LOLER Inspection Frequency — How Often Do You Need a Thorough Examination?

This page answers the question behind most compliance uncertainty:

“Is it LOLER every 6 months or 12 months — and what about accessories?”

You’ll get:

  • the quick answer

  • a practical table

  • what changes the interval

  • common edge cases

  • a simple way to confirm your kit list and book

The quick answer

Unless there is a written examination scheme specifying different intervals:

  • 6 months — lifting equipment used to lift people + associated accessories

  • 6 months — lifting accessories

  • 12 months — other lifting equipment

If you only remember one thing: accessories are usually 6 months and are the #1 thing businesses forget.

Frequency table

Category Typical interval “In real life” examples
Lifting accessories 6 months slings, chains, shackles, hooks, lifting points, certain clamps
Lifting people (and associated accessories) 6 months man-riding equipment and attachments used to lift people (where applicable)
Other lifting equipment 12 months overhead cranes, hoists, jib cranes, goods-only lifting equipment

 

Step-by-step: how to classify what you have

Step 1 — Is it used at work?

If yes, it’s work equipment.

Step 2 — Does it lift/lower/suspend/support a load?

If yes, it may be lifting equipment.

Step 3 — Is it an accessory used to connect the load?

If it attaches the load to the lifting equipment, it’s a lifting accessory (often 6 months).

If you’re unsure at any step, that’s normal — send the list and we’ll classify it quickly.

What can change the interval?

A) Written examination scheme

A competent person may set different intervals based on risk, usage, environment, and consequences of failure.

When schemes commonly appear:

  • high-cycle operations

  • harsh environments (corrosion, chemicals, outdoor exposure)

  • critical lifts

  • large fleets needing a managed programme

B) Environment and use

Where equipment is exposed to heavy use or harsh conditions, intervals may need to be reduced.

C) Exceptional circumstances (extra examinations)

Sometimes you may need examination outside the routine cycle, for example after:

  • damage, failure, or incidents

  • significant change in use/conditions

  • long periods out of use

  • replacement of safety-critical parts

If you’ve had an incident or you’re unsure: call — we’ll advise the safest compliant route.

“Routine inspections” vs LOLER thorough examination (common confusion)

  • Routine checks and maintenance help keep equipment safe day to day

  • A LOLER thorough examination is a formal compliance check by a competent person, documented for audit readiness

Most businesses need both controls in place.

Do you need load testing every time?

Not automatically. A blanket “test everything” approach isn’t best practice for every situation.

The best answer is: use the method that’s appropriate to the equipment and risk — and document it properly.

The biggest compliance gaps we see (and how to avoid them)

1) Accessories get forgotten

Accessories are often the highest-risk, most mobile, and commonly 6-month items.

Fix: store them properly, track them, and examine them as a group.

2) No asset list = no control

If you don’t have a list, you can’t reliably prove what’s examined and what’s due.

Fix: start with a simple spreadsheet and improve it over time.

3) Multiple sites = multiple missed due dates

Different departments booking separately creates gaps.

Fix: one planned programme, one schedule.

The easy way to confirm your intervals

Send:

  • site postcode

  • list of equipment and quantities (or photos)

  • whether any kit lifts people

  • your preferred week / shutdown window

We’ll reply with:

  • what’s LOLER vs not

  • typical interval (6/12 or scheme)

  • what’s due now

  • the fastest visit plan and quote

CTA: Send kit list → Get confirmation + quote

FAQs

Are lifting accessories always 6 months?

They are commonly examined every 6 months unless an examination scheme specifies different.

Is a crane 6 months?

Usually not unless used to lift people or a scheme specifies otherwise. Many cranes fall into the “other lifting equipment” category.

What about forklift attachments?

Depends on what’s being examined and how it’s used. Some elements may fall under LOLER; broader equipment suitability often sits under PUWER.

What if we miss the due date?

Treat it as urgent — stop guessing. Send your list and we’ll advise what must be stood down vs what can be prioritised.

Can we book everything at once?

Yes — we prefer grouping assets to reduce downtime and admin.

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