What Does LOLER Inspection Mean?

A LOLER inspection is a mandatory, systematic examination of lifting equipment under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Its primary purpose is to ensure that lifting equipment remains safe to use and legally compliant. This inspection must be carried out by a competent person at defined intervals or under specific conditions.

Legal Basis of LOLER

LOLER was introduced under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and came into force on 5 December 1998. It forms part of the UK’s framework for workplace safety and aligns with European directives on machinery and lifting operations. The regulation was designed to reduce accidents caused by faulty or misused lifting equipment and to establish clear accountability for equipment safety.

Applicability

LOLER applies to any business or individual who owns, operates, or controls lifting equipment used at work. This includes:

• Construction firms using cranes and hoists
• Warehouses operating forklift trucks
• Facilities using patient lifts or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
• Manufacturing plants with overhead lifting systems

It covers both lifting appliances (e.g. cranes, hoists) and accessories (e.g. chains, slings, shackles), regardless of whether the equipment is used daily or occasionally.

Key Requirement

The central requirement of LOLER is that all lifting equipment must be:

• Suitable for the intended task
• Properly installed and positioned
• Maintained in a safe condition
• Subject to regular, thorough examination by a competent person

Employers must ensure that lifting operations are planned, supervised, and carried out safely. This includes risk assessments, operator training, and timely corrective actions following inspections.

Key Aspects of a LOLER Inspection

A LOLER inspection is not a casual check. It’s a structured, legally mandated assessment focused on identifying defects that could compromise the safety of lifting operations. The inspection must be carried out by a competent person and documented in accordance with Schedule 1 of the LOLER regulations.

According to the LOLER Approved Code of Practice and guidance, a competent person is someone who has:

“Appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined as will enable them to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the lifting equipment.”

Here’s what a thorough LOLER inspection typically involves:

1. Structural Integrity Assessment

• Load-bearing components such as chains, ropes, booms, and frames are examined for signs of wear, corrosion, deformation, or fatigue.
• Welds and joints are checked for cracks or stress fractures.
• Fasteners and fixings are verified for tightness and integrity.

2. Safety Mechanism Verification

• Brakes, limit switches, emergency stops, and overload protection systems are tested for proper function.
• Control systems (manual or electronic) are inspected for responsiveness and reliability.
• Guarding and interlocks are checked to ensure they prevent unsafe operation.

3. Markings and Documentation

• Equipment must display its Safe Working Load (SWL) clearly and permanently.
• If used for lifting people, the maximum number of occupants must also be marked.
• The inspector verifies that manufacturer instructions and maintenance records are available and up to date.

4. Functional Testing

• The equipment is operated under controlled conditions to observe performance.
• Movements such as lifting, lowering, rotating, and extending are tested for smoothness and control.
• Any abnormal noise, vibration, or lag is flagged for further investigation.

5. Environmental Suitability

• The inspector assesses whether the equipment is suitable for its operating environment (e.g. outdoor use, corrosive conditions, confined spaces).
• Checks include stability on uneven ground, weatherproofing, and protection against ingress (dust, water, etc.).

6. Reporting and Defect Classification

• A written report is produced detailing:
  • Equipment ID and location
  • Date of inspection and next due date
  • Inspector’s name and qualifications
  • Any defects found and their severity
• Serious defects that pose immediate danger must be reported verbally to the dutyholder and followed up in writing. A copy of the report must also be sent to the relevant enforcing authority (e.g. HSE).

7. Recommendations and Follow-Up

• The inspector may recommend:
  • Immediate withdrawal from service
  • Repairs or part replacements
  • Adjustments to inspection frequency
  • Operator retraining or procedural changes

Inspection Triggers

LOLER inspections are not just periodic – they’re condition-based. The regulation outlines specific scenarios that trigger a mandatory inspection:

1. Before First Use

If lifting equipment relies on installation conditions for safe operation (e.g. a ceiling-mounted hoist), it must be inspected before first use to confirm correct setup and stability.

2. After Installation or Relocation

Any time equipment is assembled or moved to a new site, a fresh inspection is required. This ensures that transport, reassembly, or environmental changes haven’t compromised safety.

3. At Regular Intervals

The default inspection intervals are:

• Every 6 months for lifting accessories and equipment used to lift people
• Every 12 months for other lifting appliances

However, a competent person may recommend shorter intervals based on usage intensity, environmental conditions, or equipment history.

4. After Exceptional Circumstances

If lifting equipment is involved in an accident, exposed to extreme weather, modified, or left unused for an extended period, it must be re-inspected before being returned to service.

At Star Platforms, we offer a reliable LOLER inspection service that ensures your lifting equipment meets all legal safety standards. Our certified engineers carry out thorough examinations, provide clear defect reports, and help you stay compliant without disrupting your operations.

Book your LOLER inspection with Star Platforms today and safeguard your team, your equipment, and your reputation.

You can request an inspection by speaking with our compliance team on 0345 0997305.

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