CPCS Safe Lifting Operations & LOLER 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under LOLER, what must be included in a thorough examination report for lifting equipment?
- Description of the equipment, date of examination, defects found, safe working load, and date of next examination (Correct answer)
- Only defects found during the examination
- Only the date and the examiner's name
- The examination report only needs the equipment's serial number
Correct answer: Description of the equipment, date of examination, defects found, safe working load, and date of next examination
A LOLER thorough examination report must include a description and identification of the equipment, the date of examination, defects found, the SWL, and the date by which the next examination is required.
Question 2: What is the significance of colour coding on lifting slings?
- Colours indicate the SWL of the sling, allowing quick selection of the correct sling for a lift (Correct answer)
- Colours indicate the age of the sling
- Colours indicate the manufacturer of the sling
- Colours indicate the material the sling is made from only
Correct answer: Colours indicate the SWL of the sling, allowing quick selection of the correct sling for a lift
British Standard colour coding on lifting slings indicates their SWL, enabling quick identification of the correct sling for the load. Operators must know the colour coding system and use the right sling.
Question 3: What is a 'tandem lift' and what additional considerations apply?
- A lift using two cranes sharing the load — requires precise co-ordination and a detailed lifting plan (Correct answer)
- Any lift over 5 tonnes
- A lift where one crane follows another's path
- A lift where the same load is moved twice
Correct answer: A lift using two cranes sharing the load — requires precise co-ordination and a detailed lifting plan
A tandem lift uses two cranes to share the load. It requires precise co-ordination, detailed planning, and a competent appointed person because load distribution between cranes changes during the lift.
Question 4: What does LOLER require for lifting equipment that has been out of service for an extended period?
- A thorough examination must be carried out before it is returned to service (Correct answer)
- It may be returned to service immediately if the LOLER certificate has not expired
- Only a visual check is required
- The equipment must be sent to the manufacturer for inspection
Correct answer: A thorough examination must be carried out before it is returned to service
Equipment that has been out of service for an extended period may have deteriorated. LOLER requires a thorough examination before it is returned to service, regardless of when the previous examination was.
Question 5: What must a lifting accessory register contain?
- Details of each accessory including type, SWL, identification, date of manufacture, examination records, and status (Correct answer)
- Only the purchase date and cost
- Only the SWL and current location
- Only the most recent thorough examination record
Correct answer: Details of each accessory including type, SWL, identification, date of manufacture, examination records, and status
A lifting accessory register must contain comprehensive details: type, SWL, unique identification, date of manufacture or first use, all thorough examination dates and results, and current service status.
Question 6: Under LOLER, when should a lifting operation be stopped?
- When any unsafe condition is identified — including deteriorating weather, ground instability, or equipment concerns (Correct answer)
- Only when the load visibly falls
- Only when the crane operator decides it is necessary
- Only when instructed by the site manager
Correct answer: When any unsafe condition is identified — including deteriorating weather, ground instability, or equipment concerns
Any person involved in a lifting operation has the authority and duty to stop the lift when they identify an unsafe condition. This includes changing weather, ground issues, equipment concerns, or any unexpected hazard.
CPCS Safe Lifting Operations & LOLER 4
Under LOLER, what must be included in a thorough examination report for lifting equipment?