If your business uses lifting equipment – cranes, hoists, power‑access platforms, or lifting accessories – you are legally required to comply with LOLER regulations. It’s essential to understand the regulations and where they apply to stay compliant as a business.
Read on to learn more about LOLER regulations, requirements and inspections.
- What is a LOLER inspection?
- Why LOLER inspections matter
- How often should LOLER inspections be done?
- What equipment needs a LOLER inspection?
- Do I need to keep a record of LOLER reports?
- Who can carry out LOLER inspections?
- Why choose Bramley Engineering for LOLER inspections?
What is a LOLER inspection?
LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. It’s a lifting equipment inspection with a detailed examination designed to highlight and monitor faults, breaks, wear and tear, and the general operational standard of equipment.
The examination focuses on the strength, stability, installation, and positioning of the equipment. To be LOLER compliant, all lifting equipment and lifting accessories, should be fit for purpose and appropriately labelled with all damage and maintenance reports recorded.
Each LOLER inspection must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ who’s fair, knowledgeable, and skilled in understanding and evaluating the equipment. This check helps identify dangers, report hazards, provoke repairs, and ultimately keep your employees and users safe.
We offer comprehensive LOLER inspections carried out by our experienced team of professionals – contact us today to book your LOLER inspection.
Why LOLER inspections matter
If your business uses lifting equipment, you are legally required to comply with LOLER regulations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This framework ensures that lifting appliances are safe, properly maintained, and suitable for purpose.
The consequences of non-compliance with LOLER can lead to serious injury, severe fines, or shutdowns. It also erodes client confidence. By proactively scheduling LOLER inspections, you protect lives, reduce downtime, and show contractors and stakeholders your commitment to safety.
At Bramley Engineering, our LOLER inspections are backed by over 40 years of industry experience and recognised by our membership with the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). Contact our expert team today to book a compliant, reliable inspection.
How often should LOLER inspections be done?
Ensuring you meet the frequency and requirements of LOLER inspections is essential to stay compliant throughout your lifting equipment’s lifespan. Ensure your LOLER checks are completed:
| Before the first use | For the first time use, you need to ensure the equipment is safe and fit for purpose. Unless the equipment has a Declaration of Conformity less than one-year-old and the equipment was not assembled on site, it’s essential to have a LOLER expert look at it to make sure it’s safe to use. |
| After assembly | When setting up equipment at a new site (e.g. overhead crane), it must be checked before use at each location. This is to make sure it was put together correctly and it’s safe for action. |
| Regularly in service | Most equipment is exposed to conditions that cause deterioration and wear and tear, so will need regular in-service examinations. For equipment exposed to heightened or extreme conditions such as detrimental weathering, you may need to consider scheduling more frequent checks. LOLER recommend every 6 or 12 months, depending on the equipment and site locations. Or you could use an inspection plan made by an expert to ensure compliance with appropriate frequency. |
| After exceptional circumstances | A LOLER inspection is essential should any equipment be damaged or fail, be used for the first time after long periods, or undergo major changes such as modifications, or replacement/repair of parts. |
LOLER inspections are designed to keep everyone safe when using powered lifting equipment. Thoroughly preparing for LOLER tests is essential for a successful inspection, and it’s important to book your checks regularly and ensure they are thoroughly conducted by a competent inspector.
If you’re not sure how often your equipment needs a LOLER inspection, we can provide a LOLER plan with reminders to notify you when your equipment is due for inspection. Get in touch for more information.
What equipment needs a LOLER inspection?
All lifting equipment and lifting accessories used for work within construction, commerce and industrial sectors are subject to LOLER, including work equipment provided by employers and self-employed persons.
LOLER regulations only apply to work activities, for example:
- Cranes, excavators, and diggers
- elevators or lifts provided for workers
- sockets, lifting chains, & hoists
What lifting equipment is not covered by LOLER inspections?
Some lifting equipment or lifting transportation on/near work sites may not be used by people at work, but by the public instead. Stairlifts, platform lifts, and chair lifts in shops, commercial sites, and airports are not subject to LOLER’s specific provisions.
However, equipment that’s accessible to the public is subject to the Health & Safety at Work Act and should still be thoroughly examined for safety. In this instance, LOLER regulations can still be an excellent guide to follow.
Do I need to keep a record of LOLER reports?
Yes, keeping records of LOLER reports is essential for the safety and compliance of your lifting equipment. Your records do not need to be kept in hard copy form, but you should be able to provide a written copy when necessary.
Poor record-keeping is a common LOLER inspection failure, and keeping LOLER records isn’t just a legal requirement, it also protects your people and your business. Here’s why they’re important:
- Compliance – You must be able to show records during inspections to meet legal standards.
- Maintenance Tracking – Records show when checks were done and help plan future repairs.
- Accountability – In case of an incident, your records prove you took the right safety steps.
- Trust – Clear records give clients and stakeholders confidence in your equipment and processes.
How long do you need to keep LOLER records?
Record-keeping timeframes depend on the type of inspection:
- First-use inspections – Keep records for as long as the equipment is in use. For accessories, keep them for at least 2 years.
- After exceptional events – Hold records while the equipment stays in use at that location.
- Annual LOLER exams – Store records for a minimum of 2 years.
- Maintenance checks – Keep records until the next inspection is done.
We know it can be difficult to keep up with multiple LOLER inspections for various equipment so we’ve created reminders for our clients that will prompt you to book your LOLER inspections in time for all your lifting tools and accessories. Schedule your LOLER inspections with us today.
Who can carry out LOLER inspections?
Regulations state that a ‘competent person’ should be nominated by the employer to carry out LOLER thorough examinations. A ‘competent person’ is based on his or her level of training, knowledge, and experience of the equipment, defects, testing methods, and fault diagnosis in order to meet the criteria of a qualified LOLER inspector.
The ‘competent person’ must be independent of the employer’s line management and cannot be the same person who undertakes routine maintenance of the equipment.
It’s best to use an external organisation such as Bramley Engineering to provide LOLER inspections to avoid breaches in the LOLER regulations. This will also ensure you are compliant as a business by using a suitable LOLER expert as your ‘competent person’.
Why choose Bramley Engineering for LOLER inspections?
With over 40 years in the lifting industry, Bramley Engineering delivers reliable, compliant LOLER inspections across the UK.
- LEEA members and ISO 9001:2015 certified
- Fully qualified, independent inspectors
- UK-wide coverage from our Leighton Buzzard facility
- Automatic inspection reminders
- Full-service support
Ensure your lifting operations stay safe, compliant, and efficient with Bramley Engineering. Stay on top of your LOLER regulations – book your LOLER inspection today or speak to our team for tailored support, or simply call us on 01525 375 225.
