How often is a LOLER inspection required?

The common statutory intervals

Lifting equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories are normally thoroughly examined at least every six months. Other lifting equipment is normally examined at least every twelve months.

These are common maximum intervals, not a promise that every item is safe until that date. Pre-use checks, maintenance and reporting of damage continue between examinations.

• Six months: equipment lifting people
• Six months: lifting accessories
• Twelve months: other lifting equipment
• Alternative interval: where set by a competent person in a written scheme

What a written examination scheme changes

A competent person can prepare a written scheme that sets intervals and examination depth around the equipment, environment and pattern of use. This can be more suitable than relying only on fixed periods.

The scheme must be technically justified and followed. It is not simply an administrative way to extend a due date.

Events that can require another examination

Equipment may need examination after installation or assembly at a new site where safety depends on those conditions. Exceptional circumstances that could jeopardise safety—such as an overload, impact, major repair, modification or long period out of use—also need competent review.

When in doubt, quarantine the affected item and provide the event details before arranging inspection.

Managing due dates in practice

Record the examination basis, last examination and next due date against each asset. Allow time for access, downtime and corrective work instead of booking on the final day.

For a mixed register, group equipment by interval and site while retaining an asset-level report. This gives the duty holder a usable overview without blurring different requirements.