If you are responsible for lifting equipment in the workplace, you will have come across the term LOLER inspection. But what exactly does it involve, who needs one, and what happens if you do not comply? This guide answers the most common questions about LOLER inspections in plain English.
LOLER: The Basics
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations apply to all workplaces in Great Britain where lifting equipment is used, and they place clear duties on employers and those who control lifting equipment.
The core requirement is straightforward: all lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals to confirm it is safe to continue operating.
LOLER is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Non-compliance can lead to enforcement notices, prohibition of equipment use, fines, and — in the most serious cases — prosecution.
What Counts as Lifting Equipment?
LOLER covers a wide range of equipment. If it lifts a load (including people), it is likely to fall within scope. Common examples include:
- Overhead and gantry cranes — used in manufacturing, construction, and warehousing
- Mobile cranes — tower cranes, crawler cranes, and vehicle-mounted cranes
- Fork-lift trucks — counterbalance, reach, and pallet trucks
- Passenger and goods lifts — in offices, retail, and residential buildings
- Vehicle inspection hoists — in garages and MOT testing stations
- Scaffold hoists and builders' hoists — on construction sites
- Lifting accessories — slings, chains, shackles, eyebolts, spreader beams, and hooks
Even relatively simple equipment such as a manual chain block or a set of webbing slings is covered by LOLER if it is used for lifting at work.
What Does a LOLER Inspection Involve?
A LOLER inspection — formally called a "thorough examination" — is a detailed assessment of the equipment's condition. It goes beyond a simple visual check or routine maintenance inspection.
During a thorough examination, the competent person will:
- Visually inspect the equipment for signs of wear, damage, corrosion, or deformation
- Check critical components — brakes, limit switches, wire ropes, hooks, bearings, and structural members
- Assess the condition of lifting accessories — slings, chains, and fittings
- Verify safety devices are functioning correctly — overload limiters, emergency stops, and interlocks
- Review any previous reports to check whether earlier defects have been addressed
- Issue a written report detailing the findings, any defects, and whether the equipment is safe to continue in service
If a defect is found that could pose a danger to persons, the examiner must notify the employer immediately. If there is an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury, the examiner must also notify the relevant enforcing authority (usually the HSE) within the prescribed timescale.
Who Is the Competent Person?
The regulations do not prescribe specific qualifications. Instead, a competent person must have:
- Appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge of the equipment being examined
- Sufficient experience of the type of equipment
- Independence and impartiality
In practice, most businesses appoint an independent inspection body. Many of these are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), which provides an internationally recognised mark of competence and impartiality.
You can also use an in-house engineer if they have the necessary competence and independence. However, for most businesses, using an external inspection body is the simplest way to demonstrate compliance.
How Often Do LOLER Inspections Need to Happen?
The statutory intervals are:
| Equipment Type | Maximum Interval |
|---|---|
| Lifting accessories (slings, chains, shackles) | Every 6 months |
| Equipment used for lifting persons (e.g., passenger lifts, MEWPs) | Every 6 months |
| All other lifting equipment | Every 12 months |
These are maximum intervals. More frequent examination may be required where:
- Equipment is used in harsh or arduous conditions (e.g., offshore, foundries, chemical plants)
- A written examination scheme (prepared by a competent person) specifies shorter intervals
- The equipment is ageing or has a history of defects
What Happens After the Inspection?
The competent person must provide a written report of the thorough examination. This report must be kept available for inspection by HSE inspectors and should be retained:
- Until the next thorough examination report is received, or
- For at least two years, whichever is longer
If defects are identified, the duty holder must take action. Depending on the severity:
- Minor defects — the equipment can continue in use, but the defect must be rectified within a specified timeframe
- Significant defects — the equipment may need to be taken out of service immediately until repaired and re-examined
- Imminent danger — the examiner will issue an immediate notification, and the equipment must not be used
What Happens If You Do Not Comply?
Failure to comply with LOLER can result in:
- Improvement notices — requiring you to take specific action within a set timeframe
- Prohibition notices — stopping the use of equipment immediately
- Fines — under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, there is no upper limit on fines in the Crown Court
- Prosecution — individuals and organisations can be prosecuted for serious breaches
- Civil liability — if an accident occurs due to uninspected equipment, the employer's liability exposure is significant
Beyond the legal consequences, the reputational damage from a lifting equipment incident can be severe, particularly in sectors where safety credentials are a condition of contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a LOLER inspection the same as a service or maintenance check?
No. A thorough examination under LOLER is a legal requirement carried out by a competent person to assess safety. Routine servicing and maintenance are important but do not replace the statutory thorough examination.
Does LOLER apply to my fork-lift truck?
Yes. Fork-lift trucks are lifting equipment and must be thoroughly examined under LOLER. This is in addition to any daily pre-use checks and regular maintenance.
Can I do a LOLER inspection myself?
In theory, yes — if you are genuinely competent and independent. In practice, most businesses use an external inspection body because this is the simplest way to demonstrate independence and competence to an HSE inspector.
Do I need a LOLER inspection if the equipment is brand new?
Yes. New equipment must receive a thorough examination before being put into service for the first time, unless it has been supplied with a valid declaration of conformity (EC Declaration) and has not been assembled on site. After that, the normal inspection intervals apply.
What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER?
LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting operations. PUWER (the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) applies to all work equipment, including lifting equipment. There is overlap: lifting equipment must comply with both LOLER and PUWER. In simple terms, PUWER sets general requirements for all work equipment; LOLER adds specific requirements for equipment that lifts.
How to Get LOLER Inspection Quotes
If you need a LOLER inspection, the best approach is to compare quotes from multiple providers. Prices vary significantly depending on the type and number of items, your location, and the provider's accreditation and service model.
Compare Engineering is a UK comparison platform for statutory engineering inspections. You can request and compare LOLER inspection quotes from multiple providers in one place — saving time and ensuring you get a fair price without compromising on quality.
Visit compareengineering.com to compare LOLER inspection providers.
This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a competent person or legal adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.