How often does LOLER require a thorough examination?
At least every 6 months for lifting equipment that lifts people (passenger lifts, stairlifts, hoists) and for lifting accessories, and at least every 12 months for other lifting equipment such as goods lifts. A competent person can set different intervals in a written examination scheme instead.
What is due, and how often.
Checked November 2026.
| Check | How often | Who does it | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thorough examination: passenger lifts and other equipment that lifts people | At least every 6 months, or per an examination scheme | Competent person (often the insurer's engineer) | LOLER 1998, reg. 9(3) |
| Thorough examination: lifting accessories (slings, chains, shackles) | At least every 6 months, or per an examination scheme | Competent person | LOLER 1998, reg. 9(3) |
| Thorough examination: goods lifts and other lifting equipment | At least every 12 months, or per an examination scheme | Competent person | LOLER 1998, reg. 9(3) |
| Thorough examination after installation, relocation or exceptional circumstances | Before first use, and after anything that may affect safety (damage, long disuse, major changes) | Competent person | LOLER 1998, reg. 9(1), 9(2), 9(3)(b) |
| Inspections between examinations | At suitable intervals, set by risk assessment and the manufacturer | Competent person, often your maintenance contractor | LOLER 1998, reg. 9(3)(c) |
| Routine lift maintenance | As agreed with your lift contractor, often monthly or quarterly | Lift maintenance contractor | PUWER 1998, reg. 5 (not a LOLER examination) |
This is a guide, not legal advice. What your building needs depends on its use, size, risk and equipment, and standards are revised. Check with your competent people and the current official sources.
What to keep on file.
- The written report of each thorough examination, with the date of the next one.
- Your examination scheme, if you use one instead of the fixed intervals.
- Proof that defects in the report were fixed by the date it gave, or that the equipment was taken out of use.
- Reports can be digital, but you must be able to produce a written copy when asked.
What catches people out.
- A lift service is not a thorough examination. Your maintenance contractor keeps the lift running; the LOLER examination is a separate, independent check, often done by an insurer's engineer.
- Track the next-due date on the last report, not the date of the visit. Under a scheme the interval may be shorter or longer than 6 or 12 months.
- If the report lists a defect that is a danger, the lift must not be used until it is fixed. If it involves an existing or imminent risk of serious injury, the examiner also sends a copy to the enforcing authority.
- LOLER applies to lifting equipment used at work. Lifts in the common parts of blocks of flats are usually examined on the same intervals, as landlords and insurers expect it.
Dueclear tracks every due date for every building.
Each inspection gets its interval, its rule and an owner. Dueclear reminds the owner from 60 days ahead, and your contractor uploads the new certificate from a link, no account needed.
FAQ
Is a LOLER inspection every 6 or 12 months?
Every 6 months for anything that lifts people and for lifting accessories; every 12 months for other lifting equipment, such as a goods-only lift. A written examination scheme can set other intervals.
Who can carry out a LOLER thorough examination?
A competent person with the practical and theoretical knowledge to find defects, independent enough to be impartial. In practice this is often an engineer from your insurer or an inspection body.
What happens if a LOLER examination finds a defect?
Serious defects are reported to you straight away and the equipment must not be used until fixed. Other defects must be fixed within the period the report gives.
Sources: HSE: thorough examination of lifting equipment · LOLER 1998, regulation 9
More guides: EICR for commercial property · Fire alarm servicing · Fire door inspections