What Is a Thorough Examination Under LOLER?

A thorough examination under LOLER is a statutory inspection, required to ensure lifting equipment remains safe for continued use. It is a legal requirement for many types of lifting equipment used at work and is separate from routine maintenance or servicing.

Understanding what a LOLER thorough examination involves, when it is required, and who is responsible is essential for dutyholders managing lifting equipment in the workplace.

What does LOLER mean?

LOLER refers to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations apply to lifting equipment used at work and are designed to ensure that lifting operations are carried out safely and that equipment is suitable and properly inspected.

LOLER applies to a wide range of equipment, including lifts, hoists, MEWPs, lifting accessories and other equipment used to lift loads or people.

What is a thorough examination under LOLER?

A LOLER thorough examination is a detailed and systematic inspection carried out by a competent person to assess whether lifting equipment is safe to continue in use.

It focuses on identifying defects that could lead to danger and considers the condition of safety critical components rather than general wear and tear alone.

A thorough examination is a formal process and must result in a written report.

Is a thorough examination the same as maintenance?

No. A thorough examination under LOLER is not maintenance.

The key differences are:

• Maintenance aims to keep equipment working correctly

• A thorough examination assesses whether equipment is safe to use

• Maintenance is usually planned by the dutyholder or contractor

• Thorough examinations must be carried out by a competent person who can make impartial judgements

Maintenance activities do not replace the legal requirement for a LOLER thorough examination.

What equipment requires a LOLER thorough examination?

LOLER applies to lifting equipment used at work, including but not limited to:

• Passenger and goods lifts

• Hoists and lifting accessories

• Mobile elevating work platforms such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts

• Overhead lifting equipment

• Equipment used to lift people

Whether equipment falls under LOLER depends on how it is used, not just its design.

How often is a thorough examination required?

LOLER sets minimum intervals for thorough examination unless a written scheme of examination specifies otherwise:

• Every 6 months for lifting equipment used to lift people

• Every 12 months for lifting equipment used to lift loads only

Additional thorough examinations are also required:

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

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

What is a written scheme of examination?

A written scheme of examination is a document drawn up by a competent person that specifies:

• Which parts of the lifting equipment require examination

• The nature of the examination

• The frequency at which examinations must take place

Where a written scheme is in place, it may define inspection intervals that differ from the standard 6 or 12 month periods, provided safety is not compromised.

What happens after a thorough examination?

Following a LOLER thorough examination, the competent person must produce a written report.

If defects are identified, they are classified according to severity. Where a defect involves an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury, the dutyholder must take immediate action, and the enforcing authority may need to be notified.

Records of thorough examinations must be kept and made available for inspection.

Who is responsible for LOLER compliance?

The responsibility for ensuring thorough examinations take place rests with the dutyholder. This may be:

• An employer

• A building owner

• A facilities management company

• A contractor, depending on contractual arrangements

Dutyholders must ensure that inspection reports are reviewed and that any required actions are completed.

Summary

A LOLER thorough examination is a statutory inspection designed to confirm that lifting equipment is safe to continue in use. It is a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and plays a critical role in protecting people and maintaining compliance.

Understanding the difference between inspection and maintenance, and ensuring examinations are carried out at the correct intervals, is essential for dutyholders managing lifting equipment.