Lifts are essential for keeping buildings accessible, safe and easy to use. When a lift is used regularly by residents, staff, customers or visitors, it needs to be properly inspected to ensure it remains safe and legally compliant.
A LOLER inspection is one of the most important checks carried out on lift equipment in the UK. It helps identify faults, safety risks and compliance issues before they lead to serious problems.
What is a LOLER inspection?
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations apply to lifting equipment used in workplaces, including passenger lifts, goods lifts, service lifts and platform lifts.
A LOLER inspection is a formal examination carried out by a competent person. The purpose is to check whether the lift is safe to use and whether any defects need attention.
It is not the same as routine lift servicing. Servicing helps maintain the lift, while a LOLER inspection provides an independent safety assessment.
Why are LOLER inspections important?
A lift that appears to be working normally can still have hidden issues. Components such as ropes, brakes, doors, controls and safety systems may deteriorate over time, particularly in busy buildings.
Regular LOLER inspections help building owners, facilities managers and duty holders identify risks early. They also support legal compliance and provide a clear record of the lift’s condition.
Ignoring inspection requirements can increase the risk of breakdowns, safety incidents, enforcement action and costly repairs.
How often does a lift need a LOLER inspection?
Passenger lifts usually require a LOLER inspection every six months. Goods-only lifts are typically inspected every 12 months, though this can vary depending on the equipment, usage and risk level.
Some lifts may need more frequent checks if they are heavily used, operate in demanding environments or have known performance issues.
The inspection schedule should be based on the lift type, how it is used and any written scheme of examination in place.
What is checked during a LOLER inspection?
During a LOLER inspection, the competent person will examine key safety-critical components of the lift. The exact checks depend on the type of lift and its condition, but they usually include the main operating and safety systems.
This may include the lift car, landing doors, door locks, controls, emergency communication, suspension equipment, braking systems, guides, safety gear, the pit, the shaft and machine room equipment.
The aim is to confirm that the lift is safe to use and to identify any defects that could affect operation or safety.
What happens if defects are found?
If defects are found, they will be recorded in the LOLER inspection report. The report should explain the issue, its severity, and whether action is required immediately or within a set timeframe.
Serious defects may require the lift to be taken out of service until repairs are completed. Less urgent issues may still need attention before the next inspection or within a specified period.
Acting quickly on defects helps prevent further deterioration and keeps the building safer for users.
Who can carry out a LOLER inspection?
A LOLER inspection must be carried out by a competent person. This should be someone with the appropriate technical knowledge, experience and independence to assess the lift properly.
In many cases, the inspection is carried out by an independent insurance inspector or a specialist lift inspection provider. This gives building owners a clear and impartial view of the lift’s safety condition.
Routine maintenance engineers can help resolve defects, but the formal LOLER examination itself should be independent and properly documented.
Is LOLER the same as lift servicing?
LOLER inspections and lift servicing are often confused, but they are distinct.
Servicing is preventative maintenance. It keeps the lift working properly by checking, adjusting, lubricating and repairing components as needed.
A LOLER inspection is a statutory safety examination. It checks whether the lift is safe to continue using and records any defects that must be addressed.
Both are important. A lift can be serviced regularly and still require separate LOLER examinations to meet legal requirements.
What should building owners do after an inspection?
After the inspection, the building owner, facilities manager or duty holder should review the report carefully. Any defects should be prioritised based on urgency and safety risk.
It is also important to keep LOLER reports on file as part of the building’s maintenance and compliance records. These documents may be needed for audits, insurance purposes or future maintenance planning.
Where defects are identified, arranging repairs promptly helps reduce risk and supports long-term lift reliability.
Preparing for a LOLER inspection
Good preparation can make the inspection process smoother. Building managers should ensure the lift, machine room, shaft access points and relevant documents are available.
Recent service records, previous LOLER reports and details of known faults can help the competent person understand the lift’s history. Clear communication with residents, staff or building users may also be needed if the lift will be unavailable during the inspection.
Planning ahead helps reduce disruption and ensures the inspection can be completed properly.
Keeping your lift safe and compliant
A LOLER inspection gives building owners a clear view of lift safety, compliance and risk. It is not just a paperwork exercise; it plays a practical role in protecting users and preventing avoidable failures.
Regular inspections, supported by proper servicing and timely repairs, help keep lifts safe, reliable and fit for daily use.