LOLER Inspections
home / loler inspections
Every day, countless businesses across the UK rely on lifting equipment to get the job done.
But with this reliance comes a significant responsibility: ensuring the safety and integrity of every crane, hoist, and accessory. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) are the legal framework that governs this responsibility.
At Eurocrane, we understand that achieving and maintaining LOLER compliance can seem daunting. That’s why we provide professional, thorough, and reliable LOLER inspection services designed to give you complete peace of mind, allowing you to trust that the equipment you use is working safely. Our team of engineers specialises in all types of lifting equipment across a broad range of brands, ensuring your operations are not only safe but also fully compliant with the law.
What is a LOLER Inspection?
A LOLER inspection, officially known as a ‘thorough examination,’ is a meticulous and in-depth inspection of lifting equipment and its associated components. It is not just a visual check - a competent person with the necessary expertise, such as a Eurocrane inspector, meticulously assesses the equipment for any defects, damage, or wear that could pose a risk to the user or anyone in the immediate vicinity.
These regulations are a legal requirement for any business that owns, operates, or controls lifting equipment within a work environment. This includes, but is not limited to:
loler crane inspections:
Ensuring the safety of overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes.
loler hoist inspections:
Thoroughly examining manual and electric hoists and winches.
LOLER Lifting Accessories Inspections:
Meticulously checking slings, chains, hooks, shackles, eyebolts, and other critical accessories.
LOLER Lifting Equipment Inspections:
Covering everything from scissor lifts and forklift trucks to mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
Upon a successful examination, we provide an official LOLER inspection certificate, available for you to access on our digital portable, which is a crucial legal document proving your equipment is compliant and safe to operate.
How Often Are LOLER Inspections Required?
Maintaining the correct inspection schedule is a fundamental part of LOLER compliance. The regulations specify a minimum frequency, which can be summarised as:
Every 6 months
For all LOLER lifting accessories and any lifting equipment used for lifting people. This includes man-baskets and personnel hoists, where any failure could have catastrophic consequences.
Every 12 months
For all other lifting equipment, including the majority of cranes, hoists, and powered lifting machinery.
It is also a legal requirement for a thorough examination to be carried out after any 'exceptional circumstances' that could affect the equipment's integrity, such as:
Following a major modification or repair.
After a period of disuse that could have led to deterioration.
If the equipment has been damaged in any way.
When a crane or similar piece of equipment is reassembled at a new location.
The Consequences of not getting a LOLER Inspection
For some, LOLER inspections may seem like an inconvenience, but failing to comply can have devastating consequences for your business and your people. The risks far outweigh the cost of an inspection.
1. Serious Safety Risks and Fatalities:
This is the most critical consequence, as uninspected and unmaintained lifting equipment is a ticking time bomb. Defects can lead to catastrophic failures, causing severe injuries or even fatalities to your employees and others in the vicinity.
2. Legal & Financial Penalties:
The Health and Safety at Work Act gives the HSE significant powers to enforce compliance. If an incident or an inspection reveals that your equipment was not compliant, your business could face:
Unlimited Fines: In the UK, there is no limit to the fines that can be imposed for health and safety breaches. Fines can be in the tens of thousands or even millions of pounds, depending on the severity.
Imprisonment: In severe cases of negligence, company directors or managers can face criminal prosecution and custodial sentences.
Court Costs and Legal Fees: Defending a prosecution is an expensive and time-consuming process that can put a significant strain on your business.
3. Operational and Reputational Damage:
Operational Shutdowns: The HSE can issue 'Improvement' or 'Prohibition' notices, forcing you to stop all lifting operations until the issues are resolved.
Voided Insurance: Many insurance policies are invalid if a business is not compliant with legal regulations like LOLER, meaning you could be liable for all costs associated with an accident.
Lost Contracts & Damaged Reputation: A single accident or fine can severely damage your company's reputation, leading to lost contracts and a loss of public trust.
What Happens If Your Equipment Fails an Inspection?
A failed LOLER inspection is not a dead end; it's a critical safety alert. If our competent engineers identify a defect that poses a significant risk to health and safety, they are legally required to do the following:
Issue an Immediate Report
We will promptly provide a written report detailing the identified defect(s) and classify them based on severity.
Take the Equipment Out of Service
If a defect is an 'imminent' or 'serious' danger, the equipment must be taken out of service immediately. We will tag the equipment as "Not to be Used" to prevent any further operation until the issue is resolved.
Report to the HSE
For the most severe failures, we are legally obliged to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the person responsible for the equipment. This ensures a transparent record of the non-compliance.
Failing an inspection doesn't have to cause significant downtime - and our service doesn't stop at the report. We are a full-service provider and can assist you in getting your equipment back to a safe and compliant standard as quickly as possible.
Why Choose Eurocrane for Your LOLER Inspections?
As one of the UK’s most trusted LOLER inspection companies, we have built a reputation for excellence, reliability, and unparalleled expertise. When you choose Eurocrane, you benefit from:
competence & independence
Our engineers are not just qualified; they are highly experienced specialists who act with complete impartiality, providing an honest and objective assessment of your equipment.
Detailed and Meticulous Inspections
We follow a rigorous process that goes beyond the surface. We provide a comprehensive report detailing every aspect of our findings, giving you full visibility and actionable advice.
Nationwide Coverage, Local Service
While we are equipped to provide our expert LOLER inspection services across the entire UK, our strategic location allows us to offer prompt and efficient LOLER testing near me for businesses in the West Midlands and surrounding areas. This dual capability ensures we can meet your needs, no matter your location.
Seamless Management
We can help you manage your inspection schedule, providing timely reminders so your equipment never falls out of compliance.
We understand that you're looking for a partner, not just a service provider. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain the highest standards of safety.
Explore Our Range of Services
Frequently Asked Questions about LOLER Inspections
-
Most lifting equipment requires a thorough examination every 12 months. Lifting accessories and any equipment used to lift people must be inspected every 6 months. Additional inspections are required after major repairs, damage, long periods of disuse, or reassembly.
-
Any lifting equipment used at work is covered, including cranes, hoists, MEWPs, forklift attachments and all lifting accessories such as slings, chains and hooks.
-
If serious defects are found, the equipment must be taken out of service immediately. A written report is issued and, where required, the HSE is notified. Repairs or corrective work must be completed before the equipment can be used again.