Goods Lift Inspections
Independent Thorough Examinations for Goods and Service Lifts
Goods lifts used at work must be safe, suitable for use and properly maintained at all times. Where equipment is used to lift or lower loads, the law requires regular independent inspection to ensure continued safety and legal compliance.
Excel Inspection Solutions provides statutory goods lift inspections in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and, where applicable, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Our Engineer Surveyors carry out independent Thorough Examinations of goods lifts across a wide range of commercial, industrial and residential environments, supporting dutyholders with clear reporting and practical compliance advice.
We work with facilities managers, property managers, managing agents, landlords, commercial operators and public sector organisations across the South East and nationwide.
This page provides an overview of our independent goods lift inspection services. Inspection services for lifts designed to carry people, including passenger lift inspections, are covered separately to ensure the correct inspection regime is applied.
What Is a Goods Lift?
A goods lift is a lifting appliance designed primarily to transport goods, materials or equipment between floors. Goods lifts are not intended for the routine carrying of people, although some may be operated by trained personnel during loading or unloading.
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Goods lifts are commonly installed in:
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Warehouses and distribution centres
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Retail and hospitality premises
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Industrial and manufacturing sites
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Residential buildings with service lifts
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Hospitals and healthcare facilities
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Commercial office buildings
Goods lifts are classed as lifting equipment under LOLER and must be inspected at legally defined intervals.
Goods Lift Regulations and Compliance
LOLER Goods Lift Inspections
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 apply to goods lifts used at work. LOLER places legal duties on employers, landlords and dutyholders responsible for lifting equipment safety.
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Under LOLER, goods lifts must be:
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Strong and stable enough for their intended loads
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Installed and positioned safely
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Thoroughly examined at prescribed intervals
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Inspected by a competent and independent person
Our goods lift inspections are carried out fully in line with LOLER inspection requirements and supported by detailed written reports.
PUWER Requirements
Goods lifts are also subject to PUWER where applicable. PUWER requires that work equipment is:
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Suitable for the task
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Properly maintained
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Inspected where safety depends on installation or condition
In practice, most goods lifts fall under both LOLER and PUWER inspections.
Goods Lift Inspection Intervals
Goods lifts must undergo a Thorough Examination:
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Every 12 months when used to lift goods only
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At intervals specified within a Written Scheme of Examination, where applicable
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Following exceptional circumstances such as major repairs, alterations or damage
Where a lift is designed to carry both people and goods, inspection requirements may differ. These lifts are covered under Passenger and Goods Lift Inspections.
What Is a Goods Lift Thorough Examination?
A Thorough Examination is a detailed, systematic and independent inspection carried out by a competent person. It is a legal requirement and must be recorded in a written report.
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During a goods lift inspection, our Engineer Surveyors will:
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Carry out visual and functional checks
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Examine lifting mechanisms and safety devices
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Assess load bearing components, ropes, chains and fixings
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Inspect doors, gates and interlocks
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Review previous inspection reports and maintenance records
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Identify defects that could affect safety or reliability
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Provide a clear digital report with photographic evidence
Where serious defects are identified, we will advise that the goods lift is removed from service until remedial action is completed.
Types of Goods Lifts We Inspect
Our Engineer Surveyors carry out Thorough Examinations on a wide range of goods lifting equipment, including:
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Goods only lifts
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Service lifts and dumbwaiters
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Goods lifts in residential buildings
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Goods lifts in retail and hospitality environments
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Goods lifts in warehouses and industrial facilities
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Combined passenger and goods lifts, where applicable
Inspections are tailored to the lift design, load rating, environment and usage.
Goods Lift Inspection Reports and Documentation
Following each inspection, we issue a digital report that includes:
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Lift identification and location details
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Date of examination and next due date
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Summary of checks carried out
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Details of any defects affecting safety
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Recommendations for remedial action
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Photographic evidence where applicable
These reports form part of your statutory safety records and should be retained for compliance and audit purposes.
Why Goods Lift Inspections Matter
Regular goods lift inspections help to:
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Meet statutory obligations under LOLER and PUWER
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Protect staff, contractors and building occupants
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Reduce the risk of mechanical failure and accidents
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Support insurance and audit requirements
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Prevent unplanned downtime and operational disruption
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Maintain safe working environments
Goods lifts are safety critical assets and defects can pose serious risks if not identified early.
Maintenance Audits and Lift Condition Surveys
In addition to statutory inspections, we offer maintenance audits and condition surveys for goods lifts. These services provide:
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Independent assessment of lift condition
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Identification of wear and component lifespan
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Review of maintenance effectiveness
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Support for long term asset planning
These services are particularly beneficial for organisations managing multiple goods lifts across several sites.
Why Choose Excel Inspection Solutions?
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Independent and impartial Engineer Surveyors
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LOLER and PUWER compliant goods lift inspections
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Clear, practical digital reporting
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Flexible scheduling across single or multiple sites
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Nationwide coverage through our inspection network
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Trusted by facilities managers, managing agents and public sector organisations
Goods Lift Inspection FAQs
How often does a goods lift need inspecting?
Goods lifts used to lift goods only must undergo a Thorough Examination every 12 months unless a Written Scheme specifies otherwise.
Are goods lifts covered by LOLER?
Yes. Goods lifts are classed as lifting equipment and are covered by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
Is a goods lift inspection the same as servicing?
No. A Thorough Examination is a statutory inspection carried out independently of routine maintenance or servicing.
What if a goods lift is occasionally used by people?
If a lift is designed or used to carry people, different inspection intervals apply. These lifts are covered under Passenger and Goods Lift Inspections.
Can you inspect goods lifts in residential buildings?
Yes. We inspect goods and service lifts in residential and mixed use buildings where required.
Supporting Your Wider Compliance Requirements
Excel Inspection Solutions delivers a comprehensive range of statutory inspection services for lifting equipment and work equipment across London and the South of England. Alongside this service, we support duty holders in meeting their legal obligations under LOLER and PUWER through independent thorough examinations and periodic inspections.
Our experience includes passenger lifts, goods lifts, platform lifts, stairlifts, MEWPs, cranes, hoists, pallet handling equipment and other work equipment where statutory inspection is required. As part of a national network of Engineer Surveyors, we can also coordinate examinations across the United Kingdom where needed.
If you require an independent inspection partner to support your compliance programme, our team will be pleased to discuss your requirements.