Thorough Examinations for Lifting Equipment - LOLER Compliance

If you or your business use lifting equipment in day to day operations then you have to abide by The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, commonly known as LOLER. These health and safety regulations enshrine in law that those who provide, control and use lifting equipment ensure that is safe for operation. To ensure that your lifting equipment adheres to LOLER Regulations, you must have your equipment undergo Thorough Examinations.

According to LOLER the onus is on the employer to ensure that the lifting equipment undergoes these examinations at periodic intervals. Normally this is every 6 or 12 months but can be more frequent depending on the equipment.

What is a thorough inspection?

A thorough inspection, often referred to as a thorough examination, is a detailed and legally required check of lifting equipment under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998). It goes beyond a quick visual check. This type of inspection must be carried out by a competent person who has the knowledge and experience to assess whether the equipment is safe to use. The inspection looks at both the mechanical condition and the safety features of the equipment, and the outcome must be documented in a formal report. This report will state the examination date, any defects found, and the due date for the next inspection. If any immediate safety risks are identified, they must be reported on the spot.

What is covered by a thorough examination?

A thorough examination includes a full inspection of the lifting equipment’s structure, load-bearing parts, safety devices, and any associated accessories. Depending on the equipment type, this could involve checking chains, hooks, brakes, controls, guards, hydraulic systems, and even the surrounding mounting or installation. It also includes a review of previous inspection records and may involve functional testing. The key goal is to make sure the equipment is not only operational but also safe to use under current working conditions. Machinery examinations must be carried out at specific intervals, typically every 6 or 12 months, and are essential for ongoing LOLER compliance.

What is the difference between a LOLER and a thorough examination?

In practice, a thorough examination is the method required to meet LOLER regulations. LOLER is the legal framework that applies to lifting operations and equipment in the workplace, and a thorough examination is the formal process used to prove compliance with that law. So they are not two separate requirements. A thorough examination is the LOLER check. However, not every inspection of lifting equipment counts as a thorough examination. Only those carried out by a qualified person at the legally required intervals, with proper documentation, meet the standard set out in LOLER.

Finding a ‘Competent Person’ under LOLER Regulations

A person considered competent under LOLER must have the theoretical and practical knowledge of lifting equipment so they have the ability to provide a thorough examination. In addition for the thorough examination to take place the competent person must be adequately impartial and independent so that thorough examination can be made without prejudice.

Aerial Access Services are one of Scotland’s most established and trusted LOLER examiners, providing thorough examinations across Glasgow, Lanarkshire and further afield. Our highly experienced teams are familiar with all aspects of LOLER requirements. They go above and beyond the thorough examination stipulations to ensure that your lifting equipment is valid, fully certified and compliant, giving you the peace of mind that all the legal requirements are in order.

Aerial Access Services are available for a one off inspection or as part of your regular inspection cycle. We offer a clear and competitive price structure so do get in contact for a quote and to discuss how we can best serve your regulatory needs.