LOLER - Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98)

Magnets and LOLER 98

Magnets are used extensively in industry. They may be found where steel is manufactured, where recycling is carried out and in various operations where ferrous metal needs handling and storing e.g. ports, scrap yards. They are often the equipment chosen when heavy, ferrous items need moving.

Magnets are often either rectangular or circular, but they are not restricted to this shape. Size varies with the application and magnets are often specifically designed to ensure that they are the best possible fit for a specific operation. Consideration has to be given to the type of load to be lifted and it’s ability to conduct magnetic flux, the environment under which it is used, other equipment associated with the lifting operation and safety aspects. Magnets should not be treated casually – each lifting operation should be assessed and only suitable equipment used.

It is important that a Competent Person assesses the right lifting equipment for each end use.

Both Electromagnets and Permanent magnets come under the LOLER 98 ( Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998).

Employers and Employees need to be aware of
the parts of the regulations that apply to them.

Lifting equipment and lifting accessories are classed as “work equipment” within the meaning of PUWER – the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The key requirement of LOLER and PUWER are that they must be:

suitable for use – consideration to be given to the equipment itself, the operation and the environment in which it is used
used safely – lifting devices must be clearly marked with their SWL and must not be operated above that limit – consideration must be given to the type of load to be lifted. A specific magnet will lift a heavier weight of ingot slab than scrap.
maintained – equipment must be in good repair – regular, relevant maintenance is required
examined and inspected - competent people must examine the equipment at least:
on installation
every 6 months – “lifting accessories” or,
every 12 months – “lifting equipment” or,
in accordance to a **written scheme of examination

Records of examinations and inspections are to be kept.

** The Competent Person and the Duty Holder (Owner of the equipment) can agree a specified time (greater or less than 6 months) within a Written Scheme of Examination endorsed by a Competent person. This is subject to review if the circumstances of use change.

Is my equipment “lifting equipment” or is a “lifting accessory” ?
Where magnets are an integral part of the lifting machinery, they are classed as “lifting equipment”. Where the magnets can be fitted to or taken off lifting equipment, they are considered “lifting accessories”.

If a magnet grab or other lifting device can be removed from the crane,
it should be regarded as a lifting accessory, not as a lifting equipment

I’ve bought a new magnet – does it automatically comply with LOLER 98 ?
New equipment supplied in the EU come under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 and Suppliers should be confident that the equipment they provide is clearly marked and relevant information provided i.e. CE marking, safe working instructions etc. The end use and environment that the magnet is to be used in are to be taken in to consideration before a Competent Person can deem that the magnet complies with the regulation.

I’ve bought a second hand magnet, the Supplier has given me a certificate and a SWL – is that enough ?
Suppliers have a responsibility to make sure the equipment sold can be used safely – they must provide sound technical information to ensure the User can determine it’s use and limitations. The Duty Holder (Owner of the equipment) must ensure a Risk Assessment is conducted by a Competent Person.

Who is a Competent Person and what should they do ?

The Competent Person will have gained knowledge by a combination of experience, training and qualifications. They will be recognized by people in the trade as persons with authority.
They are to assess the following as part of the overall lifting operation:

the material to be lifted - it’s nature and properties
the differing conditions that the loads are to be lifted in
the lifting equipment (cranes, beams etc) and their ability to lift the loads intended including their stability under full load taking note of the SWL of each part of the equipment
the suitability of the equipment for the load(s) to be lifted
the equipments performance under the conditions it is to be operated and the overall “fitness for purpose” of the equipment for the process(es)
protection against failure of mains electric supply (electro-magnets)
the integrity of Risk Assessments, Operating Procedures and Safe Systems of Work
possible interference from Electro-Magnetic Fields(EMFs) on equipment, controls and people (e.g. pacemakers)
the overall safety of the equipment and process and what needs to be done to make the process safer

One person may not have enough knowledge and experience to conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment and more than one person may need to be involved.

This brief has been written for those who use lifting equipment and want a quick guide to LOLER. Guides of this length are not fully comprehensive and the relevant documentation supplied by the Health and Safety Executive should be consulted

HSE have published an information document giving guidance on the Safe use of Magnetic Lifting Devices. This has been used in the preparation of this web-site At the time of writing the link to this document is www.hse.gov.uk/fod/engid.htm

Rotary Engineering are competent for supplying, checking and refurbishing magnets to LOLER 98 standards. Please click the link below to visit the web site.