What is Regulation 11 of LOLER?
After a LOLER inspection, your records and certificates should be stored to maintain compliance. Like safety checks and inspections, record-keeping is part of a legal obligation for ‘duty holders’ who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment.
Regulation 11 refers to the keeping of information under LOLER 1998. It’s the final regulation concerning thorough examination of lifting equipment that focuses on maintaining a secure and easily accessible record-keeping system for inspection reports.
What records should be kept under LOLER?
According to regulation 11, to stay compliant with LOLER 2 types of records must be accessible and stored:
- EC declarations of conformity
- LOLER inspection reports of a thorough examination
In addition to these, it is highly recommended to keep detailed records of all equipment checks and repairs to not only fulfil legal obligations but also gain more benefits for your business. Clients and stakeholders often require assurance that the lifting equipment they use is safe and compliant, so providing comprehensive records can enhance their confidence in your services. Maintaining all records also helps track the condition of equipment over time and helps plan maintenance and repairs efficiently to ensure the safety of all users and employees.
What is an EC Declaration of Conformity?
EC Declaration of Conformity is a document issued by the manufacturer stating that the lifting equipment complies with the standards outlined in the Machinery Directive. This should be kept and accessible for as long as the lifting equipment is operational.
How long should LOLER records be kept?
LOLER reports are formal statements by competent persons that detail the outcomes and findings of a thorough examination of lifting equipment. Depending on the nature of the inspection, the recommended duration you should keep your LOLER records differs:
- First-use Inspection: Maintain records for the duration the equipment is in use. For lifting accessories, keep records for at least two years.
- Inspections Under Exceptional Circumstances: When operational surroundings can significantly affect equipment performance, inspection records should be kept as long as the equipment remains operational in that specific location.
- Annual Comprehensive Examination: Keep records of these examinations for a minimum of two years.
- Periodic Maintenance Checks: Records should be held until the next test or inspection of the equipment occurs.
It’s essential to adhere to the LOLER record-keeping requirements to avoid the serious consequences that can come from non-compliance with LOLER. For further details about LOLER inspections and maintenance checks, see Our Guide to LOLER Inspections.
How to store LOLER records
It is not only the duration of record keeping that is outlined in LOLER, they also specify that records must be:
- readily available to enforcing authorities and others who need to see them;
- secure and capable of being reproduced in written form.
Adhering to these regulations can seem difficult for many businesses, that’s why we have a secure online system that stores all records in line with Regulation 11. With Bramley Engineering, not only are your LOLER tests undertaken by professionals with minimal disruption to your operation, but compliant record-keeping is also made easy.
LOLER record keeping made simple
At Bramley Engineering we make your LOLER record keeping simple using our easy-access online database. Whenever we examine your equipment, your LOLER certificates will be automatically uploaded to our online portal where you will have 24/7 access to your own secure online account. Once logged in, all records can be easily downloaded and printed if/when you require them. Moreover we will send you automated emails when your next LOLER inspection is due to prompt you to book in your next LOLER inspection.
For more information on our LOLER services, get in touch! Or give us a call on 01525 375225 and we’ll be happy to have a chat and see how we can help your business stay LOLER compliant.
