Patient Hoist Inspection
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Statutory 6-monthly thorough examination of mobile and overhead patient hoists under LOLER 1998.
Overview
A patient hoist LOLER thorough examination is the statutory 6-monthly inspection that keeps hoists used to move people safe and compliant. Safe-Lee examines mobile hoists, ceiling-track hoists, sit-to-stand hoists and their slings in care homes, hospitals and domestic settings across Manchester and the North West.
We attend at a time that suits the setting, examine each hoist and its slings, and issue a clear report of thorough examination, typically within one to two working days. Because patient hoists lift people, both the hoist and its slings are examined every 6 months.
What we inspect
A patient hoist examination covers the hoist and the slings that carry the load:
- Mast, boom and spreader bar, for wear, cracks and distortion
- Actuator, and the emergency lowering and emergency stop
- Slings, sling loops and attachment points, for fraying, cuts and wear
- Hand controller, battery and charger condition
- Castors, brakes and, on mobile hoists, the base and legs
- On ceiling-track hoists, the track, fixings and end stops
- Rated capacity markings and identification
Inspection frequency
Because a patient hoist lifts people, LOLER sets the shorter maximum interval:
- Every 6 months for the hoist
- Every 6 months for the slings, which are lifting accessories in their own right
- Sooner after substantial repair, or if a sling is damaged or a defect is reported
Daily pre-use checks by care staff sit alongside the statutory examination; they do not replace it.
Common defects we find
On patient hoists and slings, the findings we commonly record include:
- Frayed, cut or worn slings and sling loops, which are withdrawn from use immediately
- Worn or seized castors and weak brakes
- A faulty emergency lowering function
- Spreader-bar or boom-pin wear
- Reduced battery capacity affecting safe lifting
- Missing or illegible rated capacity information
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 care and healthcare settings across Manchester and the North West. We work discreetly around residents and patients.
For the wider intervals, see our LOLER inspection frequency guide; for what a competent person checks, our LOLER inspection checklist. More on our LOLER service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a patient hoist need a LOLER examination?
Every 6 months, because it is used to lift people. The slings are lifting accessories and are also examined every 6 months. These are LOLER maximum intervals.
Do you examine the slings as well as the hoist?
Yes. Slings are lifting accessories in their own right and are examined at the same interval as the hoist. Any sling with cuts, fraying or damage is withdrawn from use.
Do daily checks by care staff count as the examination?
No. Pre-use checks each shift are important but do not replace the 6-monthly thorough examination by a competent person.
Can you examine hoists in a domestic care setting?
Yes. We examine hoists in care homes, hospitals and private homes, working discreetly around the person being cared for.
What happens if a hoist or sling fails?
A serious defect, or a damaged sling, means the equipment should be withdrawn from use until it is put right. We explain findings on site and record them in the report.
Need a patient hoist inspection?
Quick conversation, honest scoping, fast quote. Talk to a competent person.