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Lifting Equipment Inspections

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Thorough Examinations for Lifts, Hoists, MEWPs and Lifting Equipment.

Lifting equipment used at work must be safe, suitable and properly maintained at all times. Where equipment is used to lift or lower loads, including people, the law requires regular independent inspection to ensure continued safety and compliance.

Excel Inspection Solutions provides statutory Lifting Equipment 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 across a wide range of lifting equipment, supporting dutyholders with clear reporting and practical compliance advice.

We work with property managers, facilities teams, housing providers, commercial operators and public sector organisations across the South East and nationwide.

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This page provides an overview of our independent lifting equipment inspection services. Detailed inspection information for specific equipment types, including passenger lifts, goods lifts, disabled access lifts, MEWPs and hoists, is available on the linked pages below.

What Is Lifting Equipment?

Under LOLER, lifting equipment includes any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads. This includes equipment designed to lift people as well as goods.

Lifting equipment can be fixed or mobile and is commonly found in commercial, industrial, residential and public environments.

Examples of lifting equipment include:

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All lifting equipment must be subject to a Thorough Examination at prescribed intervals by a competent person.

Lifting Equipment Regulations and Compliance

LOLER Inspections

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 apply to lifting equipment used at work and place legal duties on employers, landlords, building owners and anyone responsible for lifting equipment.

LOLER requires that lifting equipment is:

  • Strong and stable enough for its intended use

  • Installed and positioned safely

  • Thoroughly examined at specified intervals

  • Inspected by a competent, independent person

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Our inspections are carried out fully in line with LOLER requirements and supported by detailed written reports.

PUWER Inspections

In many cases, lifting equipment is also subject to PUWER. These regulations require that work equipment is:

  • Suitable for the task

  • Properly maintained

  • Inspected where safety depends on installation or condition

Lifting Equipment Inspection Intervals

A Thorough Examination is required:

  • Every 6 months for lifting equipment used to lift people

  • Every 12 months for lifting equipment used to lift goods only

  • At intervals specified within a Written Scheme of Examination, where applicable

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These intervals apply regardless of routine maintenance or servicing.

What Is a 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.

During a lifting equipment inspection, we will:

  • Carry out visual and functional checks

  • Examine safety devices, controls and emergency systems

  • Assess load bearing components, ropes, chains and fixings

  • Review previous inspection reports and maintenance records

  • Identify any defects that could affect safety

  • Provide a clear digital report with photographic evidence

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Where serious defects are identified, we will advise that the equipment is removed from service until remedial action is completed.

Types of Lifting Equipment We Inspect

Our Engineer Surveyors carry out Thorough Examinations across a wide range of lifting equipment, including:

Passenger and Goods Lifts

Lifts installed in commercial buildings, residential blocks, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues and public buildings.

Platform, Disabled and Wheelchair Lifts

Including step lifts and access platforms used to assist mobility in workplaces and residential settings.

Home and Domestic Lifts

Independent inspection of domestic lifting equipment to support safety and continued reliability.

Evacuation and Firefighting Lifts

Lifts designed for use during emergencies, requiring careful inspection of safety systems and controls.

Evacuation and Firefighting Lifts

Lifts designed for use during emergencies, requiring careful inspection of safety systems and controls.

MEWPs, Scissor Lifts and Cherry Pickers

Mobile elevating work platforms used to lift people for work at height.

Hoists and Lifting Accessories

Including patient hoists, ceiling track systems, mobile hoists, slings, chains and ropes.

Cranes and Lifting Machinery

Gantry cranes, jib cranes and other lifting machinery used in industrial environments.

Why Lifting Equipment Inspections Matter

Regular lifting equipment inspections help to:

  • Meet statutory obligations under LOLER and PUWER

  • Protect users and dutyholders

  • Reduce the risk of accidents and equipment failure

  • Support insurance and audit requirements

  • Prevent unplanned downtime and costly breakdowns

  • Maintain safe working environments

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Even minor defects can develop into serious safety risks if left unaddressed.

Inspection Reports and Documentation

Following each inspection, we issue a digital report that includes:

  • Equipment identification and details

  • Date of examination and next due date

  • Summary of checks carried out

  • Details of any defects affecting safety

  • Recommendations for remedial action

  • Photographic evidence where applicable

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These reports form part of your statutory safety records and should be retained for reference.

Maintenance Audits and Condition Surveys

In addition to statutory inspections, we offer condition surveys and maintenance audits for lifting equipment. These provide:

  • Full system condition assessments

  • Identification of wear and component lifespan

  • Forward planning for maintenance and repairs

  • Asset management support

These services are particularly beneficial for organisations responsible for multiple items of lifting equipment.

Why Choose Excel Inspection Solutions?

  • Independent and impartial Engineer Surveyors

  • LOLER and PUWER compliant inspections

  • Clear, digital reporting

  • Flexible scheduling across single or multiple sites

  • Nationwide coverage through our inspection network

  • Trusted by facilities managers, housing providers and public sector organisations

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We tailor each inspection to suit your equipment type, usage and legal duties.

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Lifting Equipment Inspection FAQs

How often does lifting equipment need inspecting?

Every 6 months for equipment used to lift people, and every 12 months for equipment used to lift goods only, unless a Written Scheme specifies otherwise.

Does lifting equipment include lifts and hoists?

Yes. Passenger lifts, goods lifts, platform lifts, hoists and similar equipment are all classed as lifting equipment under LOLER.

Do MEWPs require lifting equipment inspections?

Yes. MEWPs must undergo Thorough Examination under LOLER every 6 months when used to lift people.

Is a Thorough Examination the same as maintenance?

No. A Thorough Examination is a statutory inspection carried out independently of maintenance.

Can you inspect lifting equipment in residential buildings?

Yes. We inspect lifting equipment in residential and domestic settings where required.

Related Inspection Services

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