If you own or manage a building with a lift, you've probably heard of LOLER. Here's a plain-English guide to what it means and what you need to do.
What is LOLER?
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. The regulations apply to lifting equipment used at work, which includes passenger and goods lifts in offices, shops, blocks of flats with communal areas, hotels, schools and healthcare buildings.
Thorough examinations
A key requirement of LOLER is the thorough examination: a detailed, systematic inspection of the lift by a competent person. For lifts that carry people, this must normally happen at least every six months. Lifts that only carry goods must be examined at least every twelve months. Alternatively, examinations can follow a written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person.
Thorough examinations are usually carried out by an independent engineer surveyor, often arranged through your building's insurer. After each examination you should receive a written report listing any defects found and how urgently they need fixing.
Examination vs maintenance
A thorough examination is not the same as maintenance. The examination checks that the lift is safe to use and identifies problems; maintenance is the regular servicing that keeps it running and puts right any defects. You need both.
What happens if defects are found?
- The report will list defects and give a timescale for repairs.
- Serious defects that pose an immediate risk mean the lift must be taken out of service until they are fixed.
- Where there is a risk of serious injury, the examiner must also report the defect to the enforcing authority.
- You should keep examination reports on file and make sure all defects are completed within the stated timescales.
How we can help
We don't carry out LOLER examinations ourselves, but we work alongside inspectors. We can prepare your lift before an examination, attend on the day if needed, and carry out any remedial work listed in the report, so your lift stays safe and compliant.