News - 2009 Archive

• Driver training
• Total cost of ownership
• Rise in Rentals
• European fleet risk management
• Green Debate
• Confused by LOLER regulations?
• Public Sector Growth
• Car jacking - beware
• Whole life costs
• Parlez vous TCO?
• State of the Industry
• WLC what fleets need to know
• Driver Licence Checking
• Diesel particulate filters

Confused by LOLER regulations?

UK’s fleets confused by LOLER regulations

Research carried out by top ten leasing company ING Car Lease has revealed that there is widespread confusion about the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and how often vehicles should be checked. This is despite 75 per cent of those companies surveyed claiming to know what LOLER was and its implications.

“The findings from ING’s latest research into the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations have highlighted some really interesting and important points about the day to day realities of the regulations,” explains Dave Freeman, head of LCVs at ING Car Lease.

“We found that 75 per cent of respondents were aware of LOLER and its implications, which is extremely positive. However, when we asked how often businesses examined the lifting equipment on their vehicles, there was little uniformity in the responses. This is clearly a matter of concern. While 50 per cent of businesses said they checked annually, 16 per cent said quarterly and 33 per cent monthly.

LOLER regulations require that vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes with electronic and hydraulic equipment are serviced at least six-monthly and tested annually, but we are finding when talking to customers that this is not clear. Many believe that when vehicles are taken in for service and MoT that this takes care of LOLER testing but this is not the case. Responsibility for the testing of lifting equipment lies with the vehicle operator. What’s more is that we are finding many, particularly smaller dealerships, are not set up to perform tests on lifting equipment.

“Our research has therefore been vital in highlighting that at least 50 per cent of drivers could be putting themselves at risk of prosecution. And, this figure could be higher as there is a tendency for people to say they are doing the right thing when questioned, so the reality could be a lot bleaker.

“LOLER exists to reduce the risks to people’s health and safety from lifting equipment provided for use at work and is therefore important for both employers and employees. The regulations are enforced by Health and Safety inspectors, so it is crucial they are adhered to for a business to avoid prosecution.

“Businesses running fleets with lifting equipment need to make sure their examination procedures are clearly set out and adhered to without exception. Both employers and employees should fully understand the implications of LOLER to ensure a safer working environment and to keep on the right side of Health & Safety officers.”