How to Set Up a LOLER Inspection Programme

Carry out a comprehensive audit of all equipment used at work that lifts or lowers loads. The scope is broad. Include: overhead cranes and hoists; mobile cranes; fork-lift trucks (the forks are lifting equipment, the truck itself is governed by PUWER); tail lifts on vehicles; chain blocks and lever hoists; rope and chain slings, shackles and hooks used for lifting; lifting beams and spreader bars; MEWPs (cherry pickers, scissor lifts); passenger lifts and goods lifts; stairlifts; patient hoists and bath hoists in healthcare; and any bespoke or site-built lifting equipment.

For each item of equipment, record: the equipment type and description; the manufacturer, model and serial number; the safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL); the location; the owner (if not your organisation); the date of the last thorough examination and the certificate number; and the due date for the next examination.

The default intervals under LOLER Schedule 1 are: every 6 months for lifting equipment used to lift people (including passenger lifts, MEWPs when used to carry workers, and patient hoists); every 12 months for all other lifting equipment; and every 6 months for all accessories used to lift people, every 12 months for other accessories.

These default intervals can be replaced by a written examination scheme prepared by a competent person. A written scheme sets out the scope of the examination, the interval, and any specific inspection points for the type of equipment. For complex or high-value equipment, a written scheme is often more appropriate than the default intervals and may allow examination of specific components at different intervals. If you use a written scheme, it must be prepared and kept updated by a competent person.

The thorough examination must be carried out by a competent person who is independent of the organisation responsible for the equipment. Independence means the person must not be subject to commercial or other pressures that could affect their judgement. In practice, thorough examinations are typically carried out by specialist engineering inspection companies or by insurers who provide engineering inspection services.

The competent person must have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the specific type of lifting equipment being examined. A person competent to examine chain blocks may not be competent to examine passenger lifts or offshore lifting equipment. Confirm the scope of competence of your chosen examiner before appointment.

Create a register of all lifting equipment with the due date for thorough examination prominently marked. Set up a system to receive, review and file examination reports. When a report is received, check: whether any defects were found; whether the defects are described as involving imminent risk (in which case the equipment must be taken out of use immediately); the recommended date for the next examination; and any conditions on continued use.

LOLER reg 10 specifies retention periods: a minimum of 2 years for reports where no defect exists or where defects have been remedied; until the defect is remedied for reports where a defect was identified. In practice, retain all reports for the life of the equipment plus a reasonable period thereafter — this ensures you have a complete examination history if a claim arises.

Where the thorough examination identifies a defect not involving imminent risk, you must ensure the defect is remedied within the timeframe specified in the report. Where a defect involves imminent risk, the equipment must not be used until the defect is remedied and the competent person confirms it is safe.

Do not simply file reports and ignore defect findings. Implement a process whereby examination reports are reviewed by a responsible person — typically the maintenance manager or safety advisor — and any action required is assigned, tracked and completed. If the competent person identifies a defect that has been present for some time, consider whether there is a maintenance or operational failure that needs addressing.

Review the LOLER programme at least annually: confirm that all equipment is registered and in examination date; confirm that the competent person's scope of competence covers all equipment types; review any defects identified in the previous year and whether the corrective actions were completed on time; and consider whether any new equipment has been acquired that should be added to the register.

Following any lifting incident or near miss, review the relevant equipment's examination history and consider whether a special inspection (in addition to the routine thorough examination) is required. LOLER reg 9(3) requires examination following exceptional circumstances likely to jeopardise the safety of lifting equipment.