Goods Lift Inspection
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Statutory 12-monthly thorough examination of goods lifts and service lifts under LOLER 1998.
Overview
A goods lift LOLER thorough examination is the statutory inspection that keeps a service or goods-only lift safe and compliant. Safe-Lee examines goods lifts, service lifts and dumbwaiters for businesses across Manchester and the North West, independently of your maintenance provider.
We attend at a time that suits your operation, examine the lift and its safety systems, and issue a clear report of thorough examination, typically within one to two working days. A goods lift must not be used to carry people unless it is examined and controlled as a passenger lift.
What we inspect
A goods lift examination covers the car, the drive and the safety systems:
- Suspension ropes or chains, or the hydraulic ram and pipework on hydraulic lifts
- Car and landing gates or doors, and their interlocks
- Overload protection and, where fitted, safety gear
- Brake and drive, for condition and correct operation
- Guide rails, and the car structure and load platform
- Controls, limits and the emergency stop
Inspection frequency
LOLER sets the maximum interval by whether the lift can carry people:
- Every 12 months for a goods-only lift that is not used to lift people
- Every 6 months if the lift may at any time be used to lift a person
- Or in line with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person
- Sooner after substantial repair, modification, or an exceptional event
Common defects we find
On goods and service lifts, the findings we commonly record include:
- Gate and door interlock faults that let the lift run with a gate open
- Overload protection out of adjustment
- Slack or worn suspension chains, or hydraulic leak-down on hydraulic lifts
- Worn or damaged door safety edges
- Poor levelling at landings
- Damaged or bypassed controls
Why choose Safe-Lee
Safe-Lee is an independent consultancy, and examinations are carried out by Engineer Surveyor Lee Charnock (EngTech MSOE MBES). Reports are typically issued within one to two working days, and we cover Manchester and the North West.
For the full set of lifting intervals, see our LOLER inspection frequency guide; for pricing, our LOLER inspection cost guide. More on our LOLER service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a goods lift need a LOLER examination?
Every 12 months for a goods-only lift, or every 6 months if it may at any time be used to lift a person. These are LOLER maximum intervals.
Can a goods lift carry people?
Only if it is examined and controlled as a passenger lift, on the 6-monthly interval. A goods-only lift should not be used to carry people.
Do you examine dumbwaiters and service lifts?
Yes. We examine goods lifts, service lifts and dumbwaiters, whether rope-driven or hydraulic.
Is the examination separate from maintenance?
Yes. The LOLER thorough examination is an independent statutory check, separate from the routine maintenance that keeps the lift running.
What if a defect is found?
The report records the defect and how urgently it must be addressed; a serious defect means the lift should be taken out of use until it is repaired and re-examined.
Need a goods lift inspection?
Quick conversation, honest scoping, fast quote. Talk to a competent person.