How Often Do Lifts Need a LOLER Inspection? 6 or 12 Months

Lifts and other equipment that lift people need a LOLER thorough examination every 6 months. Lifting accessories, such as slings and chains, are also every 6 months. Most other lifting equipment needs one every 12 months, unless it follows a written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person.

So the answer to “6 months or 12 months?” depends on what the equipment lifts... If it lifts people, it’s 6 months.

How Often Do Lifts Need a LOLER Inspection - The simple rule to follow

Under Regulation 9 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), a thorough examination is needed:

• every 6 months for equipment used to lift people, and for lifting accessories

• every 12 months for other lifting equipment

• or in line with an examination scheme, which a competent person draws up for that equipment

There are also examinations outside that cycle, which we cover below.

6 months or 12 months: which applies to my equipment?

Every 6 months (it lifts people, or it’s an accessory):

• Passenger lifts

• Platform lifts and stairlifts

• Patient hoists and the slings used with them

• Equipment used to carry people, such as a cage or basket on a crane or forklift

• Lifting accessories: chains, slings, shackles, eyebolts and similar

Every 12 months (it lifts goods only):

• Goods lifts

• Cranes and overhead cranes

• Forklifts and telehandlers used for goods

• Tail lifts and vehicle lifts used for loads

• Most other lifting equipment

Some equipment can fall into either group depending on how it is used, so check how yours is used rather than relying on its name alone.

What is a “written scheme”?

A competent person can draw up a written scheme of examination for a piece of equipment. This sets out when and how it should be examined, based on the equipment’s use and condition. It may produce different intervals from 6 or 12 months. If your equipment follows a scheme, the dates in that scheme apply.

When else does equipment need examining?

The 6- and 12-month cycles aren’t the only times. LOLER also requires thorough examination:

• Before first use after installation or assembly, where the safety of the equipment depends on how it was installed.

• After exceptional circumstances that could affect safety, such as damage, a major repair or a long period out of use.

If something has happened to your equipment, don’t wait for the next date. Have it examined!

Is a thorough examination the same as a service?

No - A service is maintenance carried out to keep the equipment running. A thorough examination is a detailed check by a competent person to confirm the equipment is safe to use. You generally need both, and neither replaces the other.

If you’re not sure who should do the examination, see our post Can Anyone Do a LOLER Inspection?.

What if you’ve missed the date?

The 6- and 12-month periods are the requirement, so equipment that’s past its date is out of compliance. Have it examined as soon as you can. For lifts, take a look at our guide to what to do if your LOLER inspection is overdue.

How to stay on top of it

• Put the next due date in a shared calendar as soon as you receive a report (we manage this for you if you work with us).

• Set a reminder four to six weeks before it falls due (we will contact you during this time to book in our visit).

• Keep every report together, so you can show your history (we keep all your digital reports so we can send you copies whenever you may want them).

• If you have several pieces of equipment, put them on the same cycle where you can, so they’re examined in one visit (we'll take care of this for you).

FAQs

How often does a passenger lift need a LOLER inspection?

Every 6 months, because it lifts people.

How often does a forklift need a LOLER inspection?

Generally every 12 months. If it’s used to lift people, it’s every 6 months.

Is it 6 months or 12 months for a platform lift?

Six months. A platform lift carries people, so the shorter interval applies.

Does a new lift need examining before use?

Where its safety depends on how it was installed, yes. Check with your installer and the examiner.

Can the interval change?

Yes, if the equipment is examined under a written scheme drawn up by a competent person.

Who decides which interval applies?

The duty holder is responsible, and a competent person can advise on whether 6 months, 12 months or a scheme is right for your equipment.

How long is a LOLER report valid for?

A report records the date of the examination and the date the next one is due. The report itself doesn’t “expire”, but you need a new examination by the due date.

Not sure what interval your equipment needs? 

PULO Compliance carries out LOLER thorough examinations and PUWER inspections across the Midlands and the rest of the UK, and can tell you what applies to each item. See our lift inspections page, or get in touch about Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln or Loughborough.