When lifting gear is part of your day-to-day operations, inspections are essential for keeping people safe and protecting your equipment. It’s also a necessity in staying in compliant with UK regulations.

If you’re not working with lifting equipment every day, it’s easy to get lost in the terminology: LOLER, PUWER, statutory examinations, thorough inspections… and the big question most businesses ask:

How often do we actually need to inspect our lifting gear, and what does a proper inspection involve?

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s required under UK law, and show you what to look out for if you want to keep your lifting gear safe, certified, and working as it should.

What Counts as Lifting Gear?

Before we dive into inspections, it’s worth clarifying what lifting gear actually includes.

In most workplaces, lifting gear refers to any equipment used to lift or lower loads, including:

• Lifting slings and chains
• Shackles and eyebolts
• Hoists, winches and lifting beams
• Lifting clamps and attachments
• Hooks, swivels and connectors
• Any accessories used between the lifting machine and the load

If it’s used to lift something, even occasionally, it’s likely covered by inspection and compliance requirements.

What Is a Lifting Gear Inspection?

A lifting gear inspection is a formal process of checking equipment for:

• Wear and tear
• Deformation, cracks or corrosion
• Damage from misuse or overloading
• Loose or missing components
• Signs the equipment is no longer safe to use

For businesses in the UK, most lifting gear must undergo a “thorough examination” by a competent person at set intervals.

This is more than a quick visual check. A thorough examination is a structured inspection that confirms the equipment is safe, fit for purpose, and compliant with legal requirements.

LOLER and PUWER: What’s the Difference?

Two main regulations apply to lifting gear inspections in the UK:

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998)

LOLER is the big one. It applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting accessories, and covers things like:

• Thorough examinations
• Safe working loads (SWL)
• Lifting plans and risk management
• Certification and record keeping

If you’re using lifting equipment in a workplace environment, LOLER almost certainly applies.

PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)

PUWER is broader as it covers any equipment used at work, and focuses on:

• Suitability for use
• Safe maintenance
• Training and competency
• General safety controls

In most workplaces, LOLER and PUWER overlap. PUWER covers the general requirement to keep equipment safe, while LOLER sets specific requirements for lifting operations and inspection intervals.

Why Lifting Gear Inspections Matter (Beyond Compliance)

Inspections help you stay compliant but they also help to prevent bigger issues.

A missed fault can lead to:

• Load drops and serious injury
• Equipment failure and downtime
• Failed audits and enforcement action
• Expensive replacements
• Reputational damage

Regular inspections catch small issues before they turn into costly problems.

How Often Should Lifting Gear Be Inspected?

This is one of the most common questions we get.

Under LOLER, lifting equipment and accessories typically require thorough examination at these intervals:

Lifting accessories (e.g., slings, shackles, chains)

Every 6 months
This includes anything used to attach the load to the lifting equipment.

Lifting equipment (e.g., hoists, cranes, lifting beams)

Every 12 months
Unless a risk assessment indicates a shorter period is needed.

Equipment used for lifting people

Every 6 months
This includes man-riding equipment and platforms.

It’s important to note: these are typical legal intervals, but your specific schedule may vary depending on:

• Usage frequency
• Environment (e.g., corrosive or outdoor conditions)
• Load types and lifting cycles
• Age of equipment
• Manufacturer guidance

If you want a clearer idea of what applies to your equipment, our lifting gear inspection and servicing support can help you build a schedule that makes sense for your site.

What Happens During a Thorough Examination?

A thorough examination is designed to confirm that the lifting gear is safe to use and meets the relevant standards.

A competent inspector will typically:

• Identify the equipment and check markings (including SWL)
• Check for wear, cracks, deformation, corrosion and fatigue
• Inspect moving parts and connections
• Confirm components match specification
• Check for unauthorised modifications or repairs
• Review the condition of attachments and accessories
• Decide whether the gear passes, fails, or requires action

Depending on the equipment type, the inspection may also involve:

• Functional testing
• Load testing
• Additional measurements (wear tolerances, elongation, etc.)

What Paperwork Should You Receive?

After a LOLER thorough examination, you should receive a written report confirming:

• What was examined
• The condition and findings
• Any defects or safety concerns
• Whether the equipment is safe to continue using
• The date of the next required examination

These reports are not optional. They’re part of compliance, and they’re often requested during audits or site inspections.

Common Lifting Gear Issues We See During Inspections

Even well-run sites can have lifting gear problems, especially if equipment is shared, stored poorly, or used under pressure.

Some of the most common issues include:

1. Worn or stretched chains

Over time, chains can elongate, reducing their strength and safety.

2. Corrosion and rust

Especially common in outdoor environments, marine sites, and damp storage conditions.

3. Missing tags or markings

If SWL markings aren’t clear, the equipment may be removed from service.

4. Bent hooks or deformed components

Even small deformation can be a sign of overload or improper use.

5. Unrecorded repairs

Repairs done without proper certification can invalidate compliance.

Pre-Use Checks vs Thorough Examinations: What’s the Difference?

This is where many businesses get caught out.

Pre-use checks

These are basic visual checks carried out by the operator before using lifting gear. They’re important, but they are not a substitute for a LOLER inspection.

Thorough examinations

These must be carried out by a competent person and documented. They are required under LOLER at defined intervals.

If you’re reviewing your lifting gear safety procedures, we also recommend putting a structured maintenance routine in place alongside your inspections. In our guide to lifting gear maintenance best practices, we explain exactly what that should include, from daily checks through to planned servicing, and how it helps extend equipment lifespan while keeping you compliant.

What Happens If Your Lifting Gear Fails an Inspection?

If lifting gear fails a thorough examination, it may need to be:

• Removed from service immediately
• Repaired or replaced
• Re-tested and re-certified before use

In some cases, the equipment might be safe for limited use, but only with restrictions clearly stated in the report.

This is why it’s so important to have both inspections and maintenance working together. Inspections identify issues, but maintenance prevents them from happening in the first place.

Booking a Lifting Gear Inspection: What to Expect

When you book a lifting gear inspection, you should expect a process that’s efficient and disruption-free.

At Mercia, we aim to make inspections straightforward by:

• Working around your site schedule
• Helping you identify what needs inspecting
• Ensuring reports and documentation are clear
• Supporting follow-up repairs and servicing if required

FAQs

How do I know if my equipment is covered by LOLER?

If the equipment is used to lift or lower loads at work, including accessories like slings and shackles, it is very likely covered.

Who is allowed to carry out a thorough examination?

A competent person. This typically means someone with the right level of training, knowledge and experience to identify defects and assess safety.

Do I need inspections if we only use lifting gear occasionally?

Yes. Even occasional use still carries risk, and inspection intervals still apply.

Can we inspect lifting gear ourselves?

You can (and should) carry out pre-use checks. But thorough examinations must be carried out by a competent person and documented.

What records do we need to keep?

You should keep the latest thorough examination report for each piece of equipment and ensure you can produce it during audits or site inspections.

Keeping Your Lifting Gear Safe and Compliant

Regular lifting gear inspections aren’t just about ticking a box. They’re one of the simplest ways to protect your team, avoid downtime, and stay on the right side of regulations.

If you want support with inspections, compliance, servicing or repairs, get in touch with our team.