FAQs

• What is LOLER?

LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and were made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act).

• Does it apply to me? I’m a Funeral Director!

In short, it does! The Regulations apply in all premises and work situations subject to the HSW Act and build on the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Under the requirements of LOLER employers (whether individuals, partnerships or companies) have a duty to ensure that lifting equipment provided for their employees and the self-employed working for them comply with these regulations.

• What is LOLER all about?

LOLER applies to ALL lifting equipment such as Hydraulic Scissor Lift Trolleys, Hydraulic Body Lifts and Hydraulic Ambulance Floors. Basically any equipment you use that lifts needs a LOLER certificate. This includes existing equipment, second-hand or leased equipment or new equipment. LOLER asks about what risks are there from using a particular piece of lifting equipment. For example it covers the type of load being lifted, its weight, shape, the risk of a load falling and the consequences.

• What do I need to do in order to comply?

The equipment in question must be inspected at least every 12 months in accordance with an examination scheme by a competent person. This is to endure that Health and Safety conditions are maintained and any deterioration can be detected and remedied.

• My equipment is OK - it has not let us down yet. It's insured - what's the problem?

This is a matter of opinion. As an employer you need to be aware that you are leaving yourself open to possible civil claims if a member of staff is injured through using your equipment. Insurance assessors may visit but they do not conduct any maintenance on the machine. They merely look at it to see whether they can/will insure it. When an enforcement officer visits from the relevant enforcement authority you should be able to produce a written examination scheme – a LOLER certificate.

• How do I obtain a LOLER Certificate so I am covered?

Call J&J Maintenance Services Ltd of course! They are an independent company who offer a full service and repair facility for all makes of funeral and mortuary equipment. They will come to your location(s) to service the relevant equipment and will issue a LOLER certificate at the time.

• What is PUWER?

PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (1999 in Northern Ireland).

• What does it cover?

It places duties on companies who own equipment wholly or not, and whose employees use this equipment to undertake works on behalf of the business using these items. The easiest way of looking at it is PUWER covers everything that LOLER does not cover including the items LOLER does cover!

• What is the purpose of PUWER?

The purpose of the PUWER inspection is to identify whether the work equipment can be operated and maintained safely and that any deterioration can be detected and remedied before it results in unacceptable risks

• Confused? Don’t be...

In short PUWER requires that equipment provided by a business for use by its employees is:

• Suitable for intended use
• Safe to use
• Ensures equipment is maintained & inspected annually
• Equipment must be kept in full working order and the inspection monitors deterioration

American Stretchers, 1st Call Folding Stretchers, Coffin Biers and Church Trolleys fall under the PUWER Regs. It is important they are not hidden in cupboards by Staff as they all need inspecting!