How long is a LOLER certificate valid? And what must it include
A LOLER certificate is valid until the "next examination due" date written on it. For equipment that lifts people, and for lifting accessories like slings and chains, that's no more than 6 months. For other lifting equipment it's no more than 12 months, unless an examination scheme sets a different date.
It can also stop being valid before that date - If the report lists a defect with a deadline, and the deadline passes without a fix, the equipment can't be used.
Certificate or report?
The law doesn't use the word "certificate". LOLER calls it a report of thorough examination. Everyone says certificate, though, and that's fine - it's the same document.
There's no set form for it. HSE says any format is acceptable, as long as it contains the 11 items set out in Schedule 1 of LOLER (the table further down).
When does a LOLER certificate stop being valid early?
The next due date is the latest date a report can cover. It stops covering you sooner if:
A defect deadline passes. If the examiner gives you a date to fix something, the equipment mustn't be used after that date until it's fixed (LOLER Regulation 10(3)).
The examiner finds a dangerous defect. You'll be told on the spot, and the equipment can't be used until it's put right. If there's a risk of serious injury, the examiner also has to send a copy of the report to HSE or your local authority.
Something happens to the equipment. Damage, a modification, a major repair or a long spell out of use all count as exceptional circumstances, and the equipment needs a new examination before it goes back into use.
It's moved or reinstalled. If its safety depends on how it's installed (a lift, a vehicle lift, a crane on a new base), it needs examining again in its new position before use.
What every LOLER certificate must include
Hold your own report up against this. If something's missing, the report doesn't meet the law.
# | What the report must show | What to check on yours |
1 | Name and address of the employer the examination was for | It's your business, not the previous owner or the hire company |
2 | Address of the premises where it was examined | It matches the site the equipment is actually at |
3 | Details that identify the equipment, including date of manufacture if known | A serial number or ID you can match to the equipment's plate or tag |
4 | Date of the last thorough examination | Leaves no gap since the previous report |
5 | The safe working load (or the load for the configuration examined) | It matches the safe working load marked on the equipment |
6 | For a first examination after installation: a statement that it's installed correctly and safe to use | Present on the first report for a new lift, hoist or crane |
7 | For other examinations: which interval it falls under (6 months, 12 months, a scheme, or exceptional circumstances) and that it's safe to use | Says clearly whether it's safe to keep using |
8 | Any defects, the repairs needed, deadlines for defects that aren't yet dangerous, the next examination date, details of any tests, and the examination date | Every defect has a deadline, and the next due date is there |
9 | Name, address and qualifications of the person who made the report, and who they work for | You can see who examined it and what qualifies them |
10 | Name and address of the person who signed or authenticated it | Someone has signed it off |
11 | Date of the report | The report is dated, not just the examination |
You can see a real layout on our sample report page.
Is a declaration of conformity the same as a LOLER certificate?
No. New lifting equipment comes with a declaration of conformity (UKCA or CE) from the manufacturer. It says the equipment was built to the right standard. It says nothing about its condition in use.
There is one link between the two: If the equipment has never been used and the declaration is no more than 12 months old, you don't need a thorough examination before first use (LOLER Regulation 9(1)). After that, it needs regular examinations at 6 or 12 months like everything else. And anything whose safety depends on how it's installed, like a lift, still needs examining once it's in.
Keep the declaration for as long as you use the equipment.
Hired or second-hand equipment
Lifting equipment can't leave your business, and you can't use equipment that's come from someone else's, unless it comes with physical evidence of its last thorough examination (Regulation 9(4)).
So for hired equipment, check the date on the paperwork before anyone uses it. And for second-hand equipment, don't assume the last owner's report still covers you. It names their business and their site, so get it examined.
How long do you have to keep LOLER certificates?
Regulation 11 sets this out:
Regular examinations (every 6 or 12 months, or under a scheme): until the next report is made, or 2 years, whichever is later
First examination of new equipment (not accessories): for as long as you use the equipment
First examination of new lifting accessories: 2 years
Examination after installation: for as long as you use the equipment at that site
Declarations of conformity: for as long as you use the equipment
Reports don't need to be on paper. HSE says digital copies are fine, as long as they're protected from being changed and you can produce a written copy if asked.
Check yours in 2 minutes...
Pull out your latest report and check 4 things:
The next due date hasn't passed.
Every defect has been fixed, or its deadline hasn't passed.
The safe working load matches what's marked on the equipment.
The examiner is named, with their qualifications.
Anything wrong? Read what to do if your LOLER inspection is overdue, or call us on 07412 957 441. We'll examine it, give you a report that includes all 11 items, and contact you before the next one is due.
For how often each type of equipment needs examining, read how often lifts need a LOLER inspection.
FAQs
How long is a LOLER certificate valid?
Until the next examination date written on it. That's no more than 6 months for equipment that lifts people and for lifting accessories, and no more than 12 months for other lifting equipment, unless an examination scheme sets a different date.
Is a LOLER certificate valid for 12 months?
Only for equipment that lifts goods, not people. Passenger lifts, stairlifts, patient hoists, slings and other equipment that lifts people or acts as a lifting accessory need examining at least every 6 months.
Can a LOLER certificate become invalid before its expiry date?
Yes. If a defect deadline on the report passes without a fix, the equipment can't be used. Damage, modification, a major repair or reinstalling the equipment also mean it needs a new examination before use.
What must a LOLER report include?
Schedule 1 of LOLER lists 11 items, including the equipment's identification, safe working load, any defects with deadlines, the date of the next examination, and the name and qualifications of the person who examined it.
Is a declaration of conformity the same as a LOLER certificate?
No. A declaration of conformity confirms new equipment was built to the right standard. A LOLER report confirms its condition after a thorough examination. New, unused equipment with a declaration under 12 months old doesn't need a thorough examination before first use, but needs regular examinations after that.
How long should you keep LOLER certificates?
Reports of regular examinations must be kept until the next report is made, or for 2 years, whichever is later. Reports of first examinations are kept for as long as you use the equipment, or 2 years for lifting accessories.
Can LOLER certificates be digital?
Yes. HSE says records don't need to be kept on paper, as long as they're protected from unauthorised changes and you can produce a written copy when asked.
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