Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
LOLER Inspections
Keep your workspace safe and compliant with LOLER inspections
LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These inspections ensure safety compliance and equipment integrity. It’s a legal requirement that warrants workplace safety and is crucial for avoiding hefty penalties. LOLER plays a fundamental role in making sure the right equipment is chosen for the job, and acts as a preventative measure to minimise the risks of machines failing and injuring someone.
What is a LOLER inspection?
A LOLER inspection ensures your lifting equipment is safe and compliant. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 Act (LOLER) govern these inspections. Ultimately, they are a vital legal requirement for any individual or company that owns, operates, or controls lifting equipment.
However, LOLER inspections are more than just a legal obligation. They’re designed to ensure workplace safety, by preventing the occurrence of accidents, injuries, and equipment failures. The overall purpose of a LOLER inspection is to help identify and mitigate potential risks before they result in a dangerous accident.
What equipment is covered in a LOLER inspection?
Under LOLER regulation, workplace lifting equipment is checked thoroughly. This includes, but is not limited to: cranes, lifts, forklift trucks, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), and chains. Accessories such as slings and hooks also require lifting equipment inspection. These rules are in place to keep workplaces safe and ensure equipment works efficiently.
Keep your people safe by abiding to LOLER Regulation compliance.
LOLER Regulations were created to keep people safe while using lifting equipment. This legislation makes it a legal obligation for individuals and companies that own or use lifting equipment, to protect people. They set out specific requirements for how lifting equipment should be designed, built, used, and maintained. Following LOLER regulations is essential to protecting workers from potential dangers, in the event of equipment breaking or malfunctioning.
Ensure the safety of your workforce and maintain compliance on your site with BES Group
Contact us for your LOLER inspection today Contact us for your LOLER inspection today Contact us for your LOLER inspection todayWhat does a BES LOLER inspection cover?
1. Visual inspections
Our visual inspections are highly detailed and thorough. During this process, our expert team of engineers will check for any visible defects that may appear on lifting equipment, such as cracks, dents, corrosion, or missing components.
2. Functional checks
This consists of assessing the functional integrity of your lifting equipment. It involves testing the brakes, gears, hoists, and other critical components to make sure they operate efficiently. We also ensure safety devices like overload alarms and load indicators are working, to protect you against overloading and other potential hazards.
3. Precise measurements
Our expert engineers will measure load capacity, clearances, and alignment. This ensures compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications and optimises your equipment’s performance and safety.
4. Advanced testing
While visual inspections and functional checks form the foundation of our LOLER inspections, we also use advanced NDT techniques where required. Techniques such as ultrasonic and X-ray testing enable us to detect hidden defects that may not be apparent from visual inspections. This method means that even the most subtle flaws are identified early on, preventing potential failures and ensuring the continued safety of your lifting equipment.
5. Documentation review
Our thorough inspection process goes beyond the physical examination of your lifting equipment. We also thoroughly review any relevant documentation, including manufacturer’s manuals, inspection reports, and maintenance records. Our comprehensive review enables us to gain a holistic understanding of the equipment’s history, maintenance practices, and overall condition.
Why choose BES Group for your LOLER Inspection?
Increase safety
Our LOLER inspections can help identify and correct potential hazards, helping prevent accidents at your workspace.
Reduce downtime
Our lifting inspections can support to reduce downtime, by identifying and correcting potential problems before they cause a failure.
Reduce costs
By identifying smaller issues before they gradually worsen, reducing likelihood of larger-scale failures that will cost significantly more to replace.
Boost productivity
LOLER inspections can help increase productivity by ensuring that lifting equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Increase safety
Our LOLER inspections can help identify and correct potential hazards, helping prevent accidents at your workspace.
Reduce downtime
Our lifting inspections can support to reduce downtime, by identifying and correcting potential problems before they cause a failure.
Reduce costs
By identifying smaller issues before they gradually worsen, reducing likelihood of larger-scale failures that will cost significantly more to replace.
Boost productivity
LOLER inspections can help increase productivity by ensuring that lifting equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Talk to us today!
FAQs
Where does LOLER apply?
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LOLER rules apply to all workplaces covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act). This also includes offshore areas and activities. Ships in UK waters must also follow MCA-LOLER guidelines. LOLER covers various lifting equipment used in workplaces, such as cranes, forklift trucks, lifts, hoists, and accessories like chains and slings.
Find out more about LOLER for your workplace.
How often should LOLER testing be done?
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LOLER inspections are typically conducted every 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of equipment, accessory, and frequency of usage:
- Every six months for lifting equipment and accessories used to lift people.
- Every six months for all lifting accessories.
- Every 12 months for all other lifting equipment. If there are unique situations like damage, long periods of non-use, or significant changes to critical parts, inspect the equipment immediately to ensure it’s still safe to use.
Who can conduct a LOLER inspection?
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In line with regulation, an individual who conducts a LOLER inspection is required to be a competent person. This means they need to have necessary knowledge and experience to detect defects or weaknesses and assess their importance for the safety of lifting equipment.
This means that only people with the right expertise should inspect lifting equipment. At BES Group, our specialist engineer surveyors are skilled professionals, that can inspect and ensure your lifting equipment meets safety standards and operates appropriately. Our accredited service and expertise can help keep your machinery compliant and your workers safe.
Who can conduct a LOLER inspection?
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In line with regulation, an individual who conducts a LOLER inspection is required to be a competent person. This means they need to have necessary knowledge and experience to detect defects or weaknesses and assess their importance for the safety of lifting equipment.
This means that only people with the right expertise should inspect lifting equipment. At BES Group, our specialist engineer surveyors are skilled professionals, that can inspect and ensure your lifting equipment meets safety standards and operates appropriately. Our accredited service and expertise can help keep your machinery compliant and your workers safe.
How many types of inspections are needed for lifting equipment?
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Thorough examinations of lifting equipment are essential for safety. During the inspection process, an examiner will check for wear and tear to ensure the machine functions correctly.
Measurements are taken, and load tests are conducted to meet industry standards and prevent overloading. Neglecting inspections can lead to severe consequences, so keeping your equipment safe for everyday use is crucial.
Our expert engineer surveyors are here to ensure your machinery operates safely and with minimal disruption to your business.
What types of equipment does LOLER apply to?
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LOLER inspections cover a wide range of lifting equipment used in workplaces. This includes:
- Cranes – mobile, tower, and overhead cranes.
- Forklifts – industrial trucks for lifting and moving loads.
- Hoists – electric and manual lifting devices.
- Elevators and lifts – passenger and goods lifts.
- Lifting platforms – access platforms, cherry pickers, and scissor lifts.
- Winches – power-driven winches for lifting and pulling.
- Vehicle-mounted lifting equipment – mechanisms like cranes on vehicles.
- Lifting attachments – beams and bars for moving loads.
- Stacking equipment – trucks for stacking and lifting, such as stacker and pallet trucks.
Who is responsible for LOLER inspections?
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LOLER inspections are the responsibility of the person or company that owns, operates, or controls lifting equipment. They ensure the equipment is compliant and safe to use.
If you or your company require a LOLER inspection, we’re happy to help. Contact us for a LOLER inspection.
What are the different levels of a LOLER inspection?
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LOLER inspections have different levels, depending on the equipment and its purpose. The different types of levels include visual checks, functional tests, and thorough examinations by competent persons. A competent person is someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the inspections safely and effectively.
What is a lifting operation?
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A lifting operation involves raising, lowering, or moving loads using cranes, forklifts, or hoists. Any lifting operation must abide to LOLER inspection standards, so that they can be carried out safely as a preventative measure.
What is lifting equipment?
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Lifting equipment can vary. It includes everything from machines and tools for lifting, lowering, or moving workplace loads. For example, this covers equipment such as cranes, forklift trucks, hoists, and lifting accessories like chains and slings.
Hear what our customers have to say
We care about the journey we take our customers on, but it’s not our word you should be taking, see what our customers think of the service we provided!
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The industry requires competence to be demonstrated, typically through UKAS accreditation, which is a prerequisite for many major clients. BES is type A accredited, which is preferred, they can provide highly objective opinions.
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Customer
Senior Project Manager
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The BES inspectors are way more technically competent and diligent compared to other providers. I previously used Allianz, and BES definitely stands out due to their strong technical competence and strong back office support.
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Customer
Project Operations Manager
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BES is a really disruptive force in the market, they are able to provide a variety of necessary services to their customers and none of the other big players are able to provide that breadth of services.
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Industry competitor
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We have been with BES for the past 5 years and don’t plan on switching providers. They are very flexible with their services and are able to bring the best inspectors who can deal with on the ground challenges and build real relationships with clients.
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Customer
Global Technical Services Manager
Why choose us
Expert Industrial Knowledge
With over 160 years’ experience in engineering compliance, trust in us to meet all your site requirements.
We’re Independent and impartial
Without favour or profit from recommended repairs, you can rest assured that you’ll only ever be getting the solution that’s right for you.
We’re Highly Qualified
Our Engineers Surveyors meet a minimum required standard of competence (required experience of 5 years)
Commitment to Excellence
Our engineer surveyors regularly carry out audits of on-site inspections, ensuring each and every solution we provide meets the most stringent quality standards.
Accredited Service
We’re a ‘Type A’ organisation, and are accredited to the highest industry standards, including ISO/IEC 17020. With us, you’ll receive a nationally recognised service.
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