Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) Inspections

Ensuring the safety and compliance of lifting equipment by verifying its correct installation, integrity, and safe operation.

Keep your people safe and your equipment compliant with JD Lifting Ltd.

Ensuring safety through our professional LOLER inspections
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) impose legal obligations on owners, operators, or those in charge of lifting equipment to guarantee that their equipment is safe and suitable for operation.

Defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a LOLER Inspection involves a “thorough examination of lifting equipment by a qualified or ‘competent’ person.” This inspection is not just a mandatory practice but a critical one, as non-compliance can result in substantial fines.

The LOLER regulations are crucial for selecting appropriate lifting equipment for specific tasks, ensuring regular maintenance of machinery, and by having thorough examinations carried out, the risks associated with the equipment or machine failing and injuring someone are significantly minimised.

Thorough examination
of lifting equipment - PDF

From the HSE : A simple guide for employers

Protect your team and secure compliance with JD Lifting Ltd

How Our Process Works

Step 1 – Visual Inspections

Our visual inspections are carried out with precise detail to ensure that all visible flaws, including cracks, dents, corrosion, or absent parts, are identified.

Following our detailed inspection procedures, our engineers meticulously examine every element of your lifting equipment, ensuring that no potential risks are overlooked.

After the visual inspection, our engineers rigorously evaluate the operational integrity of your lifting equipment.

This includes testing the brakes, gears, and other essential components to confirm they function correctly. We also test safety features like overload alarms and load indicators to prevent overloading and mitigate other risks.

To confirm that your lifting equipment operates within designated limits and parameters, our engineers accurately measure critical aspects like load capacity, clearances, and alignment.

This process not only checks adherence to the manufacturer’s specifications but also enhances the performance and safety of your equipment.

Our engineers specialise in repairing a variety of equipment, including but not limited to chain slings, block grabs, hydraulic jacks, electric chain and wire rope hoists, manual chain blocks, and lever-operated hoists.

Our repair process involves diagnosing issues, replacing damaged components, and conducting thorough testing and/or proof load testing to meet the manufacturer’s specifications and safety standards. This service not only restores your equipment to working condition but also extends its operational life and reliability.

Our load testing services conducted in our workshop based test facilities, including our 50t Hydraulic Test Rig, 9.5t Nodding Donkey Test Rig, and various static pull solutions, combined with a fleet of fully calibrated load cells, hydro-Jaw test kits and over 10t of hand/mass weights, all assess the strength and reliability of your lifting equipment by subjecting it to specified maximum loads. This ensures they can safely handle intense conditions, though not all circumstances require such testing.

Our Thorough Inspection process includes assessing the previous documentation of your equipment.

We examine relevant documentation, including manufacturer’s manuals, inspection reports, and maintenance records. This comprehensive review enables us to gain a holistic understanding of the equipment’s history, maintenance practices, and overall condition.

On completion of the Thorough Examination, we will issue a Report of Thorough Examination containing the details of the equipment, inspection procedures and expiration dates.

Any equipment that fails its examination, or requires any repair or modification work to bring it back into a compliant condition, is detailed on a failure report which contains the equipment details, dates and reasons for failure. All inspection certificates are uploaded to our online portal where you can sign in, view and print as many copies as you require.

Enhanced Safety

LOLER inspections assist in detecting and addressing potential risks, helping to prevent accidents.

Minimised Downtime

LOLER Inspections help minimise downtime by identifying and rectifying potential issues before they lead to equipment failure.

Increased Productivity

LOLER inspections contribute to higher productivity by ensuring that lifting equipment operates both safely and efficiently.

Minimising Liability

Adhering to LOLER regulations helps businesses minimise their liability in the event of an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How often should LOLER inspections be conducted?

The frequency of LOLER inspections depends on the type of equipment and its usage. Generally, lifting equipment which is, or could used for lifting people must be inspected every six months, while other types of lifting equipment should be inspected at least once a year. However, more frequent inspections may be necessary based on the specific conditions and usage.

A LOLER inspection must be carried out by a 'competent person,' which means someone with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to identify potential risks and evaluate the safety of the lifting equipment. This person must be impartial and have sufficient independence to ensure an unbiased assessment.

If your equipment fails a LOLER inspection, it must not be used until the issues identified are rectified. The inspector will provide a detailed report outlining the defects and necessary corrective actions. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment.

To comply with LOLER regulations, you need to maintain detailed records of all inspections and maintenance activities. This includes inspection reports, Report of Thorough Examination Certificates, maintenance logs, and any documentation related to repairs or modifications. These records must be kept and be readily available for review.

LOLER covers a wide range of lifting equipment, including cranes, hoists, forklift trucks, and any accessories used for lifting, such as chains, slings, and shackles. It also applies to lifting devices that are used to lift people, such as passenger lifts and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). For guidance on the equipment you have, contact our friendly team.

The purpose of LOLER regulations is to ensure that lifting equipment is safe to use, properly maintained, and operated in a way that reduces risks to health and safety. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and injuries associated with lifting operations by setting standards for equipment and procedures.

Yes, LOLER regulations apply to all industries where lifting equipment is used. This includes construction, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and any other sector that involves lifting operations. Compliance is mandatory regardless of the size or type of business.