Our engineers are competent to carry out Statutory Thorough Examinations (STEs) of lifting equipment as part of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) inspections anywhere in the UK.
We have the necessary knowledge and experience to identify defects, assess and confirm whether lifting equipment is fit for purpose in compliance with the regulations.
STEs must be carried out at specified intervals, the frequency determined by a risk assessment – usually every six months for equipment used to lift people or 12 months for equipment and accessories used to lift goods. Examinations must also be carried out before the initial use of any lifting equipment or after the equipment has been reinstated following extensive repairs or having sustained damage.
We can examine and report on any type of lifting equipment from small hoists and truck tail lifts to huge gantry or tower cranes, and issue a LOLER certificate for equipment that reaches the regulatory standards, valid until the date of the next required examination.
A Statutory Thorough Examination typically involves:
Checking the equipment for obvious damage, wear and tear, corrosion, missing parts, and the correct markings (e.g., safe working load).
Observing the operation of the equipment and its safety features to ensure they are working correctly (e.g., brakes, interlocks, emergency stops).
Taking measurements of wear and tear on critical components to assess if they are within acceptable limits.
In some cases our competent LOLER engineers will also carry out an internal examination, dismantling parts of the equipment if they deem it necessary. We might also carry out load testing and non-destructive testing (NDT) to detect hidden flaws.
After the examination our engineer will issue a report of thorough examination which includes details of the equipment, the date of the examination, any defects found, and the date of the next required examination. This record of a thorough examination must be kept available for inspection by Health and Safety officers if/when required.
We are proud to be considered competent persons for carrying out LOLER examinations, taking on the responsibility for ensuring the safe use of lifting equipment in compliance with UK health and safety law.
Lives and livelihoods depend on the safe use and functioning of lifting equipment in any and all of the hazardous situations and sectors where loads need to be mechanically hoisted, lowered and moved. It is therefore not surprising that non-compliance with the LOLER regulations allow the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to enforce fines, or even prosecute offenders in court, should an equipment owner/operator fail to arrange the appropriate inspection or keep a record of compliance securely stored while the equipment is in service.
The HSE can and DO impose heavy penalties for breaching LOLER regulations, so its not worth the risk no matter how small your lifting operation may be, or whether you’re just too busy to remember your next LOLER appointment.
We make it as easy as possible to schedule your regular LOLER thorough examination and facilitate your record keeping. Our experienced examiners will work efficiently yet scrupulously to expedite the examination so as to limit your downtime as much as possible.
