LOLER Thorough Examination & Lifting Equipment Inspection
Helping businesses across the UK keep lifting equipment safe, legally compliant and ready for operation through professional Thorough Examinations carried out by competent engineers.
Keeping lifting equipment compliant isn't just good practice — it's a legal requirement.
A LOLER Thorough Examination is a detailed inspection of lifting equipment carried out to identify defects that could affect safe operation. Required under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), it helps ensure cranes, hoists, lifting beams, slings and other lifting equipment remain safe to use and legally compliant.
Unlike routine maintenance, a Thorough Examination is an independent assessment carried out by a competent person and results in a formal written report. It is designed to identify wear, damage or deterioration before equipment becomes unsafe or falls outside legal requirements.
Whether you operate a single overhead crane or manage lifting equipment across multiple sites, Durham Lifting provides professional examination services throughout Middlesbrough, Teesside and across the UK, helping businesses maintain compliance while reducing operational risk.
LOLER
Compliant
Inspection Services
Our competent engineers carry out Thorough Examinations in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), helping businesses remain legally compliant while identifying defects that could affect safe operation.
Request An Inspection →What equipment requires a LOLER Thorough Examination?
Durham Lifting carries out Thorough Examinations on a wide range of lifting equipment and lifting accessories across manufacturing, heavy engineering, offshore, ports and industrial environments. If lifting equipment is used within your business, it will usually require periodic examination under LOLER.
Cranes & Hoists
- Overhead cranes
- Gantry cranes
- Jib cranes
- Monorail systems
- Electric hoists
- Pneumatic hoists
- Chain blocks
Below-the-Hook Equipment
- Lifting beams
- Spreader beams
- Lifting frames
- C-Hooks
- Forklift attachments
- Vacuum lifters
- Bespoke lifting devices
Lifting Accessories
- Chain slings
- Wire rope slings
- Webbing slings
- Round slings
- Shackles
- Eyebolts
- Loose lifting tackle
How often is a LOLER Thorough Examination required?
The frequency of a Thorough Examination depends on the type of lifting equipment, how it is used and whether a Written Scheme of Examination is in place.
Higher Risk Equipment
Equipment used for lifting people or lifting accessories generally requires more frequent examination.
Most Lifting Equipment
Many cranes, hoists and fixed lifting systems require a Thorough Examination every 12 months unless otherwise specified.
Site Specific Intervals
A Competent Person may specify different examination intervals based on usage, operating conditions or risk.
Maintenance and LOLER inspections are not the same thing.
They work together, but they serve different purposes. Planned maintenance helps keep lifting equipment operating reliably, while a LOLER Thorough Examination is a legal inspection focused on identifying defects that could affect safe use.
Planned Maintenance
- Reduces breakdown risk
- Identifies worn components
- Extends equipment life
LOLER Examination
- Required under LOLER
- Completed by a competent person
- Produces a written report
The strongest compliance approach is to combine both through planned servicing, scheduled examinations and a managed Service Level Agreement.
Learn about Crane & Hoist Servicing →
A clear process from inspection to report.
A Thorough Examination is carried out by a competent person to identify defects that could affect the safe use of lifting equipment. The exact checks vary depending on the equipment type, but the process is designed to provide clear findings and practical recommendations.
Visual Inspection
Equipment is checked for visible damage, wear, deformation, corrosion and signs of unsafe condition.
Functional Checks
Where appropriate, key functions such as brakes, controls, limit switches and safety devices are reviewed.
Critical Components
Hooks, chains, ropes, beams, fixings and load-bearing parts are examined for defects affecting safety.
Defects Recorded
Any defects, observations or recommendations are documented clearly for your records and action.
Written Report
A formal report of Thorough Examination is issued, helping demonstrate compliance with LOLER.
Next Steps
Where issues are found, our team can advise on repair, maintenance, testing or replacement options.
Never miss another LOLER inspection.
For sites managing multiple cranes, hoists and lifting accessories, Durham Lifting can build LOLER Thorough Examinations into a planned Service Level Agreement. This helps schedule inspections, maintain records, plan maintenance and reduce the risk of missed compliance dates.
Competent examination support from lifting specialists.
Durham Lifting supports customers across manufacturing, engineering, offshore, ports, construction and heavy industry with lifting equipment examination, servicing, testing and repair support.
LOLER Thorough Examination FAQs
What is a LOLER Thorough Examination?
A LOLER Thorough Examination is a detailed inspection of lifting equipment carried out by a competent person to identify defects that could affect safety.
How often is a LOLER inspection required?
Many lifting accessories require examination every 6 months, while most lifting equipment such as cranes and hoists is commonly examined every 12 months, unless a Written Scheme specifies otherwise.
Is a Thorough Examination the same as servicing?
No. Servicing helps keep equipment operating reliably, while a Thorough Examination is a legal inspection focused on identifying defects affecting safe use.
Who can carry out a Thorough Examination?
A Thorough Examination must be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge and experience to assess the lifting equipment safely.
What happens if equipment fails a LOLER inspection?
If defects are found, the report will identify the issue and any action required. Equipment may need repair, restriction or removal from service depending on the severity of the defect.
Do you inspect lifting accessories?
Yes. Durham Lifting can examine lifting accessories such as slings, shackles, eyebolts, chain blocks and other loose lifting tackle.
Do you provide examination reports?
Yes. A written report is provided following the examination, outlining findings, recommendations and compliance information.
Can LOLER inspections be included in an SLA?
Yes. Thorough Examinations can be scheduled as part of a Service Level Agreement alongside planned servicing, maintenance reminders and priority support.
Need a LOLER Thorough Examination?
Speak to Durham Lifting about lifting equipment inspection, examination reports, compliance support or managed LOLER schedules for your site.
Request An Inspection