Do Cherry Pickers Require LOLER Inspection?

Cherry pickers are widely used across construction, facilities management, warehousing and maintenance environments to lift people to height. Because they lift people, they are subject to specific legal requirements around inspection and safety.

A common question for dutyholders is whether cherry pickers require inspection under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), and if so, what that inspection involves.

The short answer is yes, in most cases cherry pickers do require LOLER inspection. The detail matters, however, and understanding the legal framework is essential to remaining compliant.

What is classed as a cherry picker?

A cherry picker is a type of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). MEWPs are designed to lift people to carry out work at height and include equipment such as:

• Boom type cherry pickers

• Articulated boom platforms

• Telescopic boom platforms

• Scissor lifts

Because cherry pickers lift people, they are treated differently in law from equipment that lifts loads only.

Are cherry pickers covered by LOLER?

Yes. Cherry pickers are classed as lifting equipment under LOLER.

LOLER applies to lifting equipment that is used at work for lifting or lowering loads. Where the load being lifted is a person, LOLER places stricter inspection requirements on that equipment.

HSE guidance is clear that MEWPs, including cherry pickers, fall within the scope of LOLER because they are used to lift people.

What does LOLER require for cherry pickers?

Under LOLER, cherry pickers must:

• Be suitable for the task and environment in which they are used

• Be properly installed where applicable

• Be used safely by trained personnel

• Undergo thorough examination by a competent person at required intervals

The key statutory requirement is the thorough examination.

How often do cherry pickers require LOLER inspection?

Where lifting equipment is used to lift people, LOLER requires thorough examination:

• At least every 6 months, or

• In accordance with a written scheme of examination drawn up by a competent person

This six monthly interval is the most common requirement for cherry pickers, unless a written scheme specifies otherwise.

In addition to periodic examinations, a thorough examination is also required:

• After installation or assembly at a new site, where safety depends on installation conditions

• After exceptional circumstances, such as damage, modification or an accident

What is a thorough examination?

A thorough examination is not the same as maintenance or servicing.

It is a detailed and systematic assessment carried out by a competent person to determine whether the cherry picker is safe to continue in use. The examination focuses on:

• Structural integrity

• Safety critical components

• Control systems and emergency functions

• Evidence of wear, damage or deterioration

Following the examination, a written report is issued, identifying any defects and specifying whether they are:

• Defects requiring immediate action

• Defects requiring repair within a specified timescale

This report forms a key part of statutory compliance records.

Does PUWER also apply to cherry pickers?

Yes. Cherry pickers are also subject to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

PUWER focuses on the safe use, suitability and maintenance of work equipment. LOLER and PUWER work alongside each other, not instead of one another.

In simple terms:

• LOLER covers lifting risks and statutory examination

• PUWER covers safe use, maintenance and management

Both sets of regulations must be satisfied.

Who is responsible for ensuring inspection takes place?

The responsibility sits with the dutyholder. This may be:

• An employer

• A facilities management company

• A building owner

• A contractor, depending on contractual arrangements

Hire companies may provide documentation for hired cherry pickers, but the dutyholder must still ensure that inspection requirements are met and records are in place.

Why independent inspection matters

LOLER requires that thorough examinations are carried out by a competent person who can make objective judgements about safety.

In many cases, this is achieved through the use of an independent inspection provider, separate from maintenance or hire activities. This helps ensure impartiality and clarity when defects are identified.

Summary

In summary:

• Cherry pickers are classed as MEWPs

• MEWPs are lifting equipment under LOLER

• Cherry pickers used to lift people require LOLER thorough examination

• Inspections are typically required every six months unless a written scheme states otherwise

• Thorough examination is a statutory inspection, not maintenance

• Dutyholders are responsible for ensuring compliance

Understanding and meeting these requirements is essential for safe operation and legal compliance when using cherry pickers at work.