What is LOLER?
LOLER, or the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, is a set of legal requirements in the United Kingdom designed to ensure the safety of lifting operations and equipment. It applies to all industries, including entertainment, construction, and manufacturing, where lifting equipment is used to lift or lower loads. For circus and performance rigging, LOLER plays a critical role in protecting performers, riggers, and audiences by enforcing stringent safety standards.
Purpose of LOLER
The primary aim of LOLER is to reduce the risk of injury or accidents caused by the failure or misuse of lifting equipment. The regulations ensure that equipment is suitable for the task, properly maintained, and used by competent individuals. This is especially crucial in environments like circus rigging, where equipment often supports dynamic loads and human performers.
LOLER requires employers and duty holders to:
1. Plan and manage lifting operations safely.
2. Ensure lifting equipment is fit for purpose and regularly inspected.
3. Identify and mitigate risks associated with lifting tasks.
Who Does LOLER Apply To?
LOLER applies to all employers, self-employed individuals, and anyone in control of lifting equipment used at work. In a circus or entertainment setting, this includes:
• Rigging supervisors
• Riggers
• Stage managers overseeing lifting operations
• Employers responsible for equipment safety
If lifting equipment is used as part of a performance or production, it must meet LOLER standards.
Key Requirements of LOLER
1. Thorough Examination of Equipment
All lifting equipment must undergo a thorough examination by a competent person:
• At least every 6 months for equipment used to lift people.
• At least every 12 months for other lifting equipment.
• After significant changes, repairs, or incidents.
2. Safe Equipment Use
Equipment must be:
• Suitable for the intended task.
• Used within its safe working load (SWL) limits, which must be clearly marked on the equipment.
• Operated in a way that minimizes risks to health and safety.
3. Planning and Supervision
Lifting operations must be:
• Properly planned by a competent person.
• Appropriately supervised.
• Executed safely with consideration of environmental factors like wind or uneven ground.
4. Maintenance and Inspection
Equipment must be regularly maintained and inspected to prevent deterioration. This includes checking ropes, cables, pulleys, carabiners, harnesses, and anchor points for wear and tear.
5. Record Keeping
Employers must maintain records of inspections, maintenance, and thorough examinations. These records must be available for review and provide evidence of compliance with LOLER.
LOLER in Circus and Entertainment
In a circus or performance setting, lifting equipment often supports human performers, which introduces unique challenges:
• Dynamic Loads: Aerialists and acrobats generate fluctuating forces, requiring equipment rated for dynamic loads.
• Frequent Use: Equipment is often dismantled, transported, and reassembled in different venues, necessitating regular checks to ensure it remains safe.
• Creative Applications: Equipment like aerial silks, trapeze bars, and winches must comply with LOLER while meeting the artistic demands of the performance.
Under LOLER, all rigging systems used to suspend performers must meet the highest safety standards. This includes:
• Thorough inspections of aerial equipment before each performance.
• Ensuring load limits are clearly marked and adhered to.
• Supervising rigging setups to ensure compliance with LOLER guidelines.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with LOLER can result in severe consequences, including:
• Fines or prosecution for the responsible parties.
• Suspension or closure of performances.
• Increased risk of accidents, leading to potential injury or loss of life.
Conclusion
LOLER is a vital regulation that ensures the safety of lifting operations and equipment across industries, including circus and entertainment. By adhering to LOLER requirements, rigging teams can create safer environments for performers and audiences alike, allowing the artistry and spectacle of circus and other performances to flourish without compromising safety.
See Also: PUWER