LOLER

Understand the purpose, timing and output of a LOLER thorough examination.

Learn how thorough examination differs from routine maintenance and what the competent person's report should trigger.

8 minute readReviewed September 2026

THE SHORT ANSWER

A thorough examination is a systematic and detailed examination of lifting equipment and safety-critical parts by a competent person at specified intervals or under a written scheme.

Understanding loler thorough examination

The competent person determines the extent and techniques needed to detect defects that are or could become dangerous.

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

A practical approach

Make equipment, history and safe access available. Keep maintenance current, but do not treat servicing as a substitute for examination.

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

Competent independent judgement
Defined examination scope
Formal report of defects
Action within stated timescales

Evidence and continual control

Receive and retain the report, act within stated timescales and notify the enforcing authority where the reporting requirements demand it.

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 thorough examination FAQs

Why does loler thorough examination matter?

A thorough examination is a systematic and detailed examination of lifting equipment and safety-critical parts by a competent person at specified intervals or under a written scheme.

What should an organisation document?

Receive and retain the report, act within stated timescales and notify the enforcing authority where the reporting requirements demand it.

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 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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