LOLER Inspections Explained: What You Need to Know

If you operate overhead cranes, hoists, or lifting accessories, you’re legally required to have them inspected at regular intervals under LOLER. But what exactly does a LOLER inspection involve? How often do you need one? And what happens if the inspector finds a problem? This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is a LOLER Inspection?

A LOLER inspection – properly called a thorough examination – is a detailed inspection of lifting equipment required under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

The purpose is to detect defects, damage, or wear that could make the equipment unsafe. Unlike a routine service or visual check, a thorough examination is a comprehensive inspection carried out by a competent person, with a formal written report.

What Equipment Needs a LOLER Inspection?

LOLER applies to all lifting equipment used at work. If it lifts a load (including people), it needs thorough examination.

This also includes lifting accessories – chains, wire rope slings, webbing slings, shackles, eyebolts, spreader beams, lifting magnets, vacuum lifters, and any other device used to attach the load to the lifting equipment.

How Often Do You Need a LOLER Inspection?

LOLER sets maximum intervals between thorough examinations. These are legal requirements, not recommendations.

What Happens During a LOLER Inspection?

A thorough examination is exactly that – thorough. The competent person will systematically check all safety-critical components. Here’s what to expect:

What Does the Examiner Check?

The specific checks depend on the equipment type, but for an overhead crane, the examiner will typically inspect:

What Does the Report Contain?

After the examination, you’ll receive a written report. LOLER specifies what this must include:

You must keep reports for at least two years (or until the next report, plus two years). They should be readily available for inspection by the HSE or local authority.

What Happens If Defects Are Found?

If the examiner finds problems, they’ll be categorised as either immediate or timed defects:

Even minor observations should be addressed promptly. Left unattended, small issues become big problems – and could result in an immediate defect at the next examination.

Who Can Carry Out LOLER Inspections?

LOLER requires thorough examinations to be carried out by a competent person. But what does this mean?

A competent person must have:

• Appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge of the equipment being examined
• Experience of examining similar equipment
• Independence and impartiality – able to make objective judgements
• Integrity – will report defects honestly, regardless of commercial pressure

The competent person doesn’t need specific qualifications, but they must be able to demonstrate competence for the specific equipment they’re examining. An engineer competent to examine fork-lift trucks isn’t automatically competent to examine overhead cranes.

LOLER Inspection vs Insurance Inspection

Many businesses have engineering insurance that includes inspection services. Are these the same as LOLER examinations?

Usually, yes – insurance inspections are typically designed to satisfy LOLER requirements. However, you should confirm this with your insurer. Check that:

• The inspection covers all LOLER requirements (not just insurance concerns)
• Reports contain all information required by LOLER
• Inspection frequency matches LOLER requirements (especially for lifting accessories)
• You receive copies of all reports promptly

If you don’t have engineering insurance or your policy doesn’t include inspections, you’ll need to arrange thorough examinations separately.

Preparing for a LOLER Inspection

To ensure your inspection goes smoothly:

Good preparation helps the examiner complete a thorough inspection efficiently, minimising disruption to your operations.

Common Questions About LOLER Inspections

How Granada Cranes Can Help

Granada Cranes provides LOLER thorough examinations for overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, hoists, and lifting accessories across the UK.

• Competent, experienced examiners – engineers with extensive knowledge of overhead lifting equipment
• Full written reports – compliant documentation for your records
• Defect repairs – if issues are found, we can often repair them immediately
• Reminder service – we’ll track your examination due dates
• Combined visits – service and examination in one visit to minimise disruption
• Nationwide coverage – we cover England, Scotland, and Wales

Whether you need a one-off examination or an ongoing inspection programme, we can help you stay compliant.

Summary

LOLER inspections (thorough examinations) are a legal requirement for all lifting equipment. Overhead cranes and hoists need examining at least every 12 months, while lifting accessories require inspection every 6 months.

The examination must be carried out by a competent person who will check all safety-critical components, test the equipment’s operation, and produce a formal written report. If defects are found, they must be rectified – immediately for serious issues, or within a specified timeframe for less critical problems.

Keep your examination reports on file, maintain your equipment between inspections, and don’t let certificates lapse. The cost of compliance is far less than the cost of an accident or prosecution.