INDEPENDENT LOLER & LIFTING EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS IN LONDON & SOUTH EAST

A LOLER inspection, more formally known as a thorough examination, is a detailed assessment of lifting equipment carried out by a competent person. The purpose is to identify defects or deterioration that could affect safe use and to confirm whether the equipment remains suitable to stay in service. LOLER applies to many types of lifting equipment used at work, including lifts, cranes, hoists, MEWPs, forklifts, vehicle lifts and lifting accessories.

LOLER specifically covers lifting equipment and lifting operations, while PUWER applies more broadly to work equipment used by businesses. In many cases both can apply to the same piece of equipment. For example, a forklift may need a LOLER thorough examination for its lifting functions while PUWER requirements apply to the wider condition and safe use of the machine. We can help identify which type of inspection is relevant to the equipment you use.

We inspect a broad range of equipment including passenger and goods lifts, platform lifts, escalators, cranes, hoists, MEWPs, cherry pickers, forklifts, telehandlers, vehicle lifting equipment, patient hoists, lifting accessories and associated equipment. We also inspect a range of workplace and safety equipment, including items such as harnesses, lanyards, ladders and steps where applicable. If you are unsure whether a particular item is covered, contact a member of our team and we can confirm whether it falls within our inspection scope.

The required frequency depends on the type of equipment, how it is used and whether a written examination scheme is in place. As a general LOLER guide, equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories are typically thoroughly examined every 6 months, while other lifting equipment is usually examined every 12 months. Different intervals may apply where a written scheme of examination is in place. Our qualified surveyors can advise on the appropriate examination schedule for your equipment.

If a defect is found, it will be recorded in the inspection report along with its significance and any action that may be required. Where a defect could present a danger, this will be clearly highlighted so appropriate action can be taken. Certain serious defects may also need to be reported to the relevant enforcing authority in accordance with LOLER requirements.

Yes. If your LOLER examination is overdue, contact a member of our team with the equipment details, location and required timescale. We can confirm availability and arrange the appropriate thorough examination. We regularly support businesses with overdue and urgent inspection requirements.

Yes. Following an inspection, we provide clear inspection documentation detailing the equipment examined, the findings and any defects or observations identified. We can also support businesses with inspection reminders, equipment registers and multi site inspection schedules to help keep future inspection dates organised and reduce the risk of important checks being missed.

A LOLER thorough examination must be carried out by a competent person who is sufficiently independent and impartial to make objective decisions about the equipment. This does not necessarily mean they must work for a separate company, but HSE guidance says the person carrying out routine maintenance should not normally be the same person carrying out the thorough examination. UK Lift Inspection Services provides independent examinations without being responsible for the routine maintenance of your equipment.

Yes, short-notice and out-of-hours LOLER and PUWER inspections may be available depending on location and surveyor availability. Contact a member of our team by phone or WhatsApp with your equipment details and required timescale and we will confirm what can be arranged.

Yes. London and Southern England are our core service areas, but we can also travel further afield for inspection work across the UK. Availability will depend on the location, equipment and scope of the inspection programme.

Yes. Where appropriate, we can inspect different types of equipment during the same site visit, including lifts, cranes, hoists, MEWPs, forklifts, vehicle lifting equipment, patient lifting equipment and lifting accessories. Contact our team with your equipment list and we can confirm the inspection requirements and organise the visit.