How To Maintain Compliance With Goods Lift Safety Regulations

To ensure safe lifting operations in any industrial setting you must follow all relevant safety regulations. Any failure to do so can cause serious injuries to operators and lead to severe consequences for businesses. 

The most efficient goods lifts are constructed to the highest standard in line with current legislation which ensures safe design and construction. Health and safety regulations provide a crucial added layer regarding safe operation and maintenance of goods lifts, they’re not just there to spoil the fun!

What are the applicable regulations?

1) Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998

This covers the safe operation and maintenance of lifting equipment. Government legislation requires ‘thorough examination’ of lifting equipment under LOLER Schedule 1 be carried out at specified intervals by a competent person and reports made.

2) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This legislation outlines employer responsibilities for ensuring general workplace safety.

3) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

This focuses on the safety of work equipment, specifically lifts.

4) The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

This is relevant for new lift installations and compliance with CE/UKCA marking.

All goods lifts including safety components are covered by a raft of directives which must be followed by businesses installing goods lifts and by manufacturers of goods lifts.

Regular maintenance and inspections

Any goods lift will remain efficient as long as it is regularly serviced and properly maintained by qualified professionals. Thorough inspections by a competent person* as required under LOLER legislation should be carried out ideally every six months. It is essential to keep detailed and dated records of all maintenance, testing, repairs and inspection activities to prove compliance with regulations. Records should be kept readily available for inspection and audit whenever necessary.

*The LOLER Approved Code of Practice defines a ‘competent person’ as someone who has – such appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of lifting equipment as will enable them to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the lifting equipment.

To follow PUWER, lifting equipment may need to be inspected at intervals between thorough examinations. This is to ensure it remains safe for use under the relevant legislation.

Risk assessments, training and competency

Regular risk assessments should be conducted to identify any looming mechanical issues or potential hazards related to the goods lift’s operation. The health and safety of employees is an essential component in full regulatory compliance so measures should be implemented to mitigate identified risks. This could include measures such as installing or renewing protective barriers or providing proper signage.

All employees operating or working near a goods lift should be adequately trained in safe usage. Safe walkways around a goods lift should be clearly marked and strictly adhered to by the workforce and visitors alike.

Employers should also provide refresher courses and updated training materials as they arise to reflect any changes in regulations or equipment use.

Be aware of load limits and safe operation

The maximum load capacity of a goods lift must be displayed and operators must ensure this is never exceeded. Goods-only lifts must be used for transporting goods and not for people. If you need to transport personnel between levels you should install a goods lift which is designed for dual use.

A load should be securely attached to the lifting equipment to ensure it doesn’t fall off and injure someone.

Emergency stop controls must function correctly and clear emergency procedures should be put in place in the event of lift malfunctions.

By proactively addressing these areas you can ensure your goods lift remains compliant with all safety regulations while promoting a safe working environment.