Knowledge - 2026-07-03
LOLER Inspection Frequency Guide for Duty Holders
A practical explanation of common LOLER examination intervals, written schemes and how to avoid missing lifting accessories.
Key takeaways
- Common LOLER intervals are 6 months for lifting people and lifting accessories, and 12 months for other lifting equipment unless a written scheme sets a suitable alternative.
- Servicing and thorough examination are different duties.
- The asset register matters because small accessories are easy to miss.
What LOLER is trying to control
LOLER is focused on the risk created when work equipment lifts or lowers loads. That load may be a person, a pallet, a vehicle, a component, a bin, a skip, a basket or a suspended item. If the lift fails, the consequences can be immediate and severe.
The duty holder must be able to show that lifting equipment is suitable, strong enough, stable, marked where required and examined by a competent person. A current report is evidence of examination, but the real control comes from knowing what equipment exists, where it is used and what defects have been closed out.
- Passenger and goods lifts
- Fork lift trucks and attachments
- Vehicle lifts and tail lifts
- MEWPs and hoists
- Slings, shackles, chains and lifting beams
Default intervals and written schemes
The commonly used LOLER intervals are 6 months for equipment lifting people, 6 months for lifting accessories and 12 months for other lifting equipment. A written scheme of examination can set different intervals where that is justified by use, environment, duty cycle and risk.
The interval should not be treated as a diary guess. Equipment in harsh environments, heavy use, outdoor work or safety-critical operations may need a closer look at frequency. Equally, equipment that is rarely used still needs to be identified and controlled.
- Check the last report date before the due month arrives
- Include accessories, attachments and hired equipment
- Keep withdrawn equipment marked or physically separated
- Record repairs against the defect that triggered them
Why accessories create compliance gaps
Many LOLER failures in paperwork are not about the obvious forklift or lift. They are about accessories: slings, shackles, chains, hooks, eyebolts and other items that move between jobs. These smaller items need traceability, identification and examination just like larger assets.
A strong lifting register separates owned, hired and quarantined accessories. It also records safe working load, ID marks and location. Without this, businesses can accidentally keep using items that are overdue, unmarked or damaged.
- Keep accessories in a controlled storage point
- Do not rely on memory for asset counts
- Remove damaged or unmarked accessories from use
- Keep reports available for audits and site access checks