LOLER & PUWER equipment guide

Tail Lift LOLER Inspection

Tail lift LOLER inspections across Scotland for delivery fleets, vans and lorries, including platform, hydraulics, controls and safety devices.

Inspection basis

What duty holders need to know.

Vehicle tail lifts are lifting equipment even though they travel with the vehicle. Their platform, pivots, hydraulic system, controls and load-bearing structure need a statutory examination separate from the vehicle MOT and routine fleet maintenance.

The fleet operator should keep each tail lift identifiable by vehicle and serial number, make the vehicle available unloaded where possible and retain the current examination report with the fleet records.

Check the relevant HSE guidance ↗
Examination scope

What we examine on tail lifts.

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

  • Platform and load-bearing structure
  • Hinges, pins, bushes and rollers
  • Hydraulic cylinders, hoses and power pack
  • Controls, isolation and warning devices
  • Stowage locks and travel position
  • Attachment to the vehicle chassis
  • Safe working load and markings
  • Guards and anti-trap features where fitted
Typical findings

Problems the examination may identify.

  • Platform distortion or cracking
  • Worn pivots and pins
  • Hydraulic leakage
  • Damaged wander leads or controls
  • Defective stowage locks
  • Missing safe working load markings

Book a tail lifts 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

Tail lifts inspection FAQs

Does the vehicle MOT cover the tail lift?
No. An MOT and a LOLER thorough examination serve different legal purposes. The tail lift needs its own appropriate examination record.
Can the tail lift be examined at our depot?
Yes. Fleet inspections can be planned at a depot provided the vehicles and lifts are accessible, clean enough to inspect and available for functional checks.
Does a delivery driver standing on the platform change the interval?
If the lift is intended or used to lift people, the shorter people-lifting interval applies and the suitability of that use must be established.