Passenger Lift Inspections
Independent Thorough Examinations for Passenger Lifts and Elevators
Passenger lifts used at work must be safe, suitable for use and properly maintained at all times. Where lifts are used to carry people, the law requires regular independent inspection to ensure continued safety and legal compliance.
Excel Inspection Solutions provides statutory Passenger 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 passenger lifts across a wide range of buildings, supporting dutyholders with clear reporting and practical compliance advice.
We work with property managers, facilities teams, housing providers, managing agents, commercial operators and public sector organisations across the South East and nationwide.
This page provides an overview of our independent passenger lift inspection services. Location specific inspection services and related lift inspection types are available on the linked pages below.
What Is a Passenger Lift?
A passenger lift is a lifting appliance designed to transport people between floors within a building. Passenger lifts are commonly installed in residential, commercial and public buildings and are classed as lifting equipment under LOLER.
Passenger lifts may be installed in:
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Residential apartment blocks
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Commercial office buildings
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Hospitals and healthcare facilities
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Hotels and hospitality venues
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Retail and leisure premises
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Public buildings and transport facilities
Because passenger lifts are used to carry people, they are subject to stricter inspection requirements than goods only lifting equipment.
Passenger Lift Regulations and Compliance
LOLER Passenger Lift Inspections
Passenger lifts used at work fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. LOLER places legal duties on employers, building owners, landlords and dutyholders responsible for lift safety.
Under LOLER, passenger lifts must be:
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Strong and stable enough for their intended use
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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 passenger lift inspections are carried out fully in line with LOLER requirements and supported by detailed written reports.
PUWER Requirements
Passenger 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
Together, LOLER and PUWER ensure passenger lifts remain safe throughout their service life.
Passenger Lift Inspection Intervals
Passenger lifts must undergo a Thorough Examination:
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Every 6 months when used to lift people
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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, modifications or damage
These inspection intervals apply regardless of routine servicing or maintenance.
What Is a Passenger 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.
During a passenger lift inspection, our Engineer Surveyors will:
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Carry out visual and functional checks of the lift system
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Examine safety devices, controls and emergency systems
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Assess suspension systems, guide rails, fixings and load bearing components
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Inspect doors, interlocks and safety circuits
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Review previous inspection reports and maintenance records
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Identify defects that could affect the safety of passengers
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Provide a clear digital report with photographic evidence
Where serious or dangerous defects are identified, we will advise that the lift is removed from service until remedial action is completed.
Types of Passenger Lifts We Inspect
Our Engineer Surveyors carry out Thorough Examinations on a wide range of passenger lift installations, including:
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Passenger lifts in commercial buildings
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Passenger lifts in residential apartment blocks
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Passenger lifts in healthcare and care environments
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Passenger lifts in hotels and public buildings
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Passenger and goods combination lifts
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Hydraulic, traction and machine room less passenger lifts
Each inspection is tailored to the lift type, usage, environment and applicable regulations.
Why Passenger Lift Inspections Matter
Regular passenger lift inspections help to:
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Meet statutory obligations under LOLER and PUWER
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Protect lift users and building occupants
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Reduce the risk of accidents and lift failures
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Support insurance and audit requirements
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Identify defects before they become serious safety issues
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Maintain safe and reliable building access
Passenger lifts are safety critical assets and defects can place users at significant risk if not identified promptly.
Passenger 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 inspection 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.
Maintenance Audits and Lift Condition Surveys
In addition to statutory passenger lift inspections, we offer lift condition surveys and maintenance audits. 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 valuable for property portfolios and multi site buildings.
Why Choose Excel Inspection Solutions?
Independent and impartial Engineer Surveyors
LOLER and PUWER compliant passenger lift inspections
Clear and practical digital reporting
Flexible scheduling across single or multiple sites
Nationwide coverage through our inspection network
Trusted by managing agents, facilities teams and public sector organisations
We tailor every inspection to suit the lift installation, usage and legal responsibilities of the dutyholder.
Passenger Lift Inspection FAQs
How often does a passenger lift need inspecting?
Passenger lifts must be Thoroughly Examined every 6 months unless a Written Scheme of Examination specifies otherwise.
Are passenger lifts covered by LOLER?
Yes. Passenger lifts are lifting equipment used to carry people and are fully covered by LOLER.
Is a passenger lift inspection the same as servicing?
No. A Thorough Examination is a statutory inspection carried out independently of routine maintenance or servicing.
Do residential apartment lifts require inspection?
Yes. Passenger lifts in residential buildings used at work or accessible to residents require regular inspection.
Can you inspect passenger lifts across multiple sites?
Yes. We regularly inspect passenger lifts across multi site portfolios and property estates.
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.