Why it matters
Risk and evidence
- Accessories are moved between jobs and users
- Identification marks can wear away
- Damaged accessories can fail suddenly
- Principal contractors often request current evidence
LOLER
Lifting Accessories, Slings and Shackles
Lifting accessories are small enough to be missed but safety-critical enough to create serious risk when damaged, unmarked or overdue.
Lifting accessories such as slings, shackles, chains and hooks commonly need thorough examination at suitable intervals, often every 6 months.
LOLERAsset evidenceDefect close-out
When this guide helps
This guide helps workshops, depots and yards keep slings, shackles, chains and other lifting accessories identifiable, examined and ready for audit.
Inspection scope
What we check
- Accessory identification
- Condition and visible damage
- Traceability to register
- Safe working load information where available
- Storage and withdrawal arrangements
Records
What to prepare
- Accessory register
- Previous LOLER reports
- Withdrawal tags
- Replacement evidence
- Hire documents
Common findings
Defects we see on site.
From examinations across Scotland and the North East, these are the issues that most often weaken the compliance file or need a repair decision:
- Illegible markings
- Damaged webbing or hooks
- Missing register entries
- Accessories kept in service after defect notes
How often are lifting accessories inspected?
A common LOLER interval for lifting accessories is 6 months unless a suitable written scheme sets another interval.
Should damaged accessories be kept for repair?
They should be removed from use or controlled so they cannot be used until a competent decision has been made.
What evidence helps most?
A current register, visible IDs, previous reports and clear withdrawal or repair evidence help keep the file defensible.
Related expertise
Where this inspection usually appears.
LOLER Thorough Examinations
Independent LOLER thorough examinations for lifts, hoists, lifting accessories, MEWPs, vehicle lifts, cranes, tail lifts and lifting equipment used across work premises.
Manufacturing and Engineering Inspection Services
Manufacturing and engineering sites usually need inspection evidence across machinery, lifting accessories, compressors, hazardous substances and maintenance access.
Marine, Energy and Food Production Inspection Services
Marine, energy and food production environments often combine heavy use, wet or corrosive conditions, pressure systems, lifting accessories and strict production controls.
Construction and Plant Hire Inspection Services
Construction and plant hire businesses need inspection evidence that travels with equipment and remains clear when assets move between yards, sites and clients.
Fife Manufacturing LOLER and PUWER Inspection
Representative case study showing how LOLER and PUWER evidence can be grouped for a manufacturing site in Fife.
Peterhead Marine Lifting and Pressure System Inspection
Representative marine-sector case study for LOLER lifting accessories and PSSR pressure-system planning in Peterhead.
Book an inspection
Need a clear compliance report?
Send the equipment list, site postcode and any due dates. City Inspection Services will confirm scope, availability and the most sensible inspection schedule.
Quote intake
Site, assets, due dates.