What should a LOLER report include?
LOLER Schedule 1 lists what every report of thorough examination must contain: who and where it was for, exactly which item was examined, its safe working load, why it was examined, whether it’s safe to use, any defects and the date to fix them, the latest date for the next examination, any tests, and who carried it out and when. A sheet that just says “pass” isn’t enough.
Most people call it a LOLER certificate. The law calls it a report of thorough examination, and the name doesn’t matter much. What matters is what’s on it. I see a lot of paperwork on first visits that wouldn’t stand up if HSE or an insurer asked to see it.
What the report must show
What the report must show | What it means | Warning sign |
Name and address of the business it was done for | Whose equipment it is | Wrong company, or no address |
Address of the premises | Where the equipment is kept | No site address on a multi-site business’s reports |
Details that identify the equipment, and its date of manufacture if known | Make, model, serial or ID number | “Forklift” or “various slings” with no ID |
Date of the last thorough examination | Shows there’s no gap | Missing, or more than 6 or 12 months before this one |
Safe working load | What it can safely lift, in the configuration examined | No SWL, or one that doesn’t match the plate |
Why it was examined | First examination after installation, 6-month, 12-month, examination scheme, or after something that could affect safety | No reason given |
Whether it’s safe to operate | The examiner’s conclusion | A tick or “pass” with no statement |
Any defect that is or could become dangerous, and the repair needed | What’s wrong, and what needs doing | Defects listed as “advisories” with no detail |
For defects that could become dangerous, the date by which they could | The deadline for the repair | Defects with no date |
Latest date for the next thorough examination | When it’s due | No date, or just “12 months” |
Details of any test carried out | What was tested, and how | “Proof tested” with no details |
Date of the examination | When it was done | Missing |
Name, address and qualifications of the person who examined it, and their employer | Who did it | A company name only, no examiner |
Name of the person who signed or authenticated it, and the date of the report | Who’s accountable for it | Unsigned, or no date |
There’s no set format to the report. HSE says the content is what counts, so a report can be one page or several.
How soon should you get the report?
The examiner must make the report as soon as is practicable. HSE’s guidance is that it should normally be within 28 days where there are no serious defects.
If a defect is dangerous, the examiner must tell you straight away, and follow it up in writing. They must also send a copy of the report to the enforcing authority, which is HSE or your local council depending on your premises (LOLER Regulation 10).
I write mine on site, so you have every report before I leave.
How long do you have to keep LOLER reports?
LOLER Regulation 11 sets the minimum periods:
First examination before use: for as long as you use the equipment
First examination after installation: for as long as you use the equipment at that place
Lifting accessories: 2 years after the report is made
Periodic examinations: until the next report is made, or for 2 years, whichever is later
In practice, keep everything for the life of the equipment. It’s the easiest way to show a history if anyone asks.
Can reports be digital?
Yes. HSE says reports can be kept electronically, as long as they’re protected against being altered and you can provide a written copy if the enforcing authority asks for one. For keeping track of them all, see do you need LOLER software or will a spreadsheet do?
Five quick checks on your last report
Get out your last LOLER report and check:
Can you tell exactly which item it covers, from the ID number alone?
Does it say clearly whether the equipment is safe to use?
Does every defect have a description and a date?
Is there a specific date for the next examination?
Does it name the person who did the examination?
If the answer to any of those is no, it’s worth talking to your examiner. If they can’t fix it, it might be time to change. More in how to switch your LOLER inspection company.
LOLER reports you can rely on
We carry out LOLER thorough examinations on lifts, hoists, forklifts, telehandlers, MEWPs, vehicle lifts, cranes and lifting accessories across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Loughborough and Lincoln, and out to Newark, Mansfield and Grantham. We also travel anywhere in the UK.
Every examination is carried out and signed by me, Ryan Leavesley MSOE MBES, an engineer surveyor with 14 years’ experience. Every item gets its own report, written on site before I leave, with photos of anything that needs fixing. We contact you before each examination falls due, and once we’ve agreed a price, it stays fixed for all your ongoing examinations.
Have a look at our sample report to see what you’d get. Or tell us what you’ve got and we’ll come back with a fixed quote.
FAQs
What must a LOLER report include?
LOLER Schedule 1 requires the business and premises, details identifying the equipment, its safe working load, the reason for the examination, whether it’s safe to use, any dangerous defects and repair dates, the next examination date, any tests, and who examined it and when.
Is a LOLER certificate the same as a report?
In everyday use, yes. LOLER calls it a report of thorough examination, and what matters is that it contains everything Schedule 1 requires. A certificate that only says “pass” doesn’t meet the law.
How soon should I receive a LOLER report?
As soon as is practicable. HSE’s guidance is that it should normally be within 28 days where there are no serious defects. Dangerous defects must be reported to you straight away, then in writing.
How long do I need to keep LOLER reports?
Periodic reports must be kept until the next report is made, or for 2 years, whichever is later. Reports from before first use or after installation must be kept for as long as you use the equipment. Keeping everything for the equipment’s life is simplest.
Can LOLER reports be kept electronically?
Yes. HSE says electronic reports are acceptable if they’re protected against being altered and a written copy can be produced when the enforcing authority asks for one.
Who signs a LOLER report?
The report must give the name, address and qualifications of the competent person who carried out the examination, and the name of the person who signed or authenticated the report on their behalf.
What should I do if my LOLER report is missing information?
Ask your examiner to correct it. A report missing required details, such as the safe working load, defect dates or the next examination date, doesn’t meet LOLER Schedule 1. If it can’t be fixed, consider changing examiner.
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