When it comes to a LOLER test, they cover a wide range of “Lift Equipment”. This might be a garden wheelchair lift or a hoist to lower disabled people into a bath tub. It also includes cherry pickers, hydraulic cranes, car lifts in a garage and of course passenger and goods lifts. Equipment subjected to harsh environmental factors such as salt water, cold or extreme heat may have to be tested more often and our LOLER Inspectors can advise. But generally speaking your equipment would be tested either every six months or annually.
LOLER Test: What is covered?
- If you have any lift equipment that lifts people then it must have a LOLER test every six months.
- All lifting accessories must be tested every six months.
- Any other kind of lifting equipment must be tested at least once every 12 months. Once a year.
Most people understand that a commercial lift carrying people, for example in a school or hotel must be inspected. But did you know that even a simple Stannah stair lift or a dumb waiter actually needs to be tested. One way of understanding the HSE LOLER regulations is by asking yourself this question:
“Where do I stand legally if someone is injured, or worse, fatally harmed by lifting equipment I own?”
What if the accident investigation finds that you had not had a proper LOLER inspection on a regular basis? You would be in breach of the Health and Safety Executive LOLER Regulations! Obviously that would be a very serious situation.
LOLER Test: Peace of Mind
However we prefer to think of a LOLER test in terms of “Peace of Mind”. Accidents do happen because all equipment will eventually wear out or fatigue. But by performing a regular LOLER Test on your lifts, then you have the peace of mind. You will know that any wear, tear, or damage will most likely be spotted before the lift fails. Preventing lift failure means preventing accidents.
If in doubt, please contact us. We’ll be happy to advise you on the appropriate level of LOLER inspection schedule. We are part of the ELTI group who’ve been trusted to carry out professional LOLER Inspections since 1997!