Professional LOLER Examination
AV Statutory Inspections provides professional LOLER examination in Kent, supporting businesses across a wide variety of industries with their statutory compliance requirements. Whether your organisation operates forklift trucks, overhead cranes, lifting accessories, vehicle lifts, excavators or specialist lifting equipment, regular Thorough Examinations are a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
Whilst many businesses refer to a LOLER inspection or LOLER test, the legislation specifically requires a Thorough Examination to be carried out by a competent person. This examination is designed to determine whether lifting equipment remains safe to use, identify any defects that could present a danger, and ensure equipment continues to comply with current health and safety legislation.
At AV Statutory Inspections, we work with companies throughout Kent to provide independent LOLER examinations that help maintain safe working environments whilst reducing the risk of equipment failure, costly downtime and enforcement action. Every examination is carried out methodically by experienced inspectors who understand both the legal requirements and the practical demands placed upon lifting equipment across different industries.
Equipment Covered by LOLER Examinations
LOLER applies to far more than just cranes and forklift trucks. The regulations cover almost any item of work equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, together with the accessories that support those lifting operations. Regular Thorough Examinations help verify that equipment remains safe, structurally sound and suitable for continued use within the workplace.
Our experienced inspectors carry out LOLER examinations on a broad range of lifting equipment across Kent, ensuring businesses remain compliant whilst identifying wear, deterioration or damage before it develops into a significant safety issue.
Below are some of the most common types of equipment that require regular examination under LOLER.
Fork-Lift Trucks
Fork-lift trucks form the backbone of many warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centres, often operating continuously throughout the working day. Because they routinely lift substantial loads, every component involved in the lifting process must remain in safe working condition.
Our LOLER examinations assess all safety-critical lifting components, including forks, mast assemblies, chains, carriage systems, hydraulic lifting mechanisms and associated structural elements. Particular attention is paid to signs of wear, distortion, cracking, corrosion or mechanical deterioration that could affect the truck’s ability to safely lift and support loads.
Regular Thorough Examinations not only satisfy statutory obligations but also help businesses reduce unexpected breakdowns, improve workplace safety and maintain confidence that their equipment is operating as intended.
Lifting Accessories & Equipment
Lifting accessories are often subjected to some of the harshest working environments and highest stresses during lifting operations. Chains, webbing slings, wire rope slings, shackles, eyebolts, hooks, spreader beams, lifting beams and lifting frames all require regular examination under LOLER.
Unlike larger lifting machinery, accessories are frequently transported between sites, connected to different equipment and exposed to varying loads, increasing the likelihood of gradual deterioration. Even relatively minor defects can significantly reduce their safe working capability.
During every LOLER examination, our inspectors carefully assess each accessory for wear, elongation, deformation, corrosion, cuts, abrasions, cracked welds and any other defects that could compromise safety. Defective accessories can then be removed from service before they present a danger to personnel or property.
Cranes: Gantry / Jib / Mobile / Tower / Crawler / Truck Mounted
Cranes represent some of the most heavily regulated lifting equipment within industry due to the considerable loads they handle and the potentially serious consequences of equipment failure. Whether installed permanently within a factory or operating on a temporary construction site, every crane requires regular Thorough Examination by a competent person.
AV Statutory Inspections provides LOLER examinations for a wide variety of crane types, including gantry cranes, jib cranes, mobile cranes, tower cranes, crawler cranes and truck-mounted cranes.
Our examinations include detailed assessments of structural steelwork, lifting mechanisms, wire ropes, hooks, pulleys, braking systems, slew mechanisms, controls and integral safety devices. We also inspect critical load-bearing components for evidence of fatigue, damage or deterioration that may affect safe operation.
Routine examination enables businesses to detect developing issues early, supporting preventative maintenance programmes whilst ensuring continued legal compliance.
Excavators
Although excavators are primarily associated with earthmoving activities, many are also utilised for lifting operations using certified lifting points and attachments. Whenever an excavator is used to lift suspended loads, the lifting components fall within the scope of LOLER.
Our Thorough Examination focuses specifically on the lifting aspects of the machine, including lifting eyes, booms, dipper arms, hydraulic cylinders, attachment points and associated structural components involved during lifting operations.
We assess the equipment’s overall condition together with any signs of excessive wear, damage or deterioration that could affect its safe lifting capability.
Regular LOLER examination provides reassurance that excavators used for lifting continue to operate safely whilst supporting compliance with current workplace legislation.
Vehicle Motor Lifts
Vehicle lifts are essential equipment within garages, dealerships, MOT stations and commercial vehicle workshops. As technicians routinely work beneath raised vehicles, maintaining the integrity of lifting equipment is fundamental to workplace safety.
Our LOLER examinations assess the complete lifting system, including hydraulic cylinders, lifting arms, locking mechanisms, cables, chains, structural columns, anchor points and electrical safety systems where applicable.
By carrying out regular Thorough Examinations, businesses can identify developing mechanical issues before they lead to equipment failure, helping to protect technicians whilst minimising costly workshop downtime.
In addition to satisfying legal obligations, routine examination also provides confidence that lifting equipment remains suitable for continued daily operation.
Building Maintenance Units
Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) provide safe access for external building maintenance, façade cleaning and inspection work on high-rise buildings. Due to the significant risks associated with suspended working platforms, these systems require regular Thorough Examination under LOLER.
Our examinations include suspension equipment, winches, wire ropes, drive mechanisms, emergency systems, safety devices, structural components and operating controls. Every element is assessed to ensure the system remains capable of supporting personnel safely whilst operating at height.
Because BMUs are often exposed to changing weather conditions throughout the year, regular examination is particularly important for identifying corrosion, mechanical wear and environmental deterioration before they affect operational safety.
Whilst these represent some of the most commonly examined items of lifting equipment, LOLER applies to many other types of equipment used for lifting or lowering loads. If you’re unsure whether your equipment requires a Thorough Examination, our experienced team can provide guidance and develop an appropriate compliance schedule tailored to your business.
Our service extends beyond simply issuing certificates. We provide clear guidance, comprehensive reporting and practical advice that enables duty holders to manage their lifting equipment responsibly and confidently. Whether you operate a single warehouse, a busy manufacturing facility, a construction site or multiple locations across the county, we tailor our examination schedules to suit your operational requirements whilst ensuring full compliance with Regulation 9 of LOLER.
By choosing AV Statutory Inspections for your LOLER examination in Kent, you’re partnering with an experienced team committed to helping businesses remain compliant, minimise operational risk and protect everyone involved in lifting operations.
Our LOLER Examination Process
At AV Statutory Inspections, we believe a professional LOLER examination should provide far more than a simple pass or fail result. Every Thorough Examination is carried out with precision, consistency and a thorough understanding of the legislation, helping businesses not only meet their legal obligations but also maintain the highest possible standards of workplace safety.
For businesses operating multiple sites or large fleets of lifting equipment, we can also help establish planned examination schedules, ensuring future Thorough Examinations are completed at the appropriate intervals without unnecessary disruption to day-to-day operations.
Whether you require a single examination or ongoing statutory inspection support, AV Statutory Inspections delivers a dependable, professional service that gives you complete confidence in the safety and compliance of your lifting equipment.
1. Equipment Review
Our process begins by reviewing the lifting equipment in use, how it is operated and the environment in which it works. Different industries present different risks, and understanding how equipment is used enables us to determine the appropriate examination requirements and inspection intervals in accordance with LOLER Regulation 9.
2. Equipment Assessment
Where signs of wear or potential issues are identified, these are carefully documented and assessed in line with current legislation and recognised industry standards. This proactive approach allows many defects to be identified before they develop into serious safety concerns, reducing the likelihood of equipment failure and helping businesses plan maintenance more effectively.
3. Thorough Examination
During the Thorough Examination, one of our competent inspectors carries out a detailed assessment of all safety-critical components. Depending on the equipment being examined, this may include lifting mechanisms, structural members, hydraulic systems, chains, wire ropes, lifting points, safety devices, braking systems, controls, fixings and load-bearing components. The objective is to identify any defects, deterioration or damage that could affect the safe operation of the equipment.
4. Comprehensive Report
Following completion of the examination, we provide a comprehensive report detailing the equipment examined, the condition of the equipment, any observations made during the examination and any recommendations for remedial work where necessary. The report also confirms the equipment’s compliance status and provides the documentation required to demonstrate compliance with LOLER during audits or regulatory inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most common questions customers ask us about LOLER testing and inspections.
What is a LOLER examination?
A LOLER examination is the statutory Thorough Examination required under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It is carried out by a competent person to determine whether lifting equipment remains safe to use and continues to meet legal requirements. The examination involves a detailed assessment of safety-critical components to identify defects that could present a risk during lifting operations.
How often does lifting equipment require a LOLER examination?
The frequency of a Thorough Examination depends on the equipment being used and the nature of the lifting operation. In many cases, lifting accessories require examination every six months, whilst other lifting equipment is examined every twelve months. Certain items may require more frequent examinations where specified by an examination scheme or following exceptional circumstances, repairs or significant modifications.
What equipment requires a LOLER examination?
LOLER applies to a wide variety of equipment used for lifting or lowering loads within the workplace. This includes forklift trucks, cranes, lifting accessories, hoists, vehicle lifts, excavators used for lifting, building maintenance units and many other types of lifting equipment. If equipment performs a lifting function as part of a work activity, it is likely to fall within the scope of the regulations.
Why choose AV Statutory Inspections for LOLER examinations?
AV Statutory Inspections provides independent LOLER examinations for businesses throughout Kent, delivering a professional, reliable and customer-focused service. Our experienced inspectors conduct Thorough Examinations in accordance with current legislation, provide comprehensive reporting and help businesses maintain ongoing compliance with minimal disruption. Whether you operate a single site or multiple locations, we offer a responsive service tailored to your equipment and operational requirements.
Businesses throughout Kent choose AV Statutory Inspections because we combine technical expertise with a practical understanding of workplace operations. Our goal is to make statutory compliance straightforward, ensuring lifting equipment remains safe whilst minimising disruption to your business. Every examination is carried out professionally, independently and with a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
Competent and Experienced Inspectors
LOLER legislation requires Thorough Examinations to be completed by a competent person with the appropriate knowledge, practical experience and technical understanding of lifting equipment. Our inspectors possess extensive experience across numerous industries, enabling them to examine everything from warehouse lifting equipment through to complex construction machinery and specialist lifting systems.
Their knowledge allows potential defects to be identified accurately, ensuring examinations remain thorough, consistent and fully compliant with current legislation.
Tailored Examination Schedules
Every organisation uses lifting equipment differently, which means examination requirements can vary depending on equipment type, frequency of use and working environment.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we work closely with each client to establish practical examination schedules that align with operational requirements whilst satisfying statutory obligations. Whether your business operates a single forklift truck or hundreds of lifting assets across multiple locations, we can develop a planned compliance programme that works for you.
Clear Reporting and Ongoing Compliance Support
A Thorough Examination doesn’t end when the inspection is complete. Clear documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance and managing lifting equipment effectively.
Following every examination, we provide detailed reports that clearly outline the equipment examined, any observations, identified defects, recommended actions and overall compliance status. Our team is also available to answer any questions regarding the findings, helping businesses understand their responsibilities and plan any necessary remedial work with confidence.
