LOLER Regulations5 min read

LOLER vs PUWER — What's the Difference?

LOLER and PUWER are two of the most important sets of regulations for UK businesses that use work equipment. Understanding where they differ — and where they overlap — is essential for compliance.

Quick answer:

LOLER covers lifting equipment specifically. PUWER covers all work equipment generally. If your equipment lifts loads, both apply — LOLER sits on top of PUWER and adds specific inspection and record-keeping requirements.

What is PUWER?

PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It applies to virtually all equipment used at work — power tools, vehicles, machinery, computer workstations, ladders, and yes, lifting equipment. PUWER requires work equipment to be: suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in efficient working order, inspected where necessary, and used only by people who have received adequate training.

What is LOLER?

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It applies specifically to equipment used for lifting or lowering loads at work. LOLER is more prescriptive than PUWER — it specifies exactly when thorough examinations must take place, what they must cover, and what records must be kept.

How Do They Relate?

LOLER and PUWER were introduced together in 1998 as complementary regulations. LOLER is not a replacement for PUWER — it is an additional layer of requirements for the specific case of lifting equipment. Think of it this way:

PUWER applies to...

✓All work equipment
✓Power tools, vehicles, machinery
✓Computer equipment, ladders
✓Lifting equipment (general requirements)

LOLER applies to...

✓Lifting equipment specifically
✓Cranes, hoists, forklifts, slings
✓Passenger lifts, MEWPs
✓Any equipment that lifts or lowers loads
RequirementPUWERLOLER
Suitable for intended use✅✅
Maintained in good repair✅✅
Operator training required✅✅
Thorough examination intervals—✅ (6/12 months)
Written examination reports—✅ (Schedule 1)
Cat 1 defect HSE notification—✅
SWL marking required—✅
Examination scheme option—✅

Practical Examples

Forklift truckBoth LOLER and PUWER

PUWER covers general safe use and operator training. LOLER requires 12-month thorough examination of the truck and 6-month examination of forks and attachments.

Overhead travelling craneBoth LOLER and PUWER

PUWER covers general safe operation. LOLER requires 12-month thorough examination of the crane, and 6-month examination of all chains, hooks, and slings used with it.

Angle grinderPUWER only

An angle grinder is work equipment but does not lift loads, so LOLER does not apply. PUWER inspection requirements apply.

Passenger lift in an officeBoth LOLER and PUWER

LOLER applies because it lifts people. Examination every 6 months is required. PUWER also applies for general maintenance and safe operation.

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What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER?+
LOLER covers lifting equipment specifically. PUWER covers all work equipment generally. For lifting equipment, both apply — LOLER adds specific thorough examination and record-keeping requirements on top of PUWER's general standards.
Does PUWER apply to forklifts?+
Yes. Forklifts are subject to both PUWER (general work equipment) and LOLER (lifting equipment). LOLER requires 12-month examination of the forklift and 6-month examination of forks and attachments.
If equipment is covered by LOLER, does PUWER still apply?+
Yes. LOLER supplements PUWER — it does not replace it. PUWER's general requirements for suitability, maintenance, and operator training still apply alongside LOLER's specific inspection requirements.

Related reading

→ The Definitive Guide to LOLER Compliance in the UK→ What is LOLER? The Complete Guide→ LOLER Inspection Frequency — How Often Is Required?