LOLER equipment guide

Overhead Crane LOLER Inspection

Overhead crane LOLER inspections across Scotland for travelling cranes, gantry cranes, runway beams and hoists, with digital reports.

Inspection basis

What duty holders need to know.

Overhead travelling cranes and gantry systems place several safety-critical elements in one installation: supporting steelwork, runway, end carriages, hoist, ropes or chains, brakes, limits and controls. The examination needs to follow the complete load path, not just the hoist unit.

The employer or organisation controlling the crane must ensure it is thoroughly examined, that defects are acted upon and that the report is retained. The examination remains separate from planned maintenance.

Check the relevant HSE guidance ↗
Examination scope

What we examine on overhead cranes.

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

  • Bridge, end carriages and runway
  • Hoist, trolley and load-bearing parts
  • Wire rope or load chain and anchorage
  • Hooks, blocks and safety catches
  • Brakes, travel limits and emergency stops
  • Pendant or radio controls
  • Safe working load and identification
  • Access, guarding and electrical isolation
Typical findings

Problems the examination may identify.

  • Hook wear or missing safety catch
  • Rope damage or poor reeving
  • Brake or limit-switch faults
  • Loose runway fixings or misalignment
  • Damaged pendant controls
  • Unreadable safe working load marking

Book a overhead cranes 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

Overhead cranes inspection FAQs

Is crane servicing the same as a LOLER examination?
No. Servicing maintains the crane; thorough examination independently assesses whether it remains safe to use and creates the statutory report.
Does the runway beam form part of the examination?
Where the safety of the lifting installation depends on the runway or supporting structure, those parts need to be considered as part of the load path and scope.
Is a proof load test required every year?
No. HSE guidance states that most lifting equipment does not need routine overload testing as part of every thorough examination. Testing is used where the competent person considers it necessary.