LOLER Inspections in Wigan
Wigan is home to the Kraft Heinz Kitt Green facility — the largest Heinz factory in the world — producing over one billion cans of food annually. The borough has strong logistics and food manufacturing sectors supported by excellent M6 and M58 connectivity.
About LOLER Inspections in Wigan
Distribution and logistics have become defining industries for Wigan, and lifting equipment is at the heart of these operations. The large warehousing complexes along the M6 corridor — including facilities around Ince, Hindley, and the Martland Park area — operate fleets of forklifts, reach trucks, and powered pallet movers that require thorough examination under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. The Heinz factory at Kitt Green uses overhead cranes, hoists, and lifting accessories throughout its production and maintenance operations. Safe Lee Inspection & Consultancy provides LOLER inspections across Wigan, examining every type of lifting equipment from counterbalance and reach forklifts in distribution centres to goods lifts in multi-storey commercial premises. Wigan's construction sector, including new housing developments in Standish and ongoing regeneration in the town centre, relies on mobile cranes, tower cranes, and construction hoists that all fall within LOLER's scope. The lifting accessories that support these operations — wire rope slings, chain slings, webbing slings, shackles, and eyebolts — require their own thorough examination and are included as standard in our inspection service. Where lifting equipment is used to carry people, such as passenger lifts and scissor lifts, thorough examination is required every six months. For all other lifting equipment, the minimum interval is twelve months, though the written scheme of examination may specify more frequent inspections based on the equipment's usage pattern and operating environment. Safe Lee provides detailed reports for every examination, categorising defects and providing clear timescales for remedial action. Operating from Irlam, we reach Wigan quickly via the A580 and offer a genuinely local alternative to the national inspection companies.
Key Areas We Cover
- Kitt Green Industrial Area
- Wigan Pier Quarter
- Martland Park
- Ince-in-Makerfield Industrial Area
- Leigh Commerce Park
Local Landmarks
Kraft Heinz Kitt Green — the largest Heinz food processing plant in the world, opened in 1959
Is Your Business Compliant?
Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, employers and duty holders are legally required to ensure equipment is thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals. Failure to comply can result in significant fines, enforcement action, and — most importantly — puts your workforce at serious risk.
Wigan is home to the Kraft Heinz Kitt Green facility — the largest Heinz factory in the world — producing over one billion cans of food annually. The borough has strong logistics and food manufacturing sectors supported by excellent M6 and M58 connectivity.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 compliance is not optional
Our LOLER Inspections Process
A straightforward, professional approach from first contact to ongoing compliance.
- 1
Initial Consultation
We discuss your requirements, the equipment involved, and any specific regulatory obligations relevant to your site.
- 2
Site Survey
Our engineer visits your premises to assess the scope of the inspection and identify any immediate concerns.
- 3
Thorough Examination
A detailed, hands-on inspection of all relevant equipment carried out to the applicable statutory standards.
- 4
Report & Recommendations
You receive a comprehensive written report detailing findings, defects, and clear recommendations for remedial action.
- 5
Ongoing Support
We provide follow-up guidance, schedule future inspections, and help you maintain continuous compliance.
Industries Requiring LOLER Inspections in Wigan
We work with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors.
Food & Beverage
The Kraft Heinz Kitt Green facility — the world's largest Heinz factory — produces over one billion cans annually and operates pressure systems, steam boilers, and LEV extraction requiring PSSR and COSHH inspections.
Manufacturing
Wigan's industrial areas at Ince-in-Makerfield and Martland Park host manufacturing firms using overhead cranes, compressors, and industrial machinery requiring LOLER, PSSR, and PUWER inspections.
Logistics & Warehousing
Kraft Heinz operates freight rail services into Wigan's distribution centre, and surrounding logistics firms use forklifts, dock levellers, and goods lifts that require regular LOLER examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections does a food processing plant like Heinz at Kitt Green need?
A large-scale food processing facility like the Kraft Heinz plant at Kitt Green would require PSSR inspections for steam boilers, pressure vessels, and associated pipework; LOLER examinations for overhead cranes and forklifts; COSHH LEV testing for process extraction systems; and PUWER inspections for conveyor lines and packaging machinery. The specific inspection intervals are determined by a Written Scheme of Examination.
Do warehouse operators in Wigan need their forklifts inspected?
Yes. Under LOLER 1998, any forklift truck used for lifting operations must undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at least every 12 months. Many insurance companies and responsible employers arrange six-monthly inspections. This applies to all warehouse and logistics businesses across Wigan borough, including those at Ince-in-Makerfield and Martland Park.
What does a LOLER inspection involve?
A LOLER thorough examination involves a detailed inspection of lifting equipment to identify any defects, damage, or wear that could affect safe operation. This includes visual examination, functional testing where appropriate, and checking that all safety devices and markings are in place and correct.
How often is a LOLER inspection required?
Under LOLER 1998, lifting equipment used to lift people must be thoroughly examined every 6 months. All other lifting equipment requires examination every 12 months, or in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. Equipment must also be examined after installation or reassembly.
What equipment does a LOLER inspection cover?
LOLER inspections cover all lifting equipment including overhead cranes, mobile cranes, hoists, lifts (passenger and goods), forklift trucks, chain slings, wire rope slings, shackles, eyebolts, lifting beams, and any other accessories used for lifting loads.
Do I need a LOLER inspection for a forklift truck?
Yes. Forklift trucks are classified as lifting equipment under LOLER 1998 and require a thorough examination at least every 12 months. If the forklift is used to lift people (for example, with a working platform attachment), it must be examined every 6 months.
What Our Clients Say
“Lee is a fantastic engineer and very approachable. He delivers examinations with minimal disturbance to your operations in a timely manner. If you need or are unsure if your equipment requires an examination, contact Lee and he will guide you through the process of becoming and staying compliant.”
Lee Stanaway
Reviewed on Google
“Brilliant company! Can't recommend Lee enough. Great communication throughout and speedy reporting to ensure kit is compliant with LOLER and PUWER.”
Thomas Bullivant
Reviewed on Google
“Great service, very knowledgeable regarding my lifting equipment. If you're needing a LOLER examination carried out, get on to Safe Lee!”
Sean Crawford
Reviewed on Google
Need LOLER Inspections in Wigan?
Speak to our experienced engineers today for a free, no-obligation quote.