairs and items that are due for replacement.
LOLER Reporting and Record-Keeping
From the point, that patient lifting equipment is installed and before it is first used, the reporting and record-keeping process begins with an initial examination and installation report. These and any subsequent inspection records should be kept and made available for checking by Health and Safety Executive inspectors for a minimum of two years.
The competent person undertaking your LOLER inspections must provide you with a written report of inspections or tests they do. The report will identify defects and advise what you must do to put them right.
Engaging the inspection services of Medaco means that we will provide an expert engineer to carry out your LOLER inspection requirements. Rather than a box-ticking exercise carried out by an insurance company or some other “competent person”, you get a thorough and detailed inspection, a comprehensive report, a LOLER Certificate, and a quote for the cost of any repairs or replacements identified.
You also get peace of mind from knowing that not only are you meeting your statutory obligations, but it is experts that are keeping a close eye on the condition of your equipment.
When do you need a LOLER Inspection?
In addition to the statutory six-monthly checks, there are some extra inspection and reporting duties that we take care of:
If you’re out of compliance and in need of a LOLER Inspection. Contact our team today to see if we can help: 033 33 22 33 44
LOLER Inspections for Patient Slings
Patient slings for hoists use a labeling system so that a caregiver can visually assess the safety and suitability of a sling before use. The sling label will contain a serial number for the sling, a weight capacity, and the washing instructions. There must be a service tag on the sling which provides the date of the most recent LOLER inspection and when the next one is due.
During a LOLER sling inspection, our engineers assess the safety and condition of a sling by checking for ripped material and loose stitching. They will also check the label. If the details are faded to the point where they cannot be seen, the sling will fail, be condemned, and should be replaced. This is because the LOLER regulations state the Safe Working Load and Serial number must be present. If you cannot see these details, then the safety of the sling is compromised and so must be condemned. This is also true for the washing instructions on the sling. If these can’t be seen then they may be washed at a higher temperature than suitable which damages the material and integrity of the sling.
Check out the video on 5 quick and easy sling checks before use: https://medaco.co.uk/knowledge/videos/
PUWER and LOLER Inspections – The Difference
There are some key differences between PUWER and LOLER regulations that sometimes give rise to confusion. LOLER applies to equipment that has a primary function of lifting, this includes:
- Ceiling hoists
- Mobile patient hoists
- Standing aids
- Slings
- Bath hoists and lifts
- Pool Hoists
- Hoist Scales
There is other equipment in the workplace that comes under The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Items such as height-adjustable profiling beds and chairs that are not specifically for lifting will come under PUWER.
Partnering with Medaco for your LOLER and PUWER Inspection Requirements
Whether you need a full service, maintenance, and inspection contract, or simply need the reassurance that the condition of your equipment is being monitored by a specialist, Medaco can provide you with a cost-effective solution tailored to the needs of your establishment as well as meet your statutory obligations. Why not get in touch to see what we can do for you?
For further help and information about our comprehensive range of services, take a look at our help and support resource page.
