LOLER thorough examination: intervals and report content

What a thorough examination is

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, a thorough examination is a systematic, detailed inspection of lifting equipment and its safety-critical parts, conducted at set intervals by a competent person. The competent person produces a written report meeting LOLER Schedule 1 requirements.

Intervals

• Passenger-carrying lifts: every 6 months.
• Other lifting equipment: every 12 months.
• Alternatively, a competent person may draw up a written examination scheme that sets the intervals.

Examinations are also required before first use, after assembly at a new location, and following exceptional circumstances such as damage, long disuse or significant repair. A periodic report must state which interval category applies.

What the report must record

Every thorough examination report must include, at minimum: the employer name and premises address; equipment identification; date of last examination; safe working load; whether the equipment is safe to operate; details of any defects that are or could become dangerous, with required remedial actions and timescales; the date the next examination is due; and the competent person's details.

Dangerous defects

Where a serious defect is found, the competent person must immediately notify the dutyholder verbally, then follow up in writing, with a copy sent to the relevant enforcing authority. The dutyholder must act within the timescale specified. Holding each defect, its deadline and its closeout evidence against the right lift is how that duty is discharged across a portfolio.

PropertyActions is an admin and recordkeeping tool. This guide explains the duty and the records involved; it is not legal advice and does not replace a competent person carrying out the statutory assessment.