LOLER Thorough Examinations
Keeping Your Lifting Equipment Safe and Compliant
Keeping lifting equipment safe isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal requirement.
Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), lifting equipment must undergo thorough examination by a competent person at the required intervals. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) also place duties on businesses regarding the safety of work equipment.
At MSM/DRH Limited, we provide professional thorough examinations to help businesses meet their responsibilities and keep equipment safe for use.
Our experienced engineers can carry out examinations at your premises, helping to minimise disruption to your operations.
What Is a Thorough Examination?
A thorough examination is a detailed, systematic inspection of lifting equipment and its safety-critical components, carried out by a competent person to identify defects that could affect safe operation.
Often compared to an MOT, it is a formal safety inspection rather than routine servicing or maintenance. Both are important, but they serve different purposes in keeping equipment safe.
Following the examination, a written report records the findings, including any defects identified and details of when the next examination is required.
More Than Just Forklifts
LOLER requirements extend beyond forklift trucks. Depending on their design and use, equipment such as telehandlers, MEWPs, lifting attachments and accessories may also require thorough examination.
Different types of lifting equipment can have different examination requirements, making it important to understand which components need inspecting and what regulations apply.
Whether you operate a single machine or a mixed fleet, our team can advise on the relevant requirements and arrange the necessary examinations.
How Often Is a Thorough Examination Required?
The examination interval depends on the type of equipment, its use and whether a written scheme of examination is in place.
Every 12 Months
Generally, lifting equipment not used to lift people must be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months, unless an alternative interval is specified in a written scheme of examination.
Every 6 Months
Lifting equipment used to lift people, together with lifting accessories, generally requires thorough examination at least every 6 months, unless covered by an appropriate written scheme.
Written Schemes and Exceptional Circumstances
A competent person may specify different examination intervals within a written scheme. Additional examinations may also be required following significant damage, alterations or other circumstances that could affect equipment safety.
If you’re unsure when your equipment is due, our team can help you establish the appropriate requirements.
Who Is Responsible?
The responsibility for arranging thorough examinations generally rests with the business that owns, operates or has control over the equipment.
For hired equipment, the allocation of responsibilities may depend on the hire agreement and the circumstances in which the equipment is used.
It’s important to establish who is responsible for arranging examinations and ensuring that the required documentation is maintained.
If you’re uncertain about your obligations, speak to our team for guidance.
CFTS-Accredited Thorough Examinations
MSM/DRH Limited is accredited to carry out CFTS thorough examinations.
CFTS is the industry’s national accreditation scheme for thorough examination, providing an established framework for examining forklift trucks and associated equipment against relevant LOLER and PUWER requirements.
The scheme involves recognised examination procedures, appropriately trained personnel and independent quality assurance.
Choosing a CFTS-accredited provider gives you confidence that examinations are undertaken to a consistent, industry-recognised standard.