Stairlift Inspections
Independent Thorough Examinations for Stairlifts Used at Work
Stairlifts used at work or provided for public access must be safe, suitable and properly maintained at all times. Where equipment is used to lift or lower people, the law requires regular independent inspection to ensure continued safety and legal compliance.
Excel Inspection Solutions provides statutory stairlift inspections in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and, where applicable, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Our Engineer Surveyors carry out independent Thorough Examinations of stairlifts across a wide range of environments, supporting dutyholders with clear reporting and practical compliance advice.
We work with housing providers, facilities managers, managing agents, care providers, education settings and public sector organisations across the South East and nationwide.
This page provides detailed information on our independent stairlift inspection services. An overview of accessibility related lift inspections is available on our Disabled Access Lift Inspections page.
What Is a Stairlift?
A stairlift is a lifting appliance designed to transport people up and down a staircase using a fixed rail system. Stairlifts are commonly installed to assist people with reduced mobility where a platform or passenger lift is not practical.
Stairlifts may be installed in:
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Residential apartment blocks
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Sheltered and supported housing
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Care homes and healthcare environments
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Public buildings and education settings
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Commercial premises with stepped access
Where stairlifts are provided for use at work or for public access, they are classed as lifting equipment under LOLER.
Stairlift Regulations and Compliance
LOLER Stairlift Inspections
Stairlifts used to carry people fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. LOLER places legal duties on employers, landlords, building owners and dutyholders responsible for lift safety.
Under LOLER, stairlifts must be:
Strong and stable enough for their intended use
Installed and positioned safely
Thoroughly examined at prescribed intervals
Inspected by a competent and independent person
Our inspections are carried out fully in line with LOLER inspection requirements and supported by detailed written reports.
PUWER Requirements
Stairlifts are also subject to PUWER where applicable. PUWER requires that work equipment is:
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Suitable for the task
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Properly maintained
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Inspected where safety depends on installation or condition
In practice, stairlifts are commonly subject to both LOLER and PUWER inspections.
Stairlift Inspection Intervals
Stairlifts must undergo a Thorough Examination:
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Every 6 months when used to lift people
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At intervals specified within a Written Scheme of Examination, where applicable
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Following significant repairs, alterations or damage
Routine servicing does not replace the requirement for statutory inspection.
What Is a Stairlift Thorough Examination?
A Thorough Examination is a detailed, systematic and independent inspection carried out by a competent person. It is a legal requirement and must be recorded in a written report.
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During a stairlift inspection, our Engineer Surveyors will:
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Carry out visual and functional checks
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Examine controls, safety edges and stop systems
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Assess rails, fixings and drive mechanisms
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Inspect seats, restraints and footrests
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Review previous inspection reports and maintenance records
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Identify defects that could affect user safety
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Provide a clear digital report with photographic evidence
Where serious defects are identified, we will advise that the stairlift is removed from service until remedial action is completed.
Types of Stairlifts We Inspect
Our Engineer Surveyors carry out Thorough Examinations on a wide range of stairlift installations, including:
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Straight stairlifts
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Curved stairlifts
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Stairlifts installed in communal areas
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Stairlifts in care and healthcare environments
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Commercial and public access stairlifts
Where equipment uses a platform rather than a seat, inspection requirements are covered under Platform Lift Inspections.
Why Stairlift Inspections Matter
Regular stairlift inspections help to:
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Meet statutory obligations under LOLER and PUWER
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Protect users and building occupants
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Support safe and reliable stepped access
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Reduce the risk of accidents and equipment failure
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Support insurance and audit requirements
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Maintain compliance in public and workplace environments
Stairlifts are often installed to support vulnerable users and must remain safe and reliable at all times.
Stairlift Inspection Reports and Documentation
Following each inspection, we issue a digital report that includes:
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Stairlift identification and location details
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Date of examination and next due date
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Summary of checks carried out
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Details of any defects affecting safety
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Recommendations for remedial action
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Photographic evidence where applicable
These reports form part of your statutory safety records and should be retained for compliance and audit purposes.
Maintenance Audits and Condition Surveys
In addition to statutory inspections, we offer condition surveys and maintenance audits for stairlifts. These services provide:
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Independent assessment of stairlift condition
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Identification of wear and component lifespan
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Review of maintenance effectiveness
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Support for long term asset planning
These services are particularly beneficial for organisations responsible for multiple stairlifts across several locations.
Why Choose Excel Inspection Solutions?
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Independent and impartial Engineer Surveyors
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LOLER and PUWER compliant stairlift inspections
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Clear, practical digital reporting
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Flexible scheduling across single or multiple sites
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Nationwide coverage through our inspection network
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Trusted by housing providers, care organisations and public sector bodies
Stairlift Inspection FAQs
How often do stairlifts need inspecting?
Stairlifts used to lift people must undergo a Thorough Examination every 6 months unless a Written Scheme specifies otherwise.
Are stairlifts covered by LOLER?
Yes. Where stairlifts are used at work or provided for public access, they are classed as lifting equipment under LOLER.
Is a stairlift inspection the same as servicing?
No. A Thorough Examination is a statutory inspection carried out independently of routine maintenance.
Do stairlifts in residential buildings require inspection?
Yes. Stairlifts in residential buildings must be inspected where they are provided for use at work or by residents.
Supporting Your Wider Compliance Requirements
Excel Inspection Solutions delivers a comprehensive range of statutory inspection services for lifting equipment and work equipment across London and the South of England. Alongside this service, we support duty holders in meeting their legal obligations under LOLER and PUWER through independent thorough examinations and periodic inspections.
Our experience includes passenger lifts, goods lifts, platform lifts, stairlifts, MEWPs, cranes, hoists, pallet handling equipment and other work equipment where statutory inspection is required. As part of a national network of Engineer Surveyors, we can also coordinate examinations across the United Kingdom where needed.
If you require an independent inspection partner to support your compliance programme, our team will be pleased to discuss your requirements.