Posted By TomP This has probably come up before but a swift check through the previous posts didn't reveal anything of note. A philosophical question really. If an excavator is never used for lifting on site (and I mean never) does it fall under LOLER? I know they are subject to regular inspections, maintenance, daily checks etc and I know quick hitches are but how about the excavator? Three chartered advisers in a room and opinion was split 50:50. Hinges around a discussion I had with a major plant hire company who says their mini diggers aren't subject to LOLER as they are not allowed to lift but they check their larger excavators under LOLER as they are generally used for lifting in some way. I can't see that size is everything...!!!!

Posted By MS An excavator in its primary role (excavating) still comes under LOLER 98. It must have a test & thorough examination at least every 12 months, the test and thorough examination for lifting is slightly more complex. Also the quick hitch should be T&TE at least every 6 months. It doesn't matter about the size of the machine. A genie lift and even car jacks require T&TE under LOLER 98.

Posted By CFT Tom My take is its a bit like saying you never watch BBC or listen to BBC so therefore don't need to pay for a TV licence. Unless it can be proven that the lifting facility has been removed (which I doubt)or it is not designed for lifting, then I would agree with the no's, just because you never never do, doesn't mean to say that it can't be; what of a QH, they are subject to testing, or do you never change attachments, if none applies then I am with the yes's. CFT

Posted By TomP Sorry, I know excavators are generally always used for lifting, so therefore will be subject to LOLER, but what I am really trying to claify, is the the definition of lifting equipoment under LOLER.... Sorry about being a naval gazer but I did say it was purely philosophical ..

Posted By Eddie Campbell The late Peter Oram gave some excellent guidance on the subject of the thorough examination of ALL excavators under the LOLER Regulations. In annex 14 of the guidance document all excavators are subject to a 12 monthly thorough examination. In addition to the 12 monthly examination requirement excavators used for “handling objects” should be fitted with a device to prevent the load falling in the event of a hydraulic hose rupture e.g. a check valve. Excavators with a lifting capacity greater than 1 tonnes should be fitted with a “load control device” which must be proved to activate before the machine is overloaded by 10% The report gives excellent advice on many aspects of thorough examination schemes and thorough examination. Some 22 different items of equipment are addressed in the various annexes. Some of the items were excluded by LOLER but are included in the document because of the implications of PUWER. You can download the HSE Contract Research Report 429/2002 prepared for the Health and Safety Executive by Peter Oram Consultants entitled Thorough Examination and Inspection of Particular Items of Lifting Equipment report here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/re...rr_pdf/2002/crr02429.pdf

Posted By Eddie Campbell As you say Alex the publication is only guidance and this is made clear in the document introduction. However if somebody was in need of some pointers on best practice then I think that the contents of this document will go a long way to helping them come up with some well thought out answers to their problem don’t you agree?