LOLER
Also called LOLER 1998, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
LOLER is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, the UK regulations governing the strength and stability, positioning, marking, planning, supervision and thorough examination of lifting equipment used at work. Regulation 8 is the sentence lift planners quote: every lifting operation involving lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner.
The UK position
The boundary that matters for matting is what counts as lifting equipment under LOLER 1998 (SI 1998/2307). Regulation 2 defines lifting equipment as work equipment for lifting or lowering loads, including its attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it. A mat laid on the ground under an outrigger is neither lifting nor lowering the load and is not attached to the crane, so it is normally treated as temporary works rather than lifting equipment — which is why there is no such thing as a LOLER certificate for a crane mat, and why a supplier asked for one has to say so. A pad that clips to the outrigger foot as part of the machine is a closer call, and that one belongs to the duty holder, not the supplier.
Cited by number and title:
- The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 — full text at legislation.gov.uk
Where it matters on site
Two consequences follow for anyone putting a crane on mats. First, planning by a competent person under regulation 8 includes the ground: a plan that names the reactions, the allowable ground bearing pressure and the matting reconciling them has been planned, and a plan silent on the ground has not. Second, the examination regime does not help you here. Regulation 9 of LOLER 1998 requires lifting equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration to be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months where it lifts persons or is an accessory for lifting, and at least every 12 months otherwise, or in accordance with an examination scheme — all of which is about the crane.