LOLER & PUWER equipment guide

MEWP LOLER Inspection & Thorough Examination

MEWP LOLER inspections for scissor lifts, boom lifts and mast lifts across Scotland, with competent-person examination and digital reports.

Inspection basis

What duty holders need to know.

Mobile elevating work platforms lift people, so their lifting structure and safety-critical systems require close attention. Scissor lifts, boom lifts and mast lifts also remain work equipment under PUWER, making condition, controls and safeguards part of the wider compliance picture.

The duty holder must ensure the MEWP is safe to use and has current evidence of thorough examination. Hired machines should arrive with evidence, but the user still needs to satisfy themselves that it is current and appropriate.

Check the relevant HSE guidance ↗
Examination scope

What we examine on mewps.

The final scope depends on design, use and condition. These are the components and records commonly considered.

  • Platform, guardrails and entry gate
  • Boom or scissor structure and pins
  • Hydraulic systems and cylinders
  • Emergency lowering and stop functions
  • Tilt, overload and interlock devices
  • Controls at platform and ground level
  • Chassis, stabilisers and outriggers
  • Identification and rated load markings
Typical findings

Problems the examination may identify.

  • Damaged or altered guardrails
  • Worn pins, bushes or scissor components
  • Inoperative alarms or interlocks
  • Hydraulic leakage at cylinders and hoses
  • Emergency lowering faults
  • Illegible rated-load or identification plates

Book a mewps inspection

Tell us what equipment you operate, where it is and when it is due. We will confirm the right inspection scope and arrange a practical site date.

FAQs

MEWPs inspection FAQs

How often does a MEWP need a LOLER examination?
A MEWP normally requires thorough examination at least every six months because it is designed to lift people, unless a competent person has set another interval under a written scheme.
Is an IPAF pre-use check a LOLER examination?
No. Pre-use checks are essential but are not a substitute for the periodic thorough examination and written report required under LOLER.
Does a newly purchased MEWP need examining?
It depends on the conformity documentation, age and installation circumstances. Evidence supplied with new equipment may be sufficient in some cases, but it should be reviewed before first use.