How Often Do MEWPs Need LOLER Inspection?

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, commonly referred to as MEWPs, are widely used to lift people to height for maintenance, construction and facilities management activities. Because MEWPs lift people, they are subject to specific statutory inspection requirements under UK health and safety legislation.

A common question for dutyholders is how often a MEWP LOLER inspection is required and what determines the inspection frequency.

What is classed as a MEWP?

A MEWP is a type of lifting equipment designed to lift people to carry out work at height. Common examples include:

• Cherry pickers

• Scissor lifts

• Articulated boom platforms

• Telescopic boom platforms

Because MEWPs are used to lift people, they fall within the scope of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

Are MEWPs subject to LOLER inspection?

Yes. MEWPs are classed as lifting equipment under LOLER.

HSE guidance makes clear that lifting equipment used to lift people must be subject to thorough examination to ensure it remains safe for continued use. This applies regardless of whether the MEWP is owned, hired, or supplied by a third party.

How often do MEWPs need LOLER inspection?

In most cases, a MEWP LOLER inspection is required:

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

This six monthly interval is the standard minimum requirement unless a written scheme of examination specifies a different frequency.

What is a written scheme of examination?

A written scheme of examination is a document produced by a competent person that sets out:

• Which parts of the MEWP require thorough examination

• The nature of the examination

• The frequency at which examinations must take place

Where a written scheme exists, it may define inspection intervals that differ from the standard six month requirement, provided the scheme demonstrates that safety is maintained.

When else is a MEWP LOLER inspection required?

In addition to periodic inspections, 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, overloading or an accident

• If the MEWP has been out of use for an extended period and safety may be affected

These inspections are required to confirm that the equipment remains safe before being returned to service.

Is maintenance the same as LOLER inspection?

No. Maintenance and LOLER inspection serve different purposes.

• Maintenance is carried out to keep the MEWP working correctly

• A LOLER thorough examination assesses whether the MEWP is safe to use

Routine servicing does not replace the legal requirement for a MEWP LOLER inspection.

Does PUWER also apply to MEWPs?

Yes. MEWPs 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, while LOLER focuses on lifting risks and statutory inspection. Both sets of regulations must be complied with.

Who is responsible for ensuring inspections take place?

The responsibility for ensuring MEWP LOLER inspections are carried out rests with the dutyholder. This may be:

• An employer

• A facilities management company

• A contractor

• A building owner

Where MEWPs are hired, hire companies may supply inspection documentation, but the dutyholder must still ensure that statutory inspection requirements are met and records are retained.

Summary

In summary:

• MEWPs are lifting equipment under LOLER

• MEWPs used to lift people typically require inspection every six months

• A written scheme of examination may specify different intervals

• Additional inspections are required after exceptional circumstances

• Maintenance does not replace statutory inspection

• Dutyholders are responsible for compliance

Understanding inspection frequency is essential for the safe and compliant use of MEWPs in the workplace.