LOLER & PUWER Regulations Explained | Cherry Picker Safety Guide

What is LOLER?

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations apply to any individual or business operating lifting equipment, including cherry pickers and van-mounted platforms. Their purpose is to reduce risks to operators and the public by ensuring all lifting equipment is fit for purpose, appropriately marked, and subject to regular statutory inspections.

LOLER Inspection & Testing Requirements

To remain legal, lifting equipment must undergo a Thorough Examination by a competent person: a statutory requirement similar to a vehicle MOT, but focused entirely on the safety of the lifting mechanism. For equipment used to lift people, such as MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms), the law is strict about inspection frequency. Regular testing identifies structural fatigue, hydraulic weaknesses and safety-system failures before they cause an accident.

LOLER Law & Regulations 1998

The regulations mandate that lifting operations are planned by a competent person, supervised appropriately and carried out safely. The 1998 Act is the legal framework for all lifting safety in the UK.

Is LOLER every 6 months or every 12 months?

The frequency of a LOLER inspection depends on what the machine is lifting:

• 6 months: any equipment used for lifting people (cherry pickers, van-mounted platforms, access platforms).
• 12 months: equipment used only for lifting goods or materials.

Because CPL platforms are designed to lift operators, they fall strictly under the 6-month rule. Failing to hold a valid Report of Thorough Examination every six months renders the machine illegal for use at height.

What happens during a MEWP/Cherry Picker LOLER?

A thorough examination is a multi-point audit of the machine's safety-critical components:

• Visual audit: the boom, chassis and welds are inspected for cracks, corrosion or structural damage.
• Hydraulic assessment: hoses, cylinders and valves are checked for leaks or pressure loss.
• Safety-system check: emergency-stop buttons, tilt sensors and basket-levelling systems are tested.
• Emergency descent test: manual or auxiliary lowering systems are verified for main-power failure.
• Load test: the platform is confirmed to safely handle its maximum rated capacity without deflection or failure.

LOLER Inspection vs LOLER Test

A LOLER Inspection (Thorough Examination) is the overall legal requirement; a LOLER Test, such as a functional or load test, is a specific action performed during that inspection to verify the machine's strength and safety.

LOLER Certificate & Compliance

Following a successful examination you are issued a Report of Thorough Examination, commonly referred to as a LOLER Certificate. This document must be kept on file and made available to site managers, HSE inspectors or insurers on request.

• Booking: inspections can be conducted at CPL facilities or on-site via our mobile engineering team.
• Documentation: your report is issued digitally or in hard copy, detailing the machine's condition and any required remedial actions.

What is PUWER?

PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. While LOLER covers the lifting parts, PUWER covers the vehicle itself: the engine, tyres and PTO systems on van-mounted platforms, ensuring the entire work platform is fit for purpose.

What is the difference between a LOLER and a PUWER?

Safety Checks for Cherry Pickers & CPL MEWPs

CPL equipment is engineered for high-frequency utility work, but long-term safety depends on consistent monitoring. In addition to the statutory 6-month examination, operators should perform daily pre-use checks:

• Outrigger deployment: stabilisers correctly set on firm, level ground.
• Hydraulic levels: fluid monitored to prevent cavitation or pressure loss.
• Harness points: basket anchor points inspected for any signs of wear or distortion.

Why Choose CPL for Your LOLER Inspections?

As the manufacturer, we hold the original technical specifications and stress-test data for every machine we build, so your safety is managed by the people who know your equipment best.

• Manufacturer expertise: our CAP-certified engineers understand the specific stress points of van-mounted platforms better than any general mechanic.
• Genuine parts: if an inspection identifies a fault, we use genuine manufacturer parts to restore compliance immediately.
• Klubb Group perks: CPL customers receive 10% off spare parts and their initial LOLER inspection at no cost.

LOLER & PUWER, Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a cherry picker need a LOLER inspection?

Under UK law, any lifting equipment used to lift personnel must undergo a statutory Thorough Examination at least every 6 months. Equipment used solely for lifting loads (never people) extends to every 12 months. Failing to meet these intervals makes the machine illegal to operate immediately.

Can any mechanic sign off on a LOLER Thorough Examination?

No. An inspection must be carried out by a competent person with the appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge of the machinery. For MEWPs, the industry standard is an engineer who has completed the IPAF Competent Assessed Person (CAP) programme. A manufacturer-trained engineer is often safer, with direct access to the stress-test data for your exact model.

Is LOLER a legal requirement?

Yes. LOLER (the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) is a strict statutory obligation in the UK for anyone who owns, operates or controls lifting equipment in a workplace, not merely best practice.

How do I get a LOLER certificate?

You receive a legal document called a Report of Thorough Examination. To get one, book an inspection with a competent person (usually a CAP-qualified engineer) who can audit the machine's structural and safety integrity.

What are the penalties for missing a LOLER inspection?

Beyond the safety risk to your crew, non-compliance can lead to HSE prosecution (heavy fines or criminal charges under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974), voided insurance, and prohibition notices that shut down your site or seize the vehicle.