LOLER compliance for lifting deck trailers

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply to work equipment used for lifting or lowering a load. When a semi-trailer or rigid vehicle is fitted with a hydraulically operated lifting deck, the deck mechanism and its supporting structure will normally fall within this definition. This page explains how LOLER applies to lifting deck trailers and how it aligns with Don-Bur's recommended inspection and examination regimes.

What is LOLER?

LOLER is a set of UK regulations introduced under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They apply wherever lifting equipment is used at work and ensure lifting operations are correctly planned, supervised and carried out safely.

• Lifting equipment includes work equipment used to lift or lower loads and any attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it.
• Load includes both people and objects.
• The duty holder is typically the employer, owner, hirer or controller of the lifting equipment.

LOLER operates alongside the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). While LOLER focuses on lifting operations, PUWER covers general equipment suitability, maintenance and safe use.

Does LOLER apply to lifting deck trailers?

Yes. A lifting deck trailer uses hydraulic or mechanical systems to raise and lower one or more deck platforms along with any goods loaded on them. Because this involves lifting a load, the system is classed as lifting equipment under LOLER when used at work.

Key points:

• The lift mechanism (cylinders, cable ropes, linkages, pivots, guides and supporting structure) is lifting equipment under the regulations.
• The deck structure and locking devices form part of the load path and must have adequate strength and stability.
• LOLER duties sit with the operator or owner of the trailer once in service.

Non-lifting components, such as static chassis elements, may fall outside LOLER but remain subject to PUWER and general safety requirements.

Why Don-Bur recommends two LOLER thorough examinations per year

Although the lifting deck system is classified as equipment used for lifting loads only, Don-Bur recommends scheduling two thorough examinations per annum. This reflects real-world operating conditions, duty cycles, environmental factors and the importance of ensuring continued mechanical integrity of the lifting system.

This recommendation is consistent with LOLER Regulation 9, which permits shorter examination intervals based on usage, condition or risk assessment.

Strength, stability and marking

LOLER requires lifting equipment to have adequate strength, stability and clear marking of its safe working load (SWL).

• The deck structure and all supporting elements must withstand the rated load, including dynamic and off-centre loading.
• The lifting mechanism must be designed with suitable safety factors for its maximum operating load.
• Each deck should display a clearly visible SWL marking.
• Any restrictions on loading patterns or point loads should be included in documentation and, where possible, on warning labels.

Thorough examination intervals under LOLER

LOLER sets maximum intervals for thorough examinations carried out by a competent person:

• 6 months for equipment used to lift people, or for lifting accessories.
• 12 months for lifting equipment used only for loads.

'Unless there is an examination scheme specifying other intervals, thorough examinations should be carried out every 6 months for equipment lifting people and every 12 months for all other lifting equipment.'

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Thorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment

Under Regulation 9, operators may adopt shorter intervals where justified. Don-Bur therefore recommends a 6-month interval (two per year) for lifting deck trailers to provide enhanced assurance for safety-critical components.

Weight testing and LOLER

Weight testing complements the thorough examination but does not replace it.

Commissioning weight test

A commissioning weight test confirms that:

• The deck and lifting system can safely lift the declared SWL.
• Hydraulic and mechanical components operate correctly under load.
• Locks, limit switches and safety features function correctly.

In-service weight tests

In-service weight testing may form part of the thorough examination scheme where specified by the competent person.

Roles and responsibilities

Manufacturer

• Designs and supplies lifting deck systems with suitable strength and safety factors.
• Specifies SWLs and operational limits.
• Provides operating instructions.
• Identifies inspection and maintenance points.

Owner / Operator

• Uses the lifting deck only within its rated capacity.
• Implements a LOLER examination regime, recommended at two examinations per year.
• Maintains inspection records and acts on reported defects.
• Ensures personnel are trained in safe use and checks.

Practical controls for safe operation

• Operate the deck only on firm, level ground.
• Ensure loads are positioned and distributed correctly.
• Carry out pre-use checks on hydraulics, locking devices and controls.
• Remove equipment from service if defects are identified.

Frequently asked questions