LOLER

Understand LOLER thorough-examination intervals and examination schemes.

Learn why six- and twelve-month intervals are common, when a written scheme applies and which events trigger additional examination.

8 minute readReviewed September 2026

THE SHORT ANSWER

LOLER provides default maximum intervals for thorough examination—commonly six months for equipment lifting people and lifting accessories, and twelve months for other lifting equipment—unless a competent person's written scheme specifies otherwise.

Understanding loler inspection frequency

Identify the equipment category, use, environment and applicable examination scheme. Do not assume one anniversary fits every configuration.

Keep routine checks, maintenance and statutory thorough examination distinct while coordinating their findings around the same lifting equipment.

A practical approach

Arrange examination before first use where required, periodically, and after exceptional circumstances liable to jeopardise safety.

Define responsibility, applicable criteria and escalation before collecting more data.

Default statutory intervals
Written examination schemes
First-use requirements
Exceptional circumstances

Evidence and continual control

Track the due date and report, but allow the competent person to determine scope and required actions.

Review exceptions and outcomes regularly so the process improves rather than becoming static administration.

Authoritative guidance

Use these primary sources alongside your organisation's competent technical and legal advice.

HSE: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations

COMMON QUESTIONS

LOLER inspection frequency FAQs

Why does loler inspection frequency matter?

What should an organisation document?

Track the due date and report, but allow the competent person to determine scope and required actions.

Can software replace competent judgement?

No. Software can organise workflow and evidence, but technical, legal and safety decisions remain with competent and authorised people.

KEEP READING

Strengthen risk and inspection control

LOLER inspection softwareManage equipment identity, examination schemes, competent-person reports and follow-up without losing the distinction between maintenance and thorough examination.What is LOLER?Learn about strength and stability, positioning, marking, planning, thorough examination and reporting of defects.LOLER inspection checklistCover equipment identity, marking, documents, due dates, defects and operational controls around lifting equipment.Equipment covered by LOLERUnderstand why classification depends on function and use, and how equipment can be subject to both LOLER and PUWER.LOLER thorough examinationLearn how thorough examination differs from routine maintenance and what the competent person's report should trigger.LOLER inspection recordsBuild a retrievable record that connects each competent-person report with the lifting equipment and actions arising from it.

PUT THE GUIDANCE INTO PRACTICE

Connect inspections, risk and corrective work.

Maintarium Pro connects controlled inspections and risk records with equipment status and accountable action.

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