LOLER 1998
Official sourceLifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Sets duties for the strength, stability, positioning and marking of lifting equipment, safe lifting operations, thorough examination and reporting of defects.
LOLER thorough examinations
LOLER thorough examination with traceable statutory reporting.
Commission systematic examination of lifting equipment and accessories where LOLER applies, with asset identity, examination basis, defects and next dates recorded across one site or a wider estate.
- Passenger and goods lifts used at work
- Patient and person-lifting equipment
- Vehicle lifts and workshop hoists
- Forklifts, MEWPs and telehandlers where applicable
Scope confirmed firstPremises, systems and required output agreed before instruction.
Appropriate competenceThe delivery route is matched to the agreed specialist scope.
Usable written evidenceReports and findings are returned against the correct site.
Discipline-specific methodThe approach and evidence are matched to loler thorough examinations.
Service overview
What does a LOLER thorough examination establish?
A thorough examination is a systematic and detailed assessment of lifting equipment and its safety-critical parts by a competent person, followed by a written report. It considers whether the equipment is safe to continue in service within the examination scope and remains distinct from servicing, preventive maintenance and routine inspection.
Get the right scope for my siteRegulatory framework
The legislation and guidance behind the service.
These summaries identify the principal framework in England, Wales or Great Britain as labelled. The exact duty depends on jurisdiction, premises, equipment, use and the party in control.
HSE ACOP L113
Official sourceSafe use of lifting equipment
Provides approved practical guidance on applying LOLER, including planning lifting operations, competent persons, examination schemes and reports.
PUWER 1998
Official sourceProvision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Provides the wider framework for suitability, maintenance, inspection, information, instruction and training for work equipment, including lifting equipment.
HSE guidance
Official sourceThorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment
Explains when thorough examination is required, the role of the competent person, report retention and action where defects are identified.
Scope of service
A defined instruction, matched to the premises and duty.
Before appointment, we confirm the required output, available evidence, access limitations and the areas, systems or assets included in the instruction.
Passenger and goods lifts used at work
Patient and person-lifting equipment
Vehicle lifts and workshop hoists
Forklifts, MEWPs and telehandlers where applicable
Cranes, hoists, chains, slings and accessories
Examination schemes, asset registers and due dates
Reporting output
A clear technical record for the dutyholder.
- A written thorough-examination report for the agreed LOLER scope
- A traceable equipment list with asset identity and examination date
- Defects and significance recorded, including immediate or time-bound action
- Next-examination dates or scheme information organised by site or portfolio
How it works
From defined instruction to issued report.
- 01Confirm applicability
Establish equipment, use, location, records and whether LOLER applies.
- 02Plan the examination
Match a competent person and agree access, support and scheme requirements.
- 03Examine the equipment
Assess the equipment and safety-critical parts within the defined scope.
- 04Report clearly
Issue the record, explain defects and organise dates; serious defects follow the required route.
Built for the people managing the risk
Support shaped around the duty, premises and decision.
Choose the route closest to your role and property type. The technical scope stays specific to this service while access, communication and reporting reflect the operating environment.
Facilities management companies
Coordinate asset lists, access and examination evidence across managed estates.
See the sector approachCare & supported living
Keep hoists and person-lifting equipment visible within occupied-care settings.
See the sector approachPublic, leisure & community
Manage lifts, hoists and varied equipment across public-facing sites.
See the sector approachRetail & commercial portfolios
Coordinate goods lifts, passenger lifts and site equipment without losing local records.
See the sector approachTechnical and procurement questions
Scope, duties and deliverables—set out clearly.
The correct service depends on the premises, systems, equipment, use and dutyholder position. These points are confirmed before appointment.
Request a scoped quotationWhat is a LOLER thorough examination?
It is a systematic and detailed examination of lifting equipment and its safety-critical parts by a competent person, followed by the written report required by LOLER. The examination scope and methods reflect the equipment and the risks associated with its use.
Is servicing enough to meet LOLER?
No. Servicing and preventive maintenance keep equipment in working order; thorough examination assesses safety at defined points and records specified defects. Both may be required, and the competent person carrying out the examination should have sufficient independence and authority to reach an impartial conclusion.
How often is lifting equipment examined?
Unless an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person specifies a different interval, the usual LOLER periods are six months for equipment used to lift people and for lifting accessories, and twelve months for other lifting equipment. Examination may also be required after installation or exceptional circumstances, depending on the equipment and situation.
Does LOLER apply to every lift or hoist?
No. Applicability depends on whether it is work equipment used for lifting or lowering a load and the circumstances of use. Other safety duties can still apply where LOLER does not.
What happens if a dangerous defect is found?
The dutyholder is notified, the defect is recorded and the equipment must be managed according to the stated urgency. Serious defects also trigger the statutory reporting route to the relevant enforcing authority.
Request a quotation
Define the premises, required output and timescale.
Tell us about the property, system or equipment involved and what has prompted the instruction. We will confirm the information required before issuing a proposal.