Passenger & Goods Lift Inspections in Conjunction with LOLER & PUWER Regulations

LOLER regulations mandate a thorough and regular inspection. These rules apply to any organisation where employees operate lifting equipment, regardless of ownership. The regulations assign the duty of ensuring that lifts are inspected by a competent and qualified individual to either the lift owner or the site manager.

LOLER thorough examinations on lifts are legally required to enhance health and safety and minimise the risk of accidents caused by faulty or unserviced lifts.

Thorough examination and testing of lifts

From the HSE : A simple guide for employers

LOLER Regulations and passenger/ goods lifts:
  • Duty holders must ensure that lifts undergo examinations at legally mandated intervals.

  • LOLER inspections are required every 6 months for passenger lifts and every 12 months for goods lifts to verify their safety for use.

  • Lifts and hoists intended for lifting people or loads must be inspected by a ‘competent person.’

  • Any issues or defects found in the lifting equipment must be addressed promptly.

  • Detailed records and documentation of inspections must be maintained and accessible.

Do not take the risk by not having your lift inspection completed

Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998 (PUWER) Inspection:

Benefits Having your
Lift Inspection Completed

Maximised Safety

Regular lift inspections help to identify and rectify potential hazards, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Reduction in Downtime

By detecting and addressing potential issues early, before they lead to failures, lift inspections can help minimise downtime.

Increased Productivity

Ensuring that lifts are functioning safely and efficiently contributes to enhanced productivity in operations.

Reduced Liability

Compliance with the relevant regulations can help businesses reduce their liability in the event of an accident involving their lifts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is responsible for conducting lift inspections?

Lift inspections under LOLER and PUWER must be conducted by a 'competent person' with the necessary qualifications, experience, and independence to assess the safety and compliance of the equipment. This person should be an external specialist.

Common issues identified during lift inspections include worn or damaged mechanical components, malfunctioning safety devices, electrical faults, inadequate lubrication, and signs of corrosion or wear. These issues must be addressed promptly to ensure the lift remains safe to use.

Documentation for lift inspections should include detailed reports of the thorough examinations, records of any maintenance and repairs, risk assessments, and user training logs. These documents should be kept up-to-date and readily available for review by health and safety inspectors.

If a lift fails an inspection, it must be taken out of service immediately until the identified issues are resolved. The inspector will provide a report detailing the defects and necessary corrective actions. The lift should not be used again until it has been re-inspected and deemed safe.

To ensure compliance, conduct regular inspections and maintenance, keep accurate records, train employees on safe lift operation, and address any identified issues promptly. Implementing a preventive maintenance program and adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations can also help maintain compliance.