LOLER Inspection Checklist Audit Guide: A Complete Guide & Free Checklists. A LOLER Inspection Checklist helps you check lifting gear, spot risks, and keep every lift safe, clear, and well planned. With eAuditor Audits & Inspections, you can record checks, add photos, and track repairs in one place.

Lifting equipment must be safe every time you use it. A worn sling, a faulty brake, or a missing test report can put people at risk. Regular checks help you find these issues before they lead to harm.

This guide explains LOLER, shows you what to check, and gives you practical checklist items for daily use. You will also find related eAuditor checklists to help your team manage lifting equipment with less paperwork and better records.

What Is a LOLER Inspection Checklist?

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These UK rules cover the safe use of lifting equipment at work.

A LOLER Inspection Checklist helps a competent person check lifting equipment, review key records, and note any defects. It can cover cranes, hoists, lifting accessories, and other equipment used to lift loads.

The checklist should match the equipment and the task. For example, a chain sling needs different checks from a mobile crane. A clear checklist helps staff follow the right steps and record what they find.

Use the official eAuditor website to learn how digital inspections can support your checks.

Why Is a LOLER Inspection Checklist Important?

Lifting work can go wrong in seconds. A damaged hook or an unstable load can cause a serious injury. A good checklist helps your team spot these risks before work starts.

It also helps you:

• Check equipment condition before use.
• Find wear, cracks, and other defects.
• Confirm that required examination records are available.
• Record faults with notes and photos.
• Assign repairs to the right person.
• Track open actions until the team closes them.
• Keep inspection records ready for review.

Most of all, a checklist gives your team a clear process. Everyone knows what to check, what to record, and when to stop work.

Who Needs to Follow LOLER?

LOLER applies to many UK workplaces that use lifting equipment. This includes construction sites, factories, warehouses, workshops, and other work areas.

Employers and people in control of lifting operations must make sure the equipment is suitable and safe. They must also plan lifting work and arrange thorough examinations where the law requires them.

Workers should use equipment only when they have the right training and permission. They should report defects at once and never use equipment that may be unsafe.

A checklist supports this process, but it does not replace training, a risk assessment, a safe lifting plan, or a thorough examination by a competent person.

What Equipment Does a LOLER Inspection Checklist Cover?

The checklist should cover the equipment used at your site. Common examples include:

• Cranes: Check the structure, controls, brakes, and lifting mechanism.
• Hoists: Check the chain or wire rope, hooks, brakes, and controls.
• Forklift lifting attachments: Check the attachment, locking points, and safe working load.
• Slings: Look for cuts, broken wires, wear, corrosion, and damaged fittings.
• Chains and shackles: Check for cracks, bends, wear, and secure connections.
• Lifting beams: Look for damage, clear load markings, and sound lifting points.
• Goods lifts: Check relevant safety devices, controls, and examination records.
• Other lifting accessories: Confirm that each item suits the task and remains safe to use.

Not every item falls under the same inspection rules. Check the type of equipment, how it is used, and the relevant legal requirements before setting the inspection schedule.

LOLER Inspection Checklist: Key Items to Check

Use the sections below as a starting point. Adapt them to the equipment, site, and work involved.

1. Equipment Details

Record the basic details before you begin.

• Equipment name and type.
• Unique asset or serial number.
• Site and work area.
• Inspection date and time.
• Name of the inspector.
• Name of the operator, where relevant.
• Safe working load (SWL).
• Date of the last required thorough examination.
• Date of the next examination, where applicable.

These details help you link each inspection to the correct item. They also make it easier to review past findings.

2. General Condition

Check the equipment for visible signs of damage.

• Look for cracks, dents, bends, and rust.
• Check frames, supports, and mounting points.
• Look for loose, missing, or damaged parts.
• Check guards and covers.
• Look for fluid leaks in hydraulic systems.
• Check that labels and warning signs are clear.
• Make sure the equipment is clean enough for a proper check.

Stop and report any defect that could affect safe use. Do not rely on a visual check alone when a more detailed examination is required.

3. Chains, Slings, Ropes, and Hooks

Lifting accessories need careful checks because they carry the load.

• Look for cuts, broken wires, kinks, and frayed sections.
• Check chains for wear, cracks, and stretched links.
• Look for corrosion or heat damage.
• Check hooks for bends, cracks, and excessive wear.
• Make sure hook safety catches work, where fitted.
• Check shackles, pins, and connectors.
• Confirm that each accessory has clear identification and load details where required.
• Check that the accessory suits the load and lifting method.

Remove damaged accessories from service. Mark them clearly so no one uses them by mistake.

4. Brakes, Controls, and Safety Devices

The equipment must respond as expected during use.

• Check the operating controls.
• Test emergency stops where fitted and safe to do so.
• Check brakes and holding functions.
• Check limit switches and overload protection, where fitted.
• Look for damaged cables or loose control parts.
• Check warning lights, alarms, and indicators.
• Confirm that safety devices have not been bypassed.

Follow the maker’s instructions for each test. Only trained, authorised people should carry out operational tests.

5. Load Limits and Load Security

A safe lift starts with the right load and the right equipment.

• Confirm the safe working load.
• Check the weight of the load.
• Make sure the equipment can lift the load safely.
• Inspect the lifting points.
• Check that the load is stable and secured.
• Make sure the slings and accessories are attached correctly.
• Keep people clear of suspended loads.
• Check that the load will not strike nearby structures.

Never guess the load weight or exceed the rated limit. Stop the lift if the load is unstable or the lifting method is unclear.

6. Lifting Area and Lift Planning

The work area matters as much as the equipment.

• Check the ground or supporting surface.
• Look for overhead cables and other obstructions.
• Keep access routes clear.
• Mark and control the lifting zone.
• Check the weather when outdoor lifting is involved.
• Confirm that the lift plan suits the task.
• Make sure operators and signalers can communicate.
• Keep unauthorised people away from the work area.

Complex or high-risk lifts may need a detailed plan and close supervision. Follow the site risk assessment and the relevant work procedures.

7. Records and Thorough Examination

A routine check is not the same as a LOLER thorough examination.

Review the records and confirm that:

• The equipment has a clear identity.
• Required examination reports are available.
• The next examination date is known.
• Reported defects have been reviewed.
• Required repairs have been completed.
• Any conditions in the examination report have been addressed.
• Maintenance and repair records are up to date.
• Staff can find the relevant documents when needed.

LOLER sets examination intervals for different types of equipment. Common intervals are six months for equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories, and 12 months for other lifting equipment. A competent person may set different intervals under a written examination scheme. Some events also require an examination before further use.

Always check the rules that apply to your equipment and the recommendations in the examination report.

8. Defects and Corrective Actions

Finding a fault is only the first step. Your team must also deal with it.

• Describe the defect in clear terms.
• Add a photo when it helps explain the issue.
• Rate the risk using your site’s process.
• Stop use if the equipment may be unsafe.
• Mark and isolate the item where needed.
• Tell the supervisor or responsible person.
• Assign the repair or follow-up task.
• Record the action taken.
• Check that the repair is complete before returning the item to service.

Keep a record of who closed the action and when. This helps prevent the same fault from being missed during the next inspection.

9. Final Review and Sign-Off

Before you close the checklist, review the results.

• Confirm that all required checks are complete.
• Add notes for any item that needs follow-up.
• Attach photos or supporting records.
• List any equipment taken out of service.
• Record the actions assigned.
• Add the inspector’s name and sign-off.
• Set the next check or review date, where relevant.

A clear sign-off gives supervisors a quick view of the equipment’s status and any work that remains open.

How Often Should You Use a LOLER Inspection Checklist?

The right frequency depends on the type of check and the equipment.

Before use: Operators should carry out the checks required by the equipment maker and the site’s safe system of work. This helps spot obvious faults before a lift begins.

At planned intervals: Arrange routine checks based on risk, use, and the maker’s instructions. Frequent use or harsh conditions may call for closer monitoring.

For thorough examinations: Follow LOLER’s required intervals or the written examination scheme set by a competent person. Also consider events such as damage, major changes, or exceptional circumstances that may affect safety.

Do not treat a daily checklist as proof that a thorough examination is complete. Each process has a different purpose.

Common LOLER Inspection Mistakes to Avoid

Even a well-run team can miss important details. Watch out for these common errors.

• Using one checklist for every item: Different equipment needs different checks.
• Ignoring small defects: Minor wear can grow into a major fault.
• Missing examination dates: Keep a clear record of when the next examination is due.
• Leaving faults open: Assign each action to a named person and track it to closure.
• Using damaged accessories: Remove unsafe items from service at once.
• Failing to record evidence: Clear notes and photos help others understand the issue.
• Confusing routine checks with thorough examinations: Keep both processes clear.
• Returning equipment too soon: Confirm that required repairs and safety checks are complete before use.

A simple, consistent process helps your team avoid these gaps and keep better records.

How eAuditor Audits & Inspections Can Help

Paper forms can be hard to read, slow to share, and easy to misplace. Digital checklists help teams record findings in a consistent way.

With eAuditor Audits & Inspections, your team can turn paper forms or spreadsheets into digital inspection templates. You can adapt the questions to each type of lifting equipment and record results during the inspection.

Useful features include:

• Custom templates: Build checklists for cranes, hoists, slings, and other equipment.
• Photo evidence: Add images to show damage or explain a finding.
• Clear records: Keep inspection results in a consistent format.
• Corrective actions: Assign tasks and track defects that need attention.
• Digital reports: Share completed inspection reports with the right people.
• Mobile use: Complete checks in the field, with offline support where available.
• Team access: Help authorised staff review findings and follow up on open work.

These tools can reduce repeated data entry and make inspection records easier to review. However, software does not decide whether equipment is safe. Your team must still follow the law, use competent people, and act on defects.

Visit the eAuditor homepage to learn more about the platform.

Free LOLER Inspection Checklists from eAuditor

You can use the following eAuditor resources as a starting point for your own inspection process. Review each checklist and adapt it to your equipment and site needs.

1. LOLER Inspection Checklist

The LOLER Inspection Checklist covers equipment identification, visual checks, controls, safety devices, structural condition, lifting accessories, records, and staff competence. It can help teams create a consistent inspection process.

2. LOLER Inspection Checklist: Detailed Guide

The detailed LOLER Inspection Checklist includes pre-use checks, load security, lift planning, post-lift checks, thorough examination records, defects, repairs, and sign-off. Use it to review the main steps in a lifting equipment inspection.

3. Heavy Equipment Maintenance Checklist

The Heavy Equipment Maintenance Checklist appears in eAuditor’s LOLER-related category. It can help you explore maintenance checks that support the safe upkeep of heavy equipment. Open the category page and find the checklist entry.

These resources are useful starting points, not a replacement for a competent person’s examination or a site-specific risk assessment. Confirm that each checklist covers the equipment and legal duties that apply to your work.

How to Create a Digital LOLER Inspection Checklist

You can start with a paper form or an existing checklist and turn it into a digital process.

1. Choose the equipment: Create a separate template where different equipment needs different checks.
2. Add key details: Include the asset ID, location, date, inspector, and load rating.
3. Write clear questions: Use simple questions that staff can answer consistently.
4. Add evidence fields: Allow notes and photos for defects or unusual findings.
5. Set action rules: Make it clear what happens when a check fails.
6. Assign responsibility: Give each follow-up task to the right person.
7. Review the results: Check reports for open defects and upcoming examination dates.
8. Update the template: Change questions when equipment, risks, or work methods change.

You can learn more about creating and completing digital inspections in the eAuditor inspection guide.

Best Practices for a Reliable LOLER Inspection Process

A checklist works best when your team uses it the same way each time.

• Train staff to recognise common defects.
• Keep asset IDs clear and easy to find.
• Follow the maker’s instructions.
• Use competent people for tasks that need specialist knowledge.
• Keep inspection and examination records together.
• Review open actions at regular intervals.
• Check that staff understand when to stop work.
• Update templates when new risks arise.
• Audit the process to see whether actions close on time.

Most importantly, build a culture where staff report faults without delay. Early reporting can help prevent injuries, damage, and costly downtime.

Conclusion

A LOLER Inspection Checklist helps your team check lifting equipment, spot defects, and keep clear records. It also supports safer lifting plans and faster follow-up when something goes wrong.

Use the free eAuditor checklist resources as a starting point, then adapt each template to your equipment and site risks. With eAuditor Audits & Inspections, you can record checks, add evidence, share reports, and track corrective actions in one digital process.

A checklist alone cannot make a lift safe. But when your team combines clear checks, competent examinations, proper training, and prompt action, it can make a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a LOLER Inspection Checklist?

A LOLER Inspection Checklist is a set of questions used to check lifting equipment, review safety records, and record defects. It helps teams follow a consistent process and identify issues that need action.

2. Is a LOLER inspection a legal requirement?

LOLER requires employers and others responsible for lifting equipment to ensure that equipment is thoroughly examined when the regulations require it. A checklist can support safe use and record-keeping, but it does not replace the required thorough examination.

3. How often should lifting equipment undergo a thorough examination?

The usual intervals are six months for equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories, and 12 months for other lifting equipment. A written examination scheme may set different intervals. A competent person must determine the appropriate requirements for the equipment and its use.

4. Who can carry out a LOLER thorough examination?

A competent person must carry out the thorough examination. They need suitable practical and theoretical knowledge, experience, and independence to identify defects and assess their significance.

5. What should a LOLER Inspection Checklist include?

It should cover equipment details, condition, hooks and slings, controls, safety devices, load limits, lifting areas, records, defects, corrective actions, and sign-off. The exact questions should match the equipment and the task.

6. What should you do if you find a defect?

Stop using the equipment if the defect could affect safety. Mark or isolate it where needed, report the issue, arrange the required repair or assessment, and confirm that it is safe before returning it to service.

7. Can a digital checklist replace a LOLER thorough examination?

No. A digital checklist helps record routine checks, findings, and actions. It cannot replace a thorough examination by a competent person when LOLER requires one.

8. Can I customise a LOLER checklist in eAuditor?

Yes. eAuditor supports custom digital inspection templates. You can tailor questions and fields to your equipment, add evidence, and manage follow-up actions.

9. Are the eAuditor LOLER checklists free to use?

The linked eAuditor articles provide checklist guidance and sample inspection questions. Check the current website and plan details to confirm which templates or app features are available at no cost.

10. What records should I keep after an inspection?

Keep the inspection date, equipment ID, findings, photos where useful, defect reports, corrective actions, and sign-off. Also retain the required thorough examination reports and other records relevant to the equipment.

11. Does every lifting accessory need a LOLER thorough examination?

Lifting accessories used at work generally need thorough examination at the intervals set by LOLER, unless a valid written examination scheme sets a different interval. Confirm the specific requirements with a competent person.

12. Where can I find a LOLER Inspection Checklist?

Start with the eAuditor LOLER Inspection Checklist or the detailed LOLER inspection guide. Adapt the questions to your equipment, work methods, and legal duties before use.