Inspections
Inspection Services
At Lifting Gear and Safety, we provide comprehensive inspection services to ensure lifting equipment, accessories, and safety systems remain compliant, reliable, and ready for use. Our inspections help you meet UK regulations such as LOLER, align with BS/EN/ISO standards, and maintain operational safety across construction, industrial, marine, and utilities sectors.
What We Inspect
We carry out thorough examinations and inspections on:
- Cranes and hoists (overhead, jib, davit, gantry)
- Lifting beams, spreader bars, and frames
- Slings, shackles, hooks, eyebolts, and lifting points
- Winches and bespoke assemblies
- Anchor points and fall protection systems
- Marine safety equipment including lifejackets, liferafts, and immersion suits
Types of Inspection
Our inspection services include:
- Thorough Examination under LOLER – Scheduled checks to verify safe operation and compliance.
- Visual and Functional Checks – Assessing wear, corrosion, deformation, and correct function.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) – Magnetic particle, dye penetrant, ultrasonic, and eddy current methods for detecting cracks and defects.
- Load Testing Integration – Combining inspection with proof load testing where required.
- Periodic and Pre-Use Inspections – Ensuring equipment is safe before and during service.
Compliance and Reporting
All inspections are carried out by competent personnel using calibrated equipment and documented procedures. We provide:
- Detailed inspection reports and certificates
- Photographic evidence of findings
- Recommendations for remedial actions or re-test intervals
Our approach aligns with LOLER duties, OEM instructions, and applicable BS/EN/ISO standards, ensuring full traceability and audit-ready documentation.
Flexible Service Options
We offer:
- On-site inspections to minimise downtime
- In-house inspections for complex assemblies
- Advice on inspection intervals and compliance planning
Why Choose Us?
Whether you need a one-off thorough examination, ongoing inspection programmes, or integrated inspection and testing, Lifting Gear and Safety delivers safe, efficient services that keep your operations compliant and confident.
Clarifying UK Regulations for Lifting Equipment Inspections
In the UK, lifting equipment inspections are governed primarily by two sets of regulations: LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). Both aim to ensure workplace safety, but they cover different aspects of equipment use.
LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting operations. It requires that all lifting equipment is strong, stable, and fit for purpose, and that lifting activities are properly planned and supervised. Under LOLER, lifting equipment must undergo thorough examinations by a competent person at prescribed intervals:
- Before first use (especially for new or modified equipment)
- Every six months for equipment used to lift people
- Every twelve months for other lifting equipment
- After any significant repair or modification
These examinations check structural integrity, safe working load markings, and correct installation. Detailed records of inspections must be kept and made available for audits or regulatory checks. LOLER also mandates that lifting operations are risk-assessed, supervised, and carried out safely, with clear method statements and competent personnel.
PUWER, on the other hand, applies to all work equipment, including lifting equipment. It focuses on ensuring that equipment is suitable for its intended use, maintained in a safe condition, and operated by trained personnel. PUWER requires regular maintenance, safety checks, and risk assessments for all workplace equipment. While LOLER dictates when lifting equipment must be examined, PUWER ensures that it remains safe and functional during daily use.
Together, LOLER and PUWER create a comprehensive framework: LOLER covers lifting-specific risks and inspection schedules, while PUWER ensures ongoing equipment safety and operator competence. Compliance with both is essential for legal and operational safety.
