LOLER & PUWER Regulations Explained | Cherry Picker Safety Guide
Compliance is mandatory for all cherry picker and van-mounted platform operators in the United Kingdom. Failure to adhere to safety regulations can invalidate insurance policies and prevent access to primary work sites.
Understanding the difference between LOLER and PUWER is essential for maintaining a legal and functional fleet. This guide details the technical requirements for a Thorough Examination and the steps required to ensure your equipment remains safe for operational use.
Is your 6-month inspection due? Jump to booking your LOLER inspection ↓
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.
The primary purpose of LOLER 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. If your equipment lifts people, LOLER compliance is the standard by which your safety is measured in a court of law.
LOLER Inspection & Testing Requirements
To remain legal, lifting equipment must undergo a Thorough Examination by a competent person. This is not a standard service; it is 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 regarding the frequency of these inspections. Regular testing identifies structural fatigue, hydraulic weaknesses, and safety system failures before they result in an accident.
LOLER Law & Regulations 1998
The regulations mandate that lifting operations must be planned by a competent person, supervised appropriately, and carried out in a safe manner. The 1998 Act serves as 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 have 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: Inspection of the boom, chassis, and welds for cracks, corrosion, or structural damage.
- Hydraulic Assessment: Checking hoses, cylinders, and valves for leaks or pressure loss.
- Safety System Check: Testing the emergency stop buttons, tilt sensors, and basket leveling systems.
- Emergency Descent Test: Verifying that the manual or auxiliary lowering systems function correctly if the main power fails.
- Load Test: Ensuring the platform can safely handle its maximum rated capacity without deflection or failure.
LOLER Inspection vs LOLER Test
While often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference. 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, health and safety inspectors, or insurance providers upon request.
Obtaining a LOLER Certificate
To obtain a certificate, you must book an appointment with a CAP-qualified engineer.
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.
Is your 6-month LOLER inspection due?
Stay legal and ensure your equipment is safe for your crew. Book a thorough examination with our manufacturer-trained engineers today.
Book Your Inspection Or call our service team: 01536 906425What 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. This includes the engine, tyres, and PTO systems on van mounted platforms. Following these rules ensures the entire work platform is fit for purpose.
What is the difference between a LOLER and a PUWER?
PUWER vs LOLER: Key Differences
Understanding the distinction between these two regulations is essential for managing your fleet's compliance and total cost of ownership effectively.
| Feature | LOLER (Lifting) | PUWER (Work Equipment) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | The boom and basket (lifting components) | The vehicle and chassis (overall work tool) |
| Inspection Cycle | Mandatory every 6 months | Continuous/periodic maintenance |
| Main Requirement | Statutory Thorough Examination | Safe working condition |
| Equipment Type | Van mounted platforms & hoists | All tools, vehicles, and components |
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 law, operators should perform daily pre-use checks to maintain high safety standards:
Outrigger Deployment: Ensuring stabilizers are correctly set on firm, level ground.
Hydraulic Levels: Monitoring fluid levels to prevent system cavitation or pressure loss.
Harness Points: Inspecting anchor points within the basket for any signs of wear or distortion.
Why Choose CPL for Your LOLER Inspections?
As the manufacturer, we possess the original technical specifications and stress-test data for every machine we build. This ensures 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.
Fancy your first LOLER free?
When you choose to purchase, you aren’t just buying a machine: you are joining the Klubb Group family. Ownership comes with immediate “Member Perks” designed to lower your maintenance costs from day one.
First LOLER Free: We cover the cost of your initial six-month safety inspection to ensure your transition into ownership is seamless.
10% Off All Parts: Enjoy a lifetime 10% discount on all genuine spare parts through our dedicated service network.
