At Lift Services, we carry out professional LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) inspections for all types of lifts to ensure they remain safe, compliant, and legally operational.
These statutory inspections are a legal requirement in the UK for any lift used to carry people or goods as part of a business.
Our qualified engineers provide thorough examinations, detailed reports, and certifications, enabling you to operate with confidence.
Request a free, no-obligation consultation and schedule your next lift LOLER inspection.
A LOLER inspection is a formal and systematic examination of a lift’s safety-critical components, carried out at legally required intervals by a competent person.
The process assesses the condition of the lift, identifies any defects or wear, and confirms whether it is safe for continued use.
Unlike routine maintenance, LOLER inspections focus specifically on compliance with the law, ensuring that any risks to users are minimised and recorded in an official inspection report.
The cost of a standard LOLER inspection for a passenger lift ranges from £150 to £300 per visit.
More complex or high-capacity lifts may incur higher costs.
The cost depends on the type of lift, its size, and the frequency of its usage.
Multi-lift sites often benefit from discounted rates when inspections are booked together.
We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we can combine inspections with other services to increase efficiency.
LOLER inspections do not replace regular maintenance. Maintenance focuses on keeping the lift running smoothly, preventing wear and tear, and addressing day-to-day operational issues.
A LOLER inspection is a formal, legal check specifically designed to identify safety-related defects and ensure compliance with UK lifting equipment regulations.
Both are necessary, as inspections assess safety compliance while maintenance keeps the lift in good working condition.
During a LOLER inspection, a qualified and impartial engineer examines all safety-critical components of the lift, including ropes or chains, drive systems, brakes, doors, and emergency systems.
They will test safety devices, inspect for wear and corrosion, and verify that all parts operate as intended.
The inspector then produces a detailed written report, noting any defects, recommended repairs, and the deadline for addressing them. This process ensures the lift meets all legal and safety standards before it is used.
The duty holder, usually the building owner, landlord, facilities manager, or employer, is legally responsible for arranging LOLER inspections. This responsibility includes ensuring inspections are carried out at the correct intervals by a competent and impartial person.
Failure to arrange these inspections can result in legal penalties, invalid insurance, and significant safety risks for passengers and staff.
Operating a lift without a valid LOLER inspection is a breach of UK health and safety law and can result in fines, legal action, and invalid insurance.
If a lift has not been inspected within the required timeframe, it should be taken out of service until the inspection is completed.
Continuing to operate without certification not only risks compliance issues but also compromises passenger safety.
LOLER inspections can include load testing, but it is not always required for every inspection.
Load testing is typically performed when there has been a major alteration to the lift or if there are concerns about its ability to carry its rated load safely.
The decision to carry out load testing is made by the competent person conducting the inspection, based on the lift’s condition and operational history.
A LOLER report contains details of the lift being inspected, the date of inspection, the components examined, and the results of those checks.
It will list any defects found, categorising them by urgency, and will provide a clear timeline for when they must be rectified.
The report also confirms whether the lift is safe to remain in service or must be taken out of operation until repairs are made. This documentation is essential for legal compliance and insurance purposes.
If a building has multiple lifts, inspections can be scheduled together for efficiency and cost savings. This approach reduces disruption, allows for consistent reporting across all units, and may qualify for multi-lift inspection discounts.
Coordinating inspections also makes it easier for facilities managers to track compliance dates and ensure no lift is missed.
LOLER requires passenger-carrying lifts to be inspected at least every six months, and goods-only lifts at least once every twelve months.
High-usage lifts or those in safety-critical environments, such as hospitals and care homes, may require more frequent checks.
The inspection frequency is specified in your lift’s risk assessment and the relevant regulations, so it’s essential to adhere to these timelines to remain compliant.
Only a competent person with the appropriate qualifications, knowledge, and experience can carry out a LOLER inspection. This often means an independent lift engineer or an engineer from a certified lift services company, such as ours.
The inspector must be impartial, meaning they should not be the same person who performs your regular lift maintenance, to ensure the examination is unbiased and focused solely on safety compliance.
A LOLER inspection involves checking all safety-related parts of the lift, including the drive system, suspension ropes or chains, doors, safety brakes, emergency communication systems, and overload devices.
The inspector will also assess the lift’s condition for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion, and verify that safety features, such as alarms and emergency lighting, are operational.
Any defects found will be recorded, along with recommendations for repairs or replacements.
The primary benefit of regular LOLER inspections is that they ensure your lift remains safe, compliant, and reliable, while also helping to prevent costly breakdowns.
The benefits of regular LOLER inspections go beyond meeting legal requirements.
Ensures legal compliance with UK lift safety regulations
Protects passengers and staff by identifying safety issues early
Reduces risk of accidents through preventative action
Minimises downtime by catching defects before they cause breakdowns
Provides documented proof of compliance for insurance purposes
Extends lift lifespan through regular monitoring of wear and tear
If a lift fails its LOLER inspection due to a serious defect, it must be taken out of service until repairs are completed.
Our team can provide urgent repair work to resolve the issues, retest the lift, and issue a compliance certificate, allowing it to be returned to service quickly.
For minor defects, the lift can often continue operating while the repairs are scheduled, provided there is no safety risk.
We can coordinate LOLER inspections alongside your routine maintenance schedule for convenience.
However, the inspection itself must be carried out by an impartial engineer who is not responsible for your ongoing maintenance, in order to meet the legal requirements of the regulations.
At Lift Services, our qualified engineers provide thorough, impartial examinations with clear reports and actionable recommendations, ensuring you meet all UK legal requirements.
Regular LOLER inspections are crucial for maintaining the safety, compliance, and operational integrity of your lift.
Contact Lift Services today to arrange your next LOLER inspection or to get a competitive quote for ongoing compliance support.