Lifting Equipment & Passenger Lifts (LOLER)
What is it?
Statutory independent engineering examination of passenger lifts, goods lifts, hoists, window cleaning cradles, and lifting accessories to verify mechanical integrity and prevent collapse or entrapment.
Who is responsible?
The Lift Owner, Employer, or Managing Agent with control over the lifting equipment.
What needs to happen?
- 01Arrange an independent Thorough Examination by a competent person (typically an engineering insurance surveyor) independent from the routine maintenance contractor.
- 02Ensure the routine maintenance provider rectifies any Category A defects (posing immediate danger) before the lift is returned to service.
- 03Rectify Category B defects within the time limit specified in the surveyor’s report.
- 04Maintain an emergency passenger entrapment release protocol with 24/7 response capability.
How often?
Thorough Examination every 6 months for passenger carrying equipment (or per an agreed Written Scheme); every 12 months for goods-only lifting equipment.
Source: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) Regulation 9.
What evidence should I hold?
The competent person is legally mandated under LOLER Regulation 10 to send a copy of any report identifying immediate danger (Category A) directly to the HSE if defects are not rectified.
Official Sources
LOLER 1998: Safe use of lifting equipment. Approved Code of Practice (L113)
EntireFM Practical Guidance
EntireFM emphasizes that a lift maintenance contract does NOT constitute a statutory Thorough Examination. Always ensure independent insurer engineering surveyors conduct the LOLER examination separately from your servicing contractor.
EntireFM practical interpretation is separate from official statutory guidance. Always verify against primary legislation.