Do Ceiling and Patient Hoists Require LOLER Inspection?

Ceiling hoists and patient hoists are widely used in healthcare, care homes and assisted living environments to lift and transfer people safely. Because these devices are used to lift people, they are subject to specific legal requirements around inspection and safety.

A common question for dutyholders is whether ceiling and patient hoist LOLER inspection is required and how these inspections should be managed in practice.

What are ceiling hoists and patient hoists?

Ceiling hoists and patient hoists are lifting devices designed to lift, lower and transfer people. Common examples include:

• Fixed ceiling track hoists

• Mobile patient hoists

• Bariatric hoists

• Standing and transfer hoists

These devices are designed specifically to lift people and are therefore treated differently from equipment that lifts loads only.

Are ceiling and patient hoists covered by LOLER inspection?

Yes. Ceiling hoists and patient hoists are classed as lifting equipment under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

Because they are used to lift people, they fall within the scope of LOLER and are subject to statutory inspection requirements. HSE guidance confirms that lifting equipment used for lifting people must undergo thorough examination.

What does LOLER require for ceiling and patient hoists?

Under LOLER, ceiling and patient hoists must:

• Be suitable for the task and environment

• Be properly installed where applicable

• Be used safely

• Undergo thorough examination by a competent person

The statutory requirement for thorough examination is a key part of compliance.

How often do ceiling and patient hoists require LOLER inspection?

In most cases, a ceiling and patient hoist LOLER inspection is required:

• At least every 6 months, where the hoist is used to lift people

Alternatively, inspection frequency may be set out in a written scheme of examination prepared by a competent person.

Additional thorough examinations are also required:

• After installation or assembly, where safety depends on installation conditions

• After exceptional circumstances such as damage, modification or failure

• Where the hoist has been out of use and safety may be affected

What about slings and lifting accessories?

Slings and other lifting accessories used with patient hoists are also subject to LOLER.

These items must be:

• Suitable for use

• Identified and traceable

• Thoroughly examined at appropriate intervals

Lifting accessories used to lift people are commonly subject to six monthly inspection under LOLER.

Is maintenance the same as LOLER inspection?

No. Maintenance and inspection are separate activities.

• Maintenance focuses on keeping the hoist functioning correctly

• A LOLER thorough examination assesses whether the hoist is safe to continue in use

Routine servicing does not replace the statutory requirement for inspection.

Who is responsible for ensuring inspection takes place?

Responsibility for ensuring ceiling and patient hoist LOLER inspection rests with the dutyholder. This may include:

• Care home operators

• NHS trusts

• Private healthcare providers

• Facilities management companies

Dutyholders must ensure inspections are carried out at the correct intervals and that records are retained.

Summary

In summary:

• Ceiling hoists and patient hoists are lifting equipment under LOLER

• They are used to lift people and therefore require statutory inspection

• Inspection is typically required every six months unless a written scheme states otherwise

• Slings and lifting accessories are also covered by LOLER

• Maintenance does not replace inspection

• Dutyholders are responsible for compliance

Understanding these requirements is essential for the safe and compliant use of ceiling and patient hoists.