Cherry Picker Inspection Requirements Under LOLER

Cherry picker inspection is a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 when equipment is used to lift people for work at height. Cherry pickers are classed as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and must undergo regular independent inspection to ensure they remain safe, compliant and fit for use.

Understanding how cherry picker inspections work, how often they are required and who is responsible helps dutyholders meet their legal obligations and reduce the risk of accidents, enforcement action or downtime.

Are Cherry Pickers Covered by LOLER?

Yes. Cherry pickers fall under LOLER because they are designed to lift people. Any cherry picker used in a work environment must be subject to a Thorough Examination carried out by a competent person.

This applies regardless of whether the equipment is:

• Vehicle mounted

• Trailer mounted

• Self propelled

• Used on construction sites, industrial premises or commercial buildings

Because cherry pickers lift people, they are inspected under LOLER rather than treated as general mobile plant.

How Often Does a Cherry Picker Need Inspecting?

LOLER requires cherry picker inspections to be carried out:

• Every 6 months when used to lift people

• After exceptional circumstances such as damage, major repair or modification

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

These inspection intervals apply regardless of routine servicing or maintenance.

What Does a Cherry Picker Inspection Include?

A cherry picker inspection is a Thorough Examination carried out independently of routine maintenance. During the inspection, the Engineer Surveyor will typically assess:

• The platform, basket and guardrails

• Controls, emergency lowering systems and safety devices

• Hydraulic systems, hoses and connections

• Structural components, booms and joints

• Chassis, stabilisers and outriggers where fitted

• Warning systems, alarms and interlocks

Any defects affecting safety will be recorded within a formal LOLER report.

Who Is Responsible for Cherry Picker Inspections?

The duty to ensure cherry picker inspections are carried out sits with the dutyholder. This may include:

• Employers

• Building owners

• Contractors

• Facilities managers

• Plant hire companies

Anyone who has control over the equipment and its use has a legal responsibility to ensure inspections are completed at the correct intervals.

What Happens if a Cherry Picker Fails Inspection?

If serious defects are identified during a cherry picker inspection, the equipment must be taken out of service until the issues are rectified. The inspection report will clearly identify:

• Defects that pose an immediate risk

• Items requiring repair or replacement

• Timescales for remedial action

Continuing to use unsafe equipment may result in enforcement action or invalidate insurance cover.

Cherry Pickers, MEWPs and Mobile Plant Explained

Although cherry pickers are mobile equipment, they should not be confused with general mobile plant inspections. Cherry pickers are MEWPs and are inspected specifically under LOLER due to their role in lifting people.

General mobile plant inspections typically focus on equipment such as mobile cranes, lorry loaders and vehicle mounted lifting systems. Cherry pickers require dedicated MEWP inspections due to the higher risk profile associated with working at height.

Professional Cherry Picker Inspections

Independent inspection helps ensure cherry pickers remain safe, compliant and reliable throughout their working life. Inspections carried out by competent Engineer Surveyors provide assurance to dutyholders, operators and insurers.

For statutory cherry picker inspections carried out under LOLER, view our MEWP LOLER inspection services.