LOLER

Distinguish routine checks, maintenance inspections and statutory thorough examination.

Understand the different purpose, competence and records behind each activity for lifting equipment.

8 minute readReviewed September 2026

THE SHORT ANSWER

Routine checks support safe daily use, while thorough examination is a formal systematic process under LOLER performed by a competent person. Maintenance preserves condition but is not the same activity.

Understanding loler inspection vs thorough examination

Define each task and its authority so operators, maintenance staff and examining bodies understand their responsibilities.

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

A practical approach

Do not cancel examination because servicing occurred, or describe a limited visual check as a thorough examination.

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

Pre-use checks
Planned maintenance
PUWER inspection
LOLER thorough examination

Evidence and continual control

Coordinate findings in one asset history while retaining distinct reports, due dates and closure requirements.

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 vs thorough examination FAQs

Why does loler inspection vs thorough examination matter?

What should an organisation document?

Coordinate findings in one asset history while retaining distinct reports, due dates and closure requirements.

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

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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