LOLER focuses on lifting
LOLER applies to lifting equipment and lifting accessories used at work. It addresses strength and stability, positioning, marking, organisation of lifting operations and thorough examination.
The thorough examination concentrates on safety-critical parts whose failure could create danger during lifting or lowering. It ends with a formal written report.
PUWER covers work equipment more broadly
PUWER applies to work equipment and asks whether it is suitable, maintained, inspected where deterioration could create risk, and used by trained people with appropriate safeguards and controls.
A PUWER inspection may therefore consider guarding, brakes, steering, control systems and general safe condition outside the lifting mechanism.
Where the duties overlap
A forklift is a useful example. Its mast, chains, carriage and forks perform the lifting function addressed by LOLER. The truck, controls, brakes, guarding and other work-equipment features sit within PUWER.
MEWPs, telehandlers and vehicle lifts can also involve both regimes. One planned attendance can cover both only when the scope is explicit and the person is competent for each assessment.
- Forklifts and attachments
- MEWPs and access platforms
- Telehandlers
- Vehicle lifts
- Some production lifting machinery
What to ask for
Do not ask only for a generic safety certificate. State the equipment, its use and whether you require LOLER, PUWER or both. The resulting record should make the examination or inspection basis clear.
Servicing supports safe equipment but does not automatically satisfy either statutory inspection duty. Keep maintenance and examination evidence distinct.
Authoritative guidance
For the legal framework and regulator guidance, refer to the HSE guide to thorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment.