LOLER Inspections in the UK

Lifting Equipment Inspections

The main legislation concerning lifting equipment is The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), this covers all work equipment that lifts and lowers a load.

What Are LOLER Inspections?

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These UK regulations require all businesses using lifting equipment to have it thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals. A LOLER inspection – by legal definition, thorough examinations of lifting equipment – is a detailed safety assessment to identify any defects or issues that could make lifting equipment dangerous to use.

Whether you operate overhead cranes, forklifts, vehicle lifts, patient hoists, or any equipment that lifts and lowers loads, LOLER compliance isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement under UK health and safety law. The inspection must be carried out by someone with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience – in short, a competent person from an accredited inspection provider like GSB Inspections Ltd.

At GSB Inspections, we understand that your equipment is essential to your operations. That’s why we provide responsive, professional LOLER inspections across the UK, working around your schedule to minimise disruption. As an associate member of the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed), we demonstrate our commitment to industry competency standards and best practices.

Why Choose GSB Inspections for Your LOLER Testing?

When you need LOLER inspections, you want an inspection provider that understands your business and responds quickly to your needs. Here’s what makes GSB Inspections different:

Direct Contact, No Middleman

You won’t be passed around a call centre or deal with multiple departments. When you ring 01782 855481, you speak directly to our team. This means faster quotes, quicker scheduling and a service tailored to your specific requirements.

SAFed Associate Membership

We’re proud associate members of the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed), the leading trade association for lifting equipment engineers. This demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards and staying current with industry regulations and best practices. SAFed members provide statutory and non-statutory equipment examinations, testing and inspection services to national legislation, including but not exhaustive of PUWER, LOLER, PSSR, and COSHH.

Flexible, Responsive Service

Unlike other larger organisations with rigid scheduling, we work around your operations. Whether you need an inspection during a planned shutdown, outside normal hours or have an urgent requirement, we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. We’re experienced at minimising downtime and disruption.

Comprehensive Coverage Across the UK

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, we provide LOLER inspections throughout the Midlands, North West, North East, and Wales. Our coverage includes Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Greater Manchester, and many more locations (see our full service areas below).

Clear, Detailed Reporting

Following your LOLER inspection, you’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing our findings, any identified defects and recommended actions. Our reports are clear, easy to understand and provide the documentation you need to demonstrate compliance.

Experienced Competent Persons

Our engineers have extensive experience across all types of lifting equipment. We’ve carried out thousands of thorough examinations for businesses ranging from small garages to large industrial facilities.

Our LOLER Inspection Process

We’ve designed our LOLER inspection process to be straightforward and cause minimal disruption to your business:

Step 1: Initial Contact

Email us on info@gsbinspections.co.uk or complete the enquiry form on this page. You provide us with a plant schedule/equipment list, when it was last inspected and any operational requirements. There’s no complex procurement process – just a direct conversation with our team.

Step 2: Flexible Scheduling

We’ll arrange a convenient date and time for your inspection. We’ll work with you to find a solution that minimises disruption to your operations.

Step 3: On-Site Thorough Examination

Our engineer will attend your site and conduct a detailed examination of your lifting equipment. This includes checking for wear, damage, deformation and any defects that could affect safe operation. We inspect all relevant components including structural elements, safety devices, controls and lifting accessories.

Step 4: Immediate Feedback

If we identify any issues during the inspection, we’ll discuss them with you on the day. For serious defects that make equipment unsafe, we’ll advise you immediately so you can take appropriate action.

Step 5: Comprehensive Report

You’ll receive a detailed inspection report documenting our findings. This includes information on the equipment examined, the date of examination, any defects identified and when the next examination is due. This report is essential for demonstrating your LOLER compliance to the HSE or your insurers.

Step 6: Ongoing Support

We can set up reminder systems for your next inspection due dates so you never miss a required examination. If you have questions about your report or need advice, we’re always happy to help.

Understanding LOLER Inspection Frequencies

At GSB Inspections, we specialise in carrying out thorough LOLER inspections in the UK. As per Regulation 9 of LOLER, it is mandatory to have a competent person conduct a comprehensive inspection of lifting equipment.

LOLER specifies minimum inspection intervals based on the type of equipment and its use. However, these are minimums – if your equipment operates in harsh conditions, is used intensively, or has a history of defects, more frequent inspections may be necessary.

Lifting Equipment Used for Lifting Persons – Every 6 Months

If your lifting equipment carries people – such as passenger lifts, platform lifts, MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms), or patient hoists – it must be thoroughly examined every six months. This shorter interval reflects the higher safety risk when equipment carries people rather than just goods.

Lifting Accessories – Every 6 Months

Lifting accessories including slings, chains, shackles, hooks, and eyebolts must also be examined every six months. These items are subject to wear and damage, and regular inspection is essential for safe lifting operations.

All Other Lifting Equipment – Every 12 Months

Lifting equipment that only lifts or lowers loads – such as overhead cranes, forklift trucks, goods lifts, hoists, and vehicle ramps – must be examined at least annually. Some manufacturers may specify shorter intervals in their instructions.

After Installation or Assembly

Before lifting equipment is used for the first time, after installation at a new location, or following substantial modification or repair, it must be thoroughly examined. This ensures the installation has been completed correctly and the equipment is safe to operate.

Examination Scheme

For some complex lifting equipment, you may need a written scheme of examination prepared by a competent person. This scheme specifies what should be examined and how often. GSB Inspections can advise whether your equipment requires an examination scheme.

If you require further information on lifting equipment testing and inspection frequencies, please get in touch:

My first contact was with Gary and he dealt with my query and questions brilliantly. He explained the process, it was easy to sort and it went smoothly. Expected contact... read more

Mrs B
December 8, 2023
Excellent service & communications

Gary Jackson
October 8, 2023
Been using GSB for a year, great service keeping all our plant and machinery in certification

James Plant
September 8, 2023
Service, communication, support and advice has been excellent, Garry has gone out of his way to support our school with issues arisen from council maintenance, he has gone out of... read more

Miss H Morrey
July 13, 2023
Well what a great service Gary provides, always does a very thorough job, can't recommend enough, we always Gary really great guy.

Daz Griffiths
May 19, 2023
Inspected transferable winch units with, greatly appreciated, additional guidance covering separate requirements for accompanying D shackles and inspection schedule. Very diligent service and great value.

Andrew Piekarczyk
March 19, 2023
Excellent service very competent knowledgeable and professional staff Would highly recommend

Carl Eades
January 19, 2023
Great service. Would highly recommend and will use again.

Jade Furey
November 19, 2022
Gary has been doing our certifications for the last few years. Very professional and very reliable. A**

Rob Scanlan
September 19, 2022
Great bloke, reliable, informative, pleasure to deal with.

Gary Jackson
September 19, 2022

Examples of Lifting Equipment Inspections

GSB Inspections can carry out LOLER thorough examinations on a comprehensive range of lifting equipment and accessories. Here are the main categories we cover:

Industrial & Warehouse Equipment

Overhead Cranes & Gantry Cranes - including electric overhead travelling cranes, jib cranes, and wall-mounted systems
Forklift Trucks & Lift Trucks - all types including counterbalance, reach trucks, and order pickers
Pallet Stackers & Order Picking Equipment - manual and powered systems
Chain Blocks & Hoists - electric and manual chain hoists, wire rope hoists
Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) - complex warehouse automation
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) - scissor lifts, boom lifts, cherry pickers
Conveyors with Lifting Elements - where they incorporate lifting operations

Healthcare & Care Home Equipment

Specialist Applications

Garage & Automotive Workshop Equipment

Access Equipment

Lifting Accessories & Attachments

If your equipment isn’t listed here, please contact us. We have experience with many specialist and unusual types of lifting equipment and we can advise whether a LOLER inspection is required and provide the service you need.

GSB Inspections specialise in providing professional and reliable LOLER inspections in the UK. Our team of experts are equipped to ensure the safety and compliance of your lifting equipment. Contact us today for expert advice and assistance by filling out the form below or giving us a ring on 01782 855481.

Our Commitment To Your Saftey

We Are A Proud Associate Member Of The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed)

As an associate member of the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed), GSB Inspections demonstrates our commitment to complying with industry competency standards and the code of practice set by SAFed. This affiliation emphasizes our dedication to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

Got Questions? (FAQs)

LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. It is a set of regulations in the United Kingdom that aim to ensure the safe use of lifting equipment and protect both operators and those nearby.

The purpose of a LOLER inspection is to ensure that lifting equipment is safe to use and in proper working condition. These inspections help identify any defects or potential hazards that could compromise safety during lifting operations.

The duty to ensure compliance with LOLER lies with the owner or operator of the lifting equipment. Employers, business owners, or organisations that use lifting equipment are typically responsible for arranging LOLER inspections.

The frequency of LOLER inspections depends on the type of lifting equipment and its intended use. Generally, thorough examinations (inspections) should take place at least every six months for lifting equipment that lifts persons or lifting accessories. All other lifting equipment every 12 months.

LOLER inspections must be carried out by competent individuals with relevant knowledge and experience in inspecting and examining lifting equipment. This may be an internal employee who has received proper training or an external competent inspection service like GSB Inspections.

No, it is essential to comply with LOLER regulations. Operating lifting equipment without a thorough examination, as required by LOLER, is not only unsafe but also illegal. GSB Inspections helps you meet these legal obligations and ensures the safety of your equipment.

Yes, failure to comply with LOLER regulations can lead to legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment in serious cases. Moreover, using unsafe lifting equipment puts people at risk and may lead to accidents and injuries.

Scheduling a LOLER inspection with GSB Inspections is easy. Simply fill out the contact form below and we will assist you in setting up an inspection appointment at a time convenient for you.

LOLER applies to a wide range of industries and lifting equipment used for various purposes. GSB Inspections serves diverse industries and can inspect various types of lifting equipment, including cranes, forklifts, hoists, passenger/goods lifts, and mechanical lifting devices.

Yes, GSB Inspections ensures thorough record-keeping. Following each examination, we provide a comprehensive report detailing the inspection findings, identified defects, and recommended actions. These records are crucial for compliance purposes and can be made available for inspection when required.

Yes! As an associate member of the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed), GSB Inspections demonstrates our commitment to complying with industry competency standards and the code of practice set by SAFed. This affiliation emphasises our dedication to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

GSB Inspection Services

LOLER Inspection Service Areas

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, we are constantly expanding our reach to serve additional locations. If you are located outside of these areas and require our engineering inspection services, please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Require A LOLER Inspection in the UK?

No middle person, direct contact, fast turnaround.

Please complete the form below to submit your enquiry.

info@gsbinspections.co.uk

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