How Often Should Lifting Equipment Be Inspected?
When it comes to safety on site, few things matter more than properly maintained lifting gear. Whether you’re managing a busy workshop, a production line, or a major construction site, understanding how often lifting equipment should be inspected is essential — and it’s a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998.
When you’ve worked around lifting equipment for long enough, you start to notice a pattern. The most serious issues rarely come from brand-new gear — they come from kit that’s been in use for years, doing heavy work, with inspections delayed “just a few more weeks.” That’s where things go wrong.
Regular lifting gear and machinery inspections don’t just keep you compliant; they prevent accidents, downtime, and expensive damage. A single worn shackle or a cracked lifting hook can fail without warning, and when you’re dealing with heavy loads, that margin for error simply doesn’t exist.
Why Lifting Equipment Inspections Matter
Every lift depends on trust — trust that the equipment you’re using will perform exactly as it should. That trust doesn’t come from luck or habit; it comes from proper inspection and maintenance.
Under LOLER, every item of lifting equipment must undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at regular intervals. That includes cranes, hoists, chains, slings, shackles, and spreader beams — anything designed to lift or support a load. These examinations are there to spot the early signs of fatigue, corrosion, or wear before they become failures.
Neglecting inspection schedules puts more than just compliance at risk. A missed crack, worn rope, or corroded link can lead to dropped loads, serious injury, or worse. It also puts employers in breach of the law, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) empowered to issue fines, enforcement notices, and even prosecution where equipment isn’t properly maintained.
Inspections are there to protect people, not paperwork. Done properly, they keep operators safe, equipment working efficiently, and businesses moving without interruption.
Compliance Essentials:
- All lifting equipment must be inspected by a competent person as required under LOLER 1998.
- Examinations are required at least every six months for gear used to lift people and every 12 months for all other lifting equipment.
- Keep a written record of each inspection — it’s your proof of compliance and your best defence in the event of an incident.
- Never operate or repair damaged lifting equipment until it’s been fully assessed.
- Regular inspections prevent accidents, protect your workforce, and extend the life of your gear.
Don't Just Check the Box; Protect Your Business
Regular LOLER inspections aren’t paperwork; they’re protection. They keep your workforce safe, your business compliant, and your operation moving. Every inspection record, every test, every note — it all matters.
Here’s what’s at stake if you treat inspections like a tick-box exercise:
Your People’s Safety
A cracked hook, frayed sling, or worn hoist isn’t just a fault — it’s a hazard. Regular lifting gear inspections are your first line of defence against dropped loads, collisions, and life-changing injuries.
Legal and Financial Security
Failing to comply with LOLER can lead to heavy fines or prosecution. Inspection reports are your proof that you’ve met your duty of care — evidence that keeps you compliant and protects you if an incident is ever investigated.
Your Bottom Line
A scheduled inspection can spot a worn part long before it fails. Replacing a sling or shackle costs little compared to the downtime, repairs, or lost production caused by a major breakdown. Regular maintenance keeps operations running smoothly and helps extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Insurance Validity
If an accident happens, your insurer will check one thing first — your inspection records. Missing or outdated documentation can invalidate a claim, leaving you to cover all costs yourself. Properly kept inspection reports protect both your workforce and your financial security.
The HSE continues to prosecute businesses where neglected thorough examinations of lifting equipment have led to serious or fatal accidents. In nearly every case, the inspections were either missed entirely or carried out by unqualified staff.
A Practical Guide to LOLER Inspections
Understanding LOLER becomes much simpler when you break it down into four stages — the everyday checks, the in-service inspections, the formal examinations, and the post-event reviews. Together, they form the backbone of a strong, proactive safety culture.
1. The Daily “Once Over” — Pre-Use Checks
These are the quick visual checks every operator should carry out before work begins. They take minutes but can prevent serious accidents. You’re looking for the obvious warning signs — things that could cause failure long before the next scheduled inspection.
Check for:
- Damage: Cracks, bends, fraying, or corrosion on hooks, slings, chains, or safety catches.
- Function: Smooth operation of brakes, emergency stops, and limit switches.
- Condition: Kinks, twists, or stiffness in wire ropes, chains, or hoists.
If anything feels off, stop using the equipment immediately and report it. These pre-use checks aren’t optional — they’re your first layer of defence.
Practical Steps to Take:
- Carried out by the operator before each shift.
- Record findings in a pre-use log if your site requires it.
- Remove damaged gear from service straight away.
2. The Regular Routine — In-Service Inspections
These are scheduled in-house lifting gear inspections carried out weekly or monthly, depending on how hard your equipment works. If you’re operating outdoors, in dusty environments, or under heavy use, increase the frequency.
These checks dig a little deeper — confirming that parts, connections, and safety devices are functioning correctly between formal LOLER examinations.
Practical Steps to Take:
- Carried out by trained staff familiar with the equipment.
- Use your maintenance log to record every check.
- Escalate any unusual findings for review by a competent person.
3. The Expert Deep Dive — Thorough Examinations
This is the legally required thorough examination of lifting equipment carried out by a competent person. It’s the foundation of LOLER compliance and must follow the prescribed schedule:
Every six months – for all lifting accessories (chains, slings, shackles, beam clamps) and for any equipment used to lift people.
Every twelve months – for machinery such as cranes, hoists, and jib systems.
After exceptional events – if the equipment has been overloaded, damaged, or repaired.
A LOLER inspection isn’t just a formality. It’s a methodical assessment of mechanical condition, operation, and safety. The competent person should identify every defect, categorise risk levels, and confirm whether the equipment remains fit for service.
Practical Steps to Take:
- Conducted by a qualified and impartial inspector.
- Findings must be documented and retained for at least two years.
- Act on recommendations immediately — even minor faults matter.
4. The “Something’s Changed” Check — Post-Exceptional Event
If your equipment’s been overloaded, struck, modified, or left idle for an extended period, it needs an immediate inspection — even if it recently passed its LOLER test. This ensures hidden damage hasn’t compromised safety.
Practical Steps to Take:
- Triggered by any incident, relocation, or structural change.
- Must be completed by a competent person before returning equipment to service.
- Never assume equipment is safe simply because it “looks fine.”
By embedding these four inspection stages into your daily operations, you go beyond basic compliance. You build confidence — in your equipment, your team, and the safety standards that keep every lift under control.
Don't Leave Your Inspections to Chance—Trust the Experts
This is a critical point where many businesses slip up. The law is clear: only a "competent person" can legally carry out a thorough LOLER examination.
But what exactly does "competent person" mean? The HSE defines it as someone who:
- Is an expert: They must have the right mix of training, technical knowledge, and extensive experience with lifting equipment.
- Is objective: They must be independent enough to give an unbiased judgment and report on the equipment's condition without a conflict of interest.
- Knows their stuff: They have a deep understanding of the specific equipment they are inspecting, including its potential risks and how to spot them.
Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority
At ULS Lifting, we don't just meet these requirements—we exceed them. Our team of engineers are not only highly qualified but also LEEA-certified and bring over 40 years of collective experience to every inspection. We're not just ticking boxes; we're providing you with a complete safety solution.
After every inspection, you'll receive a comprehensive package that gives you full clarity and confidence:
- A Detailed Checklist: We provide a clear, itemised report of everything we've inspected, so you know exactly what was done.
- Your Official LOLER Certificate: This is your legal proof of a thorough examination—the document you need to show the HSE and your insurers.
- Clear Recommendations: We’ll give you straightforward advice on any necessary repairs or replacements, so you can make informed decisions to keep your equipment—and your people—safe.
With ULS Lifting, you're not just getting an inspection; you're getting a partnership dedicated to your safety and compliance. Book your next lifting gear inspection with ULS Lifting today and keep your operations safe, compliant, and cost-efficient.
Call our expert team on 01384 986 026 or email us at sales@ulslifting.com.
Equipment-Specific Considerations
Not all lifting equipment faces the same stresses — and that means inspection routines can’t be one-size-fits-all. Each system wears differently, operates in different conditions, and needs its own inspection rhythm. Understanding these differences is key to keeping your lifting gear inspections effective and your site fully LOLER compliant.
Cranes and Hoists
Cranes, hoists, and lifting beams are among the most heavily used and most regulated pieces of equipment on site. Because they operate under repetitive loading and are often exposed to weather, vibration, and heavy use, they demand both daily pre-use checks and formal examinations.
Operators should start each shift by inspecting hooks, slings, brakes, and limit switches for damage or wear. Load chains and wire ropes should move freely without kinks, frays, or corrosion. Any sign of deformation, misalignment, or structural wear means it’s time to stop and escalate to a competent person.
Formally, cranes and hoists must undergo a thorough examination of lifting equipment at least once every 12 months — or every six months if they’re used to lift people. Keeping this schedule, along with a well-documented maintenance log, helps prevent sudden breakdowns and keeps your lifting operations running safely and legally.
Mobile Lifting Equipment
Mobile lifting equipment — from engine cranes and gantries to forklift attachments — combines the mechanical stresses of movement with the demands of precision lifting. Because these units travel between locations, every move introduces potential wear or misalignment.
Hydraulic systems are a common failure point, so look for leaks, pressure drops, or damaged hoses during your daily checks. Wheels, outriggers, and stabilisers should be tested for smooth operation and stability, especially if the equipment has been relocated or used on uneven ground. A full LOLER inspection should be completed every 12 months at minimum, supported by regular in-house checks and servicing to catch issues early.
Manual Lifting Devices
Manual devices — such as chain blocks, lever hoists, and small workshop jibs — might look simple, but they work hard and wear fast. Daily checks should confirm smooth chain movement, effective braking, and correct load-chain alignment. Any slipping, jamming, or stiffness in operation is an immediate red flag.
Routine lubrication and adjustment go a long way to keeping these devices in service safely. Depending on use, they’ll need a formal thorough examination every six to twelve months, ensuring all gears, brakes, and bearings are performing correctly.
Tailoring your inspection routines to the type of equipment you’re using isn’t just good practice — it’s how you turn LOLER from a legal checkbox into a practical safety framework. The right checks, at the right frequency, by the right people, make every lift safer and every operation more reliable.
Consequences of Skipping Inspections
When inspection schedules slip, problems don’t just stay hidden — they grow. What starts as a bit of surface wear or a stiff brake can turn into a failed lift, a dropped load, or worse. Skipping a LOLER inspection doesn’t just break the law; it breaks the chain of protection that keeps your people and your business safe.
The most obvious consequence is risk to life. A cracked shackle or frayed sling can fail instantly under load, putting everyone nearby in danger. Even when no one is injured, dropped loads cause significant damage to structures, materials, and machinery — not to mention the reputational hit that follows a safety incident.
Then there’s the legal impact. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the authority to issue fines, stop-work orders, or even prosecute under LOLER and the Health and Safety at Work Act. These cases are public, and many have ended in six-figure penalties. For smaller firms, that can be fatal to the business.
There’s also the financial cost of downtime. A failed hoist or crane can stop production for days while repairs or investigations take place. Insurance claims can be delayed or rejected if inspection records aren’t up to date. And the cost of a single breakdown often outweighs years of proper inspection and maintenance combined.
But beyond compliance and cost, there’s the moral responsibility. Every person on site trusts that the equipment above them is safe. Following your inspection schedule isn’t bureaucracy — it’s a sign of care. It’s how you show your team that safety isn’t negotiable.
Practical Steps to Take:
- Never extend inspection intervals “just this once.” It’s rarely just once.
- Make inspection dates visible and part of your maintenance calendar.
- Keep records organised and accessible — if the HSE asks, you’ll be ready.
- Replace equipment that fails inspection immediately; repairs must be approved by a competent person.
- Treat inspections as part of your culture, not your checklist.
Case Example: In October 2024, a crane collapsed at Falmouth Docks due to poor maintenance and ignored safety recommendations. The collapse forced the evacuation of approximately 250 workers and posed a major risk. An HSE investigation found the firm had allowed safety defects to go unaddressed, resulting in a fine of £750,000, plus additional costs.
This real-world case underscores why it’s vital to keep lifting equipment through its inspection schedule, ensure thorough maintenance, and act on defects — or face both tragic risk and serious financial penalties.
Don’t Leave Your Inspections to Chance - Expert Inspections
Lifting operations rely on precision, consistency, and trust — and that trust is only as strong as your inspection routine. Skipping steps or delaying checks might save a few hours today, but it risks weeks of downtime tomorrow. The goal isn’t just to pass a LOLER inspection — it’s to keep your equipment performing safely and efficiently, day after day.
Experienced inspectors see things others don’t. They know how a small nick in a chain link can spread under tension, how surface corrosion hides deeper fatigue, and how a minor alignment issue can throw an entire lifting system out of balance. That depth of knowledge only comes from years of working hands-on with cranes, hoists, and accessories across every kind of site.
Partnering with a technically competent, independent specialist means every inspection is objective and every report stands up to scrutiny. It’s about prevention, not paperwork — identifying problems early, guiding repairs, and helping you plan maintenance that fits the way you work.
At ULS Lifting, our inspection and testing team operates with that same principle. We follow the HSE’s LOLER guidance to the letter, but we also bring practical experience from the field. We know how lifting gear behaves in real environments — from factory floors to outdoor yards — and how to keep it operating safely, efficiently, and fully compliant.
Because ultimately, inspections aren’t about ticking boxes — they’re about protecting people, maintaining standards, and keeping your business moving.
FAQs: Lifting Gear Inspections & LOLER Compliance
1. How often should lifting equipment be inspected?
Under LOLER, lifting accessories and equipment used for lifting people must be thoroughly examined every 6 months, while jib cranes and hoists require inspection at least every 12 months.
2. Who can inspect lifting equipment?
Only a competent person — with the right training, knowledge, and experience — can legally carry out thorough examinations of lifting gear.
3. What is a lifting gear inspection?
A lifting gear inspection involves a detailed check of equipment such as chains, slings, jib cranes, hoists, beam clamps, vacuum lifters, and magnets to ensure they are safe, compliant, and fit for use.
4. What’s the difference between a pre-use check and a thorough examination?
Pre-use checks are quick daily inspections by the operator, while thorough examinations are in-depth checks by a competent person at 6- or 12-month intervals, as required by LOLER.
5. What happens if lifting equipment fails an inspection?
It must be taken out of service immediately until repaired or replaced. At ULS Lifting, we offer same-day repair or replacement options to minimise downtime.
6. Do I need to keep records of lifting gear inspections?
Yes, LOLER requires all inspection and examination reports to be kept. ULS Lifting provides a digital lifting register so your records are always up to date and easily accessible.
7. Why are lifting equipment inspections important for insurance?
If inspection records are missing or out of date, insurance claims after an accident may be rejected. Regular inspections protect both your workforce and your cover.
8. How do inspections help with equipment longevity?
Inspections spot early signs of wear and tear, meaning parts can be repaired or replaced before they cause major breakdowns. This extends the service life of your jib cranes, hoists and accessories.
9. Can ULS Lifting carry out lifting gear inspections on all equipment types?
From jib cranes and hoists to beam clamps, vacuum lifters, and lifting magnets, our team inspects and certifies a full range of equipment.
10. How do I book a lifting equipment inspection with ULS Lifting?
Contact us today to arrange your next thorough examination or service and maintenance plan. We’ll schedule inspections around your downtime to keep your business running smoothly.