LOLER Inspections - Dynamic Safety Solutions

UK: +44 28 8250 2102

Ireland: +353 982 8489

UK: +44 28 8250 2102

Ireland: +353 982 8489

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LOLER Inspections

Don't take risks with your critical machinery. Keep your people safe and site compliant with Dynamic Safety Solutions.

We can carry out LOLER inspections across the UK and Ireland, ensuring safety compliance and equipment integrity.

LOLER Inspections provided include:

Lifting Equipment

Winches
Wire ropes
Lever hoists
Wire rope hoists
Powered hoists

Lifting Accessories

Harnesses
Slings
Chains
Shackles
Eye bolts

Plant & Machinery

MEWPs
Forklifts
Telehandlers
Excavators (360, 180 etc)
Loading Shovels

Cranes

Overhead Cranes
Gantry Cranes
Crawler Cranes
Swing Jibs

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How we work with our clients

1. Visual inspections

Our visual inspections are conducted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that no visible defects, such as cracks, dents, corrosion, or missing components, go unnoticed. Our engineers scrutinise every aspect of your lifting equipment, from the lifting beams and hoists to the shackles, chains, and hooks, ensuring that no potential hazards remain undetected.

2. Functional checks

Beyond the visual inspection, our engineers meticulously assess the functional integrity of your lifting equipment. This involves testing the brakes, gears, hoists, and other critical components to ensure they operate as intended. We also verify the proper functioning of safety devices, such as overload alarms and load indicators, to safeguard against overloading and other potential hazards.

2. Measurements

To ensure that your lifting equipment operates within the specified parameters, our engineers take precise measurements of key factors, such as load capacity, clearances, and alignment. This not only verifies compliance with manufacturer’s specifications but also optimises the performance and safety of your equipment.

4. Advanced testing

While visual inspections and functional checks form the foundation of our LOLER inspections, we also utilise advanced NDT techniques when necessary. These techniques, such as ultrasonic testing and X-ray testing, enable us to detect hidden defects that may not be apparent from visual inspections. This proactive approach ensures that even the most subtle flaws are identified early on, preventing potential failures and ensuring the continued safety of your lifting equipment.

5. Documentation review

To ensure that your lifting equipment operates within the specified parameters, our engineers take precise measurements of key factors, such as load capacity, clearances, and alignment. This not only verifies compliance with manufacturer’s specifications but also optimises the performance and safety of your equipment.

LOLER Inspections FAQs...

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What is LOLER and why is it required?

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) is legislation governing the safe design, use, examination, and maintenance of lifting equipment. It ensures lifting equipment is strong, stable, correctly marked, inspected, and safe for use to protect workers, business owners, and clients.

What equipment does LOLER cover?

LOLER applies to “lifting equipment” and “accessories for lifting,” which includes items like cranes, hoists, slings, vehicle-tail lifts, goods and passenger lifts, lifts used in construction, etc. It covers both the machinery and its attachments/supporting accessories.

Who can perform LOLER inspections?

LOLER inspections / thorough examinations must be carried out by a competent person - someone with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and skills to detect defects, assess risk, and make considered judgements about safety. Often this is an external inspector or specialist.

How often must lifting equipment be thoroughly examined under LOLER?

Equipment used for lifting or lowering people typically requires inspection every six months. Lifting accessories (slings, chains, hooks, etc.) also usually every six months. Other lifting equipment generally every twelve months - unless a risk assessment by a competent person determines more frequent intervals. A “thorough examination” is also required before first use, after installation, after repairs, or following any change in conditions that could affect safety.

What does a “thorough examination” include?

A thorough examination means a detailed inspection of the equipment by a competent person to detect any defects or weaknesses. This includes assessing structure, wear & tear, corrosion, safe working load markings, stability, the condition of accessories, documentation & maintenance records. Any defects must be noted, reported, and addressed before continued use.

What happens if equipment fails a LOLER inspection?

If defects or safety issues are identified, the equipment must be taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Depending on severity, you may need to submit documentation of corrective actions. Continued neglect or non-compliance can lead to legal penalties, fines, or increased insurance risk.

Are LOLER inspections mandatory everywhere?

If you own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment for work purposes, then yes—LOLER or similar regulatory frameworks require these inspections. Even if you hire equipment, you may still have legal duties. Local regulations in Ireland may reference GA1 / General Applications Regulations, etc.

What records must be kept after a LOLER inspection?

You must keep written reports of thorough examinations and any corrective actions, Safe Working Load (SWL) markings, test and maintenance logs. These records should be available for review (e.g. by inspectors) and kept for a certain period (often until the next examination or longer if required).