How often a LOLER inspection is required depends on what the equipment lifts. Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, lifting equipment used to lift or lower people must have a thorough examination at least every 6 months, and so must all lifting accessories such as slings, chains and eyebolts. Most other lifting equipment, including overhead cranes, forklift trucks and vehicle lifts, must be examined at least every 12 months. Those are the two intervals almost every duty holder needs to know, and this guide explains which one applies to your equipment and when a shorter interval takes over.
The two standard intervals: 6 months or 12 months
LOLER sets a maximum period between thorough examinations, and for most duty holders it comes down to two figures:
- Every 6 months: any lifting equipment used to lift or lower people, such as passenger lifts, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), scissor lifts, work cradles and patient hoists.
- Every 6 months: all lifting accessories, the components that connect the load to the machine, including slings, chains, shackles, eyebolts and lifting beams.
- Every 12 months: other lifting equipment that lifts only loads, such as overhead travelling cranes, jib cranes, forklift trucks, vehicle lifts, hoists and goods lifts.
The intervals in LOLER are the maximum time allowed between examinations, not a target to aim for. A risk assessment, the manufacturer's guidance or your insurer may call for shorter intervals, and the competent person can specify one in the report.
When an examination scheme changes the interval
LOLER gives duty holders a second option. Instead of the fixed 6 or 12 month intervals, equipment can be examined in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. This suits complex or heavily used installations where a purely calendar-based interval does not reflect real wear. The scheme sets out what is examined and how often, based on the engineering judgement of the competent person. Where an examination scheme is in place, its intervals replace the standard ones.
Events that bring an examination forward
Whichever interval applies, certain events require a thorough examination before the next scheduled date:
- After installation or assembly at a new site, before the equipment is first used.
- After substantial repair, modification or refurbishment that could affect safety.
- After an exceptional event such as a shock load, an overload, a collision, or damage from fire or flood.
- Where the previous report specified an earlier re-examination date.
6 or 12 months: a quick way to decide
If you are unsure which interval applies, ask one question first: does the equipment lift people? If yes, it is 6 months. If it lifts only loads, it is usually 12 months, with one important exception. The accessories that attach the load are always on the 6 month interval, even when the machine they hang from is on 12 months. A forklift truck, for example, is examined every 12 months, but a sling used with it is examined every 6.
Keeping the paperwork in order
Each thorough examination produces a report of thorough examination. The competent person must provide it to the duty holder as soon as possible, and in any event within 28 days of the examination. Keep the reports available: the HSE or your insurer may ask to see them. For every statutory interval across LOLER, PUWER, PSSR and COSHH in one place, see our inspection frequency guide.
How Safe-Lee can help
Safe-Lee is an independent inspection consultancy based in the Manchester and North West area. Thorough examinations are carried out by Engineer Surveyor Lee Charnock (EngTech MSOE MBES), and reports are typically issued within one to two working days so your records stay current. We can set up a schedule that keeps your 6 month and 12 month items on track and flags accessories separately. For what a visit involves, see our LOLER inspection service, or read our guide to what affects a LOLER inspection cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is a LOLER inspection every 6 or 12 months?
It depends on the equipment. Equipment that lifts people, and all lifting accessories, are examined at least every 6 months. Other lifting equipment that lifts only loads is examined at least every 12 months.
Does a forklift need a LOLER examination every 6 or 12 months?
A forklift truck used to lift loads is examined at least every 12 months. Any accessories used with it, such as slings, sit on the 6 month interval. If the truck is adapted to lift a person in a working cage, the people-lifting rule brings it to 6 months.
Are the LOLER intervals a legal maximum or a recommendation?
They are the maximum permitted period between thorough examinations. You can examine more often, and a risk assessment, insurer or examination scheme may require it, but you cannot lawfully go beyond the stated interval.
What happens if I miss a LOLER examination date?
Using lifting equipment beyond its examination date means it is no longer covered by a valid thorough examination, which can breach LOLER and may invalidate your insurance. Arrange an examination before returning the equipment to service.