Is LOLER a Legal Requirement?

If you use access platforms, cranes, forklifts, or any kind of lifting equipment in your business, you’re legally required to comply with LOLER – the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Yes, LOLER is a legal requirement under UK law. It applies to all lifting equipment used in the workplace, including access platforms, cranes, and forklifts. APS aftercare provides certified LOLER inspections, servicing, and documentation to help businesses meet their legal duties and operate safely year-round.

LOLER sets the standards for how lifting equipment must be used, maintained, and inspected. It’s not optional or advisory; it’s a legal duty for employers, site managers, and anyone who owns or operates lifting equipment in the workplace.

At APS, we help businesses across the UK meet these responsibilities with certified LOLER inspections, thorough examinations, and complete compliance support.

What LOLER Requires

LOLER was introduced to prevent accidents and equipment failures during lifting operations. The regulations apply to any organisation that owns, operates, or controls lifting equipment, from construction firms and warehouses to facilities managers and hire companies.

Under LOLER, all lifting equipment must be:

• Strong and stable, able to handle the loads it’s designed for.
  
• Installed and positioned safely to minimise risks to operators and others nearby.
  
• Used by competent, trained people who understand the equipment.
  
• Inspected and thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a competent person.
  
• Supported by detailed records, including a Report of Thorough Examination.
  

These inspections are designed to detect wear, fatigue, or damage before they cause harm or failure. It’s a proactive safety measure, one that also keeps your equipment performing reliably.

APS’s CAP-trained engineers carry out these examinations nationwide, providing full documentation that meets HSE and insurance requirements

Who Is Responsible for LOLER Compliance?

Responsibility for LOLER compliance sits with the duty holder. In most cases, this means:

• The employer or organisation that owns or operates lifting equipment.
  
• The site manager or supervisor in control of lifting operations.
  
• The equipment owner or hirer, if equipment is rented or shared.
  

If equipment is hired, both parties share responsibility: the hire company must supply safe and certified equipment, and the user must ensure it remains compliant through regular inspections.

APS works closely with both end users and hire businesses, offering tailored inspection schedules and fixed-price service plans that make it easy to stay compliant.

Equipment Covered by LOLER

LOLER covers almost all machinery designed to lift or lower people, materials, or loads. It applies across a wide range of industries and equipment types, including:

• Access platforms such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, and cherry pickers
  
• Spider lifts and tracked booms
  
• Material lifts and load lifters
  
• Forklifts and telehandlers
  
• Cranes, hoists, and winches
  
• Lifting accessories like chains, slings, eyebolts, and shackles
  

Essentially, if the equipment raises or supports a load at height, it falls under LOLER.

At APS, we support compliance across all of these categories. Whether you operate a small fleet of scissor lifts or manage large-scale lifting operations, our aftercare service provides the inspections, maintenance, and records you need.

Inspection Frequency and Legal Standards

One of the key elements of LOLER is the requirement for regular thorough examinations. These must be completed by a competent person at legally defined intervals:

• Every six months for equipment used to lift people or lifting accessories.
  
• Every twelve months for other lifting equipment used for loads only.
  
• Immediately after substantial repairs, modifications, or accidents affecting safety.
  

Each examination results in a formal Report of Thorough Examination, which must be kept for review by insurers or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

If these inspections are missed or overdue, the equipment is considered non-compliant and cannot legally be used until inspected and certified again.

Failure to comply can lead to:

• HSE enforcement notices or prosecution.
  
• Invalidation of insurance cover.
  
• Equipment being taken out of service.
  
• Reputational damage or loss of contracts.
  

APS takes the risk out of compliance by managing your inspection schedule and reminders for you. Our team tracks every machine’s due date, ensuring inspections are carried out on time and documentation is always up to date.

Why LOLER Compliance Matters

LOLER is designed to protect people, not paperwork. The regulations save lives by ensuring that all lifting operations are properly planned, supervised, and maintained.

Beyond safety, there are strong business reasons for keeping your LOLER compliance in check:

1. Reduced downtime
Equipment that’s regularly examined and maintained is far less likely to fail on site, helping projects stay on schedule.

2. Lower maintenance costs
Inspections catch small issues early, reducing the risk of expensive repairs or replacements later on.

3. Improved efficiency
Well-maintained machines perform better, smoother operation, faster lifts, and fewer delays.

4. Peace of mind
You can focus on operations knowing your equipment meets every legal and safety standard.

APS builds these benefits into every plan, giving you predictable maintenance costs, expert support, and total confidence in your compliance record.

How APS Aftercare Keeps You Compliant

APS aftercare is designed to simplify compliance and maximise performance for businesses that rely on powered access and lifting equipment. It combines LOLER examinations, maintenance, and documentation in one fixed-cost service.

Fixed-Price Service Plans

Every plan includes:

• Two six-monthly thorough examinations
  
• One annual full service
  
• All labour, travel, oils, filters, and consumables
  
• Digital inspection records and legal documentation
  

There are no hidden charges, no surprise invoices, just predictable costs and complete compliance.

Qualified Engineers

Our CAP-trained engineers have decades of experience across leading manufacturers, including Hinowa, Niftylift, Wienold Lift and ToughLift. Each inspection follows manufacturer guidelines and HSE standards, ensuring nothing is missed.

Nationwide Coverage

With a fleet of mobile engineers and fully equipped workshops, APS offers fast response times and reliable service wherever you are in the UK.

Complete Support

We go beyond inspections. Our service includes:

• Workshop repairs and refurbishments
  
• Emergency breakdown cover
  
• IPAF-approved operator training
  
• OEM and aftermarket parts available for next-day delivery
  

With APS aftercare, every aspect of your compliance and performance is managed under one roof.

The Cost of Ignoring LOLER

Skipping a LOLER inspection or delaying maintenance can quickly become expensive. It’s not just about fines; it’s the impact on your operations.

A non-compliant machine can be immediately taken out of service. If an accident occurs and equipment isn’t properly certified, businesses can face prosecution, legal action, or even imprisonment. Insurance claims may also be rejected.

More often, the consequences are financial and practical: project delays, missed deadlines, and unplanned repair costs. APS aftercare prevents those risks by keeping your fleet inspection-ready all year round.

FAQs

Is LOLER a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes. LOLER is a statutory requirement enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Any business using lifting equipment must comply.

Who does LOLER apply to?
Employers, site managers, plant owners, and rental operators, anyone who uses or controls lifting equipment in a workplace.

How often do LOLER inspections need to be carried out?
Every six months for equipment used to lift people or accessories, and every twelve months for other lifting operations.

What happens if you don’t comply with LOLER?
You could face HSE enforcement, financial penalties, or legal action. Equipment may also be removed from service and insurance cover could be invalidated.

Can APS carry out LOLER inspections?
Yes. APS’s CAP-trained engineers perform LOLER examinations across the UK, providing certification and maintenance through our aftercare service.

Stay Safe and Compliant with APS Aftercare

LOLER isn’t just guidance, it’s the law. But compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. With APS Aftercare, you can rest assured that your access platforms, cranes, forklifts, and lifting accessories are safe, compliant, and ready to work.

Our engineers manage every part of the process, inspections, servicing, documentation, and repairs, giving you complete confidence that your business meets every legal obligation under LOLER.

To arrange your next inspection or join an APS service plan, call 01480 278002 or visit our Aftercare page.