Ceiling Hoist Inspections
LOLER Thorough Examinations for Ceiling Mounted Hoisting Systems
Ceiling hoists are widely used in healthcare, care home and assisted living environments to safely lift and transfer people. As equipment used to lift people, ceiling hoists are subject to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and must be thoroughly examined at regular intervals to ensure they remain safe for use.
Excel Inspection Solutions provides independent LOLER Thorough Examinations for ceiling hoists and associated lifting accessories. Our inspections help dutyholders meet their legal responsibilities while protecting patients, residents, staff and carers.
What LOLER Requires for Ceiling Hoists
Under LOLER, ceiling hoists must be:
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Suitable for lifting people
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Installed and used correctly
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Thoroughly examined by a competent person
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Maintained in a safe working condition
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Clearly marked with safe working load information
Ceiling hoists used to lift people require a LOLER Thorough Examination every 6 months, or in accordance with a Written Scheme of Examination where applicable.
Types of Ceiling Hoists We Inspect
Our Engineer Surveyors inspect a wide range of ceiling mounted hoisting systems, including:
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Fixed ceiling hoists
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Ceiling track hoist systems
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Gantry mounted hoists
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Room to room ceiling hoists
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Hoists used in care homes, hospitals and residential settings
Where applicable, associated slings and lifting accessories are examined as part of the inspection.
Associated Lifting Accessories
As part of our ceiling hoist inspections, we can also examine:
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Patient slings
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Webbing and textile slings
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Attachment points and connectors
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Spreader bars and lifting attachments
Each accessory is assessed individually in line with LOLER requirements.
What We Check During a Ceiling Hoist Inspection
A LOLER Thorough Examination of a ceiling hoist typically includes:
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Visual inspection of the hoist unit and motor
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Condition of tracks, fixings and support structures
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Operation of controls and emergency lowering systems
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Inspection of lifting mechanisms and suspension components
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Verification of safe working load markings
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Condition of attachment points and connectors
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Review of previous inspection records where available
Any defects are clearly recorded, with guidance provided on continued use or removal from service.
Why Regular Ceiling Hoist Inspections Matter
Regular inspection helps to:
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Protect patients, residents and care staff
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Prevent equipment failure during lifting operations
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Maintain compliance with LOLER and healthcare governance requirements
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Provide documented evidence for audits and insurers
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Maintain confidence in everyday use of hoisting equipment
Ceiling hoists are critical safety devices. Independent inspection provides reassurance that they remain safe and reliable.
LOLER Reports and Certification
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Following inspection, we provide a digital LOLER report detailing:
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Hoist identification and location
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Inspection findings
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Any defects identified
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Clear recommendations and timescales
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Confirmation of compliance status
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Reports form part of your statutory safety documentation and should be retained.
Ceiling Hoist Inspection FAQs
Do ceiling hoists require LOLER inspections?
Yes. Ceiling hoists used to lift people must be thoroughly examined every 6 months under LOLER.
Are patient slings included in the inspection?
Yes. Slings and lifting accessories used with ceiling hoists can be inspected as part of the LOLER service.
Can inspections be carried out in occupied care settings?
Yes. We regularly work in care homes and healthcare environments and plan inspections to minimise disruption.
Is a LOLER inspection the same as servicing?
No. A LOLER Thorough Examination is a statutory inspection focused on safety and compliance, not routine servicing.
What happens if a ceiling hoist fails inspection?
Any defects will be clearly identified and the hoist should be removed from service until issues are resolved.
Looking for support beyond ceiling hoist inspections?
Excel Inspection Solutions provides a full range of statutory inspection services across lifting and workplace equipment. From lifts, hoists and MEWPs to cranes, mobile plant, pressure systems and work at height equipment, our Engineer Surveyors deliver independent, compliant inspections across the South East.