What Equipment Is LOLER Relevant To?

LOLER, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, sets the standard for how lifting equipment is used, maintained and inspected across the UK.

If your business operates access platforms, cranes, forklifts or any machinery that lifts or lowers loads, it is almost certainly covered by these regulations.

LOLER applies to any equipment used to lift or lower loads, including access platforms, cranes, forklifts and lifting accessories. APS aftercare provides nationwide LOLER inspections, servicing and documentation to keep your equipment safe, compliant and performing reliably across every type of powered access and material handling operation.

Understanding which equipment falls under LOLER is essential for keeping people safe, avoiding downtime and remaining compliant with the law.

At APS Aftercare, we make that simple. Our engineers carry out thorough examinations, manage inspection schedules and provide the documentation you need to stay fully compliant, all delivered as part of one fixed cost nationwide service.

What Does LOLER Cover?

In simple terms, LOLER applies to any equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, as well as attachments that support, secure or anchor that equipment.

If machinery raises or lowers people, tools or materials, it is likely classed as lifting equipment and must be inspected at regular intervals by a competent person.

LOLER applies across all workplaces, including construction sites, manufacturing plants, warehouses, maintenance teams and rental fleets. The aim is consistent everywhere, to ensure lifting operations are planned safely and that equipment remains fit for use.

APS engineers inspect and certify a wide range of lifting equipment every day, helping businesses meet these obligations and keep operations running safely.

Access Equipment Covered by LOLER

At APS, our core focus is powered access. All access platforms used to lift people or materials must undergo regular thorough examinations under LOLER, typically every six months.

This includes:

• Scissor lifts – including electric, diesel, and hybrid models
  
• Boom lifts (self-propelled, truck-mounted, or trailer-mounted)
  
• Cherry pickers and vertical mast lifts
  
• Spider lifts and tracked booms for narrow or uneven access
  
• Material lifts and load lifters
  
• Telehandlers and lifting attachments

Each of these machines contains moving and load bearing components that are subject to wear and fatigue. A LOLER inspection checks every structural and mechanical part for damage, corrosion or malfunction.

APS manages these inspections on a recurring schedule, ensuring access platforms remain safe to use, legally compliant and performing at their best.

Other Equipment Subject to LOLER

LOLER does not only apply to access platforms. It extends to most lifting and handling equipment used across different industries.

Forklifts and Telehandlers

Used daily in warehouses, construction and logistics, these machines are clearly covered by LOLER. Both the lifting mechanism and any attachments such as forks, cages or hooks must be inspected regularly to ensure safe operation.

Cranes and Hoists

All cranes and hoists used in lifting operations require regular thorough examinations. This includes tower cranes, vehicle mounted cranes, mobile cranes, jib cranes and overhead gantries.

Winches and Powered Lifting Systems

Winches, hoists and similar powered systems that lift or lower loads fall under LOLER. Inspections focus on brake systems, cables and mechanical components that operate under load.

Lifting Accessories

LOLER also covers all equipment used to support or secure loads, including:

• Slings, chains, and wire ropes
  
• Shackles and hooks
  
• Eyebolts and spreader bars
  
• Lifting frames and clamps
  

Although these items may appear simple, they play a critical role in lifting safety and must be inspected at least every six months by a competent person.

APS engineers are qualified to inspect both powered lifting equipment and lifting accessories, providing complete compliance support for mixed fleets and varied sites.

What LOLER Does Not Cover

Not every piece of equipment that moves a load is subject to LOLER. Some machinery falls outside the regulations if it does not lift vertically or support a suspended load.

Examples include:

Examples include:

• Conveyors that move items along a production line
  
• Escalators and moving walkways
  
• Trolley jacks used for vehicle maintenance (when not used commercially for lifting operations)
  
• Goods lifts that move loads between fixed points but aren’t used by people

If you are unsure whether your equipment is covered, APS can help. Our team can review your fleet and advise exactly which machines require inspections under LOLER or PUWER, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

How Often Should LOLER Inspections Be Carried Out?

Inspection frequency depends on how the equipment is used.

• Every 6 months – for any lifting equipment or accessories used to lift people.
  
• Every 6 months – for lifting accessories such as chains, slings, and shackles.
  
• Every 12 months – for other lifting equipment used only to move loads.
  
• After major repair, modification, or accident – before being returned to service.

APS aftercare tracks and schedules inspections automatically, helping you avoid missed deadlines and compliance risks.

Why LOLER Compliance Matters

Regular LOLER inspections protect more than machinery. They protect people, reputations and profitability.

Failing to maintain compliance can result in:

• HSE enforcement action or prosecution
  
• Loss of insurance cover
  
• Costly downtime if equipment is taken out of service
  
• Increased risk of injury or accident

A valid LOLER certificate confirms equipment is safe and legal to use. APS provides all required documentation following each inspection, stored digitally for easy access during audits or insurance checks.

How APS Aftercare Keeps You Compliant

APS aftercare is a comprehensive service designed to simplify LOLER and PUWER compliance. It combines inspections, servicing, repairs and documentation into one predictable package.

Fixed Price Service Plans

Each plan includes two six-monthly thorough examinations, one annual service and all labour, travel and consumables. There are no hidden costs, just clear and reliable maintenance coverage.

Qualified Engineers

All examinations are completed by CAP trained engineers with manufacturer level expertise across leading brands including LGMG, Hinowa, Genie, Niftylift, BoSS, Wienold Lift and ToughLift.

Nationwide Coverage

APS operates across the UK and Ireland, providing mobile inspections alongside fully equipped workshops for repairs and refurbishment.

Comprehensive Support

Beyond inspections, APS supports performance. With an in house parts department and rapid breakdown response, aftercare keeps equipment operational, compliant and efficient.

Whether managing a single access platform or a large mixed fleet, APS provides a straightforward way to remain legal, safe and productive.

FAQs

What types of equipment are covered by LOLER?
Any equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, including access platforms, forklifts, cranes, hoists and lifting accessories such as slings and chains.

Are scissor lifts and cherry pickers covered by LOLER?
Yes. All access platforms used to lift people or materials must be inspected every six months under LOLER.

Do lifting accessories need LOLER inspections?
Yes. Accessories including chains, slings and eyebolts require thorough examination every six months.

Who can carry out a LOLER inspection?
Only a competent person with appropriate knowledge, experience and impartiality. APS CAP trained engineers carry out inspections nationwide.

What happens if equipment fails a LOLER inspection?
You receive a detailed report of defects. APS can carry out repairs and re-inspect equipment to restore compliance quickly.

Stay Safe and Compliant with APS Aftercare

If your business uses access platforms, cranes, forklifts or material lifts, they are almost certainly covered by LOLER. Staying compliant is straightforward with APS.

Our CAP trained engineers deliver thorough examinations, fixed cost service plans and rapid support across the UK, giving complete confidence that equipment is safe, legal and ready for work.

View our LOLER page here

To book an inspection or learn more about service plans, call 01480 891251