What is a LOLER Inspection?
A LOLER inspection (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) is a type of safety examination that is required for all lifting equipment and accessories used in the UK for work purposes. By law, any person or company that has patient lifting equipment must carry out a LOLER check every six months. This is to make sure that the equipment is posing no threat to the health and safety of its users.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what a LOLER inspection is, why it’s necessary, what you can expect during an inspection and how we can carry out LOLER inspections for your hoist systems.
What are LOLER inspections?
According to the Health and Safety Executive, a LOLER inspection is defined a comprehensive examination of lifting equipment and accessories, including hoists, slings, chains, and other components.
These types of inspection are carried out by a qualified and experienced inspector who will check for any signs of wear, damage, or other issues that may impact the safety of the equipment.
Very much like an MOT for a car, it is illegal to operate patient handling equipment without a current and up-to-date LOLER certificate.
Why are LOLER inspections necessary?
Lifting equipment and accessories are subjected to a lot of stress and pressure during normal use. Over time, this can cause wear and tear, which can result in the equipment becoming unsafe to use. The purpose of a LOLER inspection is to identify and address any safety concerns before they become a major issue, reducing the risk to individuals and carers who use hoists on a daily basis.
LOLER inspections also help to ensure that lifting equipment and accessories are being used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and that they are being operated in a safe and responsible manner.
Again, not only is this helping to minimise risks, it also prevents equipment being damaged or mishandled due to a lack of training, helping reduce costs for care providers to replace broken equipment.
Keep Your Hoist In Perfect Condition
How often should a hoist have a LOLER inspection?
To ensure your lifting equipment and accessories remain safe for use, and to detect and fix any deterioration in a timely manner, thorough examinations are required throughout the lifetime of your hoisting equipment. As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, LOLER tests are required by law to be conducted every six months for any patient handling equipment.
As an experienced hoist supplier, we’d also recommend thorough examinations should be conducted to include the following:
- 6 months, for lifting equipment and any associated accessories used to lift people
- 6 months, for all lifting accessories
- 12 months, for all other lifting equipment
What happens during a LOLER inspection?
During a LOLER inspection, the inspector will thoroughly examine the lifting equipment and accessories. The inspector will assess the equipment’s overall condition, checking for any signs of corrosion, rust, or other forms of degradation that may affect the equipment’s performance. They will also examine the equipment’s operating mechanisms, such as the brakes, pulleys, and gears, to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a detailed report that outlines any issues that were identified and any recommendations for repairs or maintenance. If the equipment is found to be unsafe, it will be marked as such and will not be allowed to be used until the necessary repairs have been carried out.
A LOLER written report will usually cover the following points:
- The equipment examined, including the make and serial number, and premises
- Date of the last examination and the date when the next one should take place
- What the safe working load is
- The reason for the inspection
- Details of the tests carried out
- Any defects which are or may become a danger
- Details of any repair, renewal or alteration required to fix a defect and the date by which it should be carried out
- The details of the person carrying out the inspection
How can Innova help me with my LOLER inspection?
Whether you have a hoist in your home, a hospital, a hospice or an SEND school, you need to rely on it every day to ensure you can provide the best possible care for your loved one, client or patients. So, it only makes sense to have regular servicing to keep your equipment in top working condition and ensure it is compliant with industry standards.
An Innova service plan is a convenient way to save money and hassle on your next service & LOLER inspection, as well as reassurance that if something goes wrong, you know an Innova engineer will be onsite within a specific time frame. With 3 packages (Gold, Silver and Bronze) available to choose from, an Innova service plan gives you peace of mind that the cost is taken care of and that your equipment is in capable hands. All our plans cover LOLER inspections, carried out by an experienced engineer, and all our hoist installations come with training as standard.
Click on the tab below to read the Innova Service Brochure.
Summary
A LOLER inspection is an important aspect of equipment maintenance, especially for care environments that use hoisting equipment and other lifting devices. By having regular LOLER inspections carried out, you can ensure that your equipment is safe to use and meets the necessary standards and regulations.
Not only will this reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, it also ensures your equipment is operating at its best, providing users with the support and mobility they need.
If you need support or advice on LOLER inspections for your equipment, get in touch by using the contact form below.