Straight answers about inspection and compliance

Lifting equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories are normally examined at least every six months. Other lifting equipment is normally examined at least every twelve months, unless a competent person has set a different interval in a written examination scheme.

No. Maintenance keeps equipment in working order. A thorough examination is a separate, systematic assessment of the equipment and its safety-critical parts, completed by a competent person and followed by a written report.

You are told immediately and the defect is recorded in the report. Equipment with an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury must not continue in use until the risk has been addressed, and the relevant enforcing authority may also need to receive the report.

Same-day digital reporting is available for inspections completed with the required equipment information and access. We explain any urgent action before leaving site.

Not always. The need and extent of inspection depend on risk. Formal inspection is important where safety depends on correct installation or where deterioration or exceptional circumstances could create a dangerous situation.

PUWER does not set one universal interval. Frequency should be based on risk assessment, the type and use of the equipment, its environment, manufacturer guidance and inspection history.

Yes. A fork lift truck or MEWP, for example, is work equipment under PUWER and also lifting equipment under LOLER. The duties overlap but address different aspects of safe use and examination.

You receive a digital inspection record identifying the equipment, the scope checked, findings, actions and the inspection basis. It should be retained at least until the next inspection.

The interval depends on risk, frequency of use, the environment and manufacturer guidance. Many duty holders use a formal recorded inspection at least every six months, with shorter intervals for arduous use, alongside pre-use checks.

No. Users should complete pre-use checks, but those checks do not replace a more detailed recorded inspection by a competent person at the interval set for the equipment.

Traceability is important. If an item cannot be reliably identified against its records, it may need to be quarantined or withdrawn depending on the equipment and available evidence.

Yes. We arrange on-site inspection around your operation and can work through individually identified batches to minimise disruption.

Lifting accessories are normally thoroughly examined at least every six months, unless a competent person has set a different interval within a written examination scheme.

Yes. The statutory thorough examination does not replace the user checks that should be completed before use and during service.

Yes. We can inspect mixed inventories of slings, chains, shackles and other accessories, provided each item can be identified and made available in a clean, accessible condition.

Have the equipment available, clean enough to examine, and grouped with any existing register or certificates. Tell us about inaccessible, contaminated or in-use items when booking.