LOLER Inspections Chester
If you require LOLER inspections in Chester for your lifting equipment, SMC Elevators can provide a professional inspection service, carrying out thorough examinations to ensure safety and compliance.
What is a LOLER Inspection?
A LOLER inspection is a statutory thorough examination of lifting equipment, required under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
It applies to cranes, hoists, forklifts, lifting slings and accessories, and passenger or goods lifts. It must be carried out by a competent, independent engineer to confirm the equipment is safe to use and free from dangerous defects.
Depending on the equipment, inspections are required every 6 or 12 months, with a formal report of examination issued each time, a legal requirement for compliance, insurance, and site audits.
Areas We Cover in Chester
We provide LOLER inspections across Chester, including:
- Chester City Centre
- Blacon
- Boughton
- Christleton
- Great Boughton
- Guilden Sutton
- Hoole
- Newton
- Saltney
- Upton-by-Chester
- Vicars Cross
Types of Lifting Equipment We Inspect
Passenger lifts
Hydraulic lifts
Traction lifts
Heavy-duty goods lifts
Food lifts
Why Choose SMC Elevators?
Engineers trained to NVQ Level 3 as a minimum
SafeContractor accredited
Inspections & reports across Liverpool
Local knowledge
Almost two decades of technical experience
Responsive service to all enquiries
Our LOLER Inspection Process
Under Regulation 9 of LOLER, a competent person must carry out a thorough examination of your lifting equipment. Our engineers inspect your equipment in line with LOLER Schedule 1, reporting on its safe working load, safety status, and other required details.
If we find a defect that could be dangerous, we’ll tell you immediately, both verbally and in the official report, as required by law. If the lift needs to be taken out of service, we’ll let you know the same day so you can arrange repair or replacement.
You’ll receive a LOLER certificate (Report of Thorough Examination) confirming that your equipment is safe to use, detailing its condition and any defects found. This will also state the deadline for your next inspection, every 6 or 12 months, depending on the equipment type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a LOLER inspection?
It depends on the equipment. Lifting equipment used to carry people (such as passenger lifts and MEWPs) must be examined every 6 months. Equipment used to lift loads only (such as cranes, forklifts, and lifting accessories) must be examined every 12 months.
Who can carry out a LOLER inspection?
Only a “competent person”, an independent, suitably qualified engineer with the knowledge and experience to assess lifting equipment, can carry out a LOLER inspection.
What equipment does LOLER cover?
LOLER applies to any equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, including cranes, hoists, forklifts, passenger and goods lifts, lifting slings, chains, shackles, and excavator attachments used for lifting.
What happens if a defect is found?
If our engineer finds a defect that could be dangerous, we’ll tell you immediately, both verbally and in the official report, as required under Schedule 1 of LOLER. If the equipment needs to be taken out of service, we’ll notify you the same day so repairs or replacement can be arranged.
What do I receive after the inspection?
You’ll receive a LOLER certificate (Report of Thorough Examination), confirming the equipment’s condition, any defects found, and the deadline for your next inspection.
Is a LOLER inspection a legal requirement?
Yes. It’s a legal requirement under UK health and safety law. Failing to have valid inspections in place can result in enforcement action from the HSE, invalidated insurance, or equipment being taken out of service.