The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) make it the statutory duty of employers and establishments who own, control and/or operate lifting equipment to have it inspected every 6 months by a competent person. Failure to comply can result in fines, legal action, accident and injury.
Lifting equipment used to lift people/patients, is included within the remit of LOLER tests, such as: mobile hoists, ceiling hoists, bath and pool hoists and lifts, hoist scales, slings, stairlifts, bed lifts, and standing aids.
The Health and Safety Executive also states that lifting accessories related to person/patient lifting equipment must also be checked at the same time as the mechanised equipment itself.
Regular inspections check the condition, safety, strength, safe working load, stability, positioning and installation of lifting equipment that plays a vital role in the lives of people with health and mobility conditions or impairments.
If the lifting equipment is being used in a place of work such as care home or hospital, it might also be subject to work equipment regulations e.g. PUWER.
Experts in LOLER examinations for care homes, private properties and healthcare sites
Hutcheon Examination Services (HESL) specialises in statutory mechanical equipment examinations, including LOLER inspections for patient lifting equipment used in care homes, housing association accommodation, hospitals and other healthcare and community settings.
We understand and respect that the value of patient handling equipment extends far beyond its monetary worth. Users depend on it to be able to carry out routine tasks that are fundamental to their health, hygiene, safety and wellbeing.
That’s why we take a thoughtful approach to our compliance inspections process. Here’s how…
Convenient and hygienic inspection visits
Whether you’re the carer for someone who relies on lifting equipment, the responsible person within an organisation such as a housing association or healthcare trust, or you’re the user yourself – you may be concerned that the inspection will cause disruption.
Rest assured that the friendly Central Planning Department at HESL will liaise with you to find a time that causes the least disturbance to daily routine.
Engineer surveyors from HESL can work flexibly to suit your specific requirements, whatever they may be. For example, if you manage a care home or ward, we can inspect equipment in phases as patients are rotated between rooms so that equipment downtime per individual is reduced.
For users of lifting equipment living in their own homes, we can attend at their convenience. Their carer or a housing association representative (if applicable) can provide access to the property whilst the tenant is in or out, according to their preference.
Hygiene and safety measures such as pre-visit lateral flow tests for COVID-19, mask/PPE wearing, cleaning and sanitisation will always be followed as and when required.
Trusted engineer surveyors
All engineer surveyors working for HESL hold a recognised professional status (EngTech, IEng.) and they are fully qualified and equipped to inspect every type of lifting equipment.
As a company, HESL has over 30 years’ experience in LOLER testing and many of our engineer surveyors have worked with us for a number of years. They will present a photo ID card upon every visit to verify their identity, although many of our clients recognise them as a familiar face from previous visits because each engineer usually covers the same geographic region.
HESL is an ISO9001 certified mechanical equipment inspections company. We are independently audited for quality assurance, giving us credibility with our customers and peace of mind that our services meet the highest standards and expectations, from pre-use checks through to reporting.
Every engineer surveyor from HESL is DBS- checked, alleviating any concern over us visiting sites to inspect equipment used to lift patients or persons who are considered vulnerable. Depending on the scope of the work required, we may send more than one engineer at a time.
The engineer/s will call you on the day to let you know when they will arrive at the property or site, so you know who to expect and when to expect them. They will be well-prepared with all the tools and documentation related to LOLER and your site/equipment. If a site-specific induction is required, this can easily be incorporated into the job and is arranged at the time of booking.
Clear reports and helpful reminders
Once the LOLER inspection has been completed, the engineer surveyor will complete a full report for your records, including:
- Serial number/s of lifting equipment inspected
- Manufacturer details
- Maximum safe load capacity (kg)
- Defects identified
- Any other observations
You will be notified immediately if any of the equipment examined is deemed unfit for use. In any case, you will be sent the report by email within 48 hours. It will be your responsibility to take action on any of the defects found in order to comply with LOLER and get LOLER certification. Be aware that your insurance may also be affected.
Life gets busy, doesn’t it? So, we’ll send you a handy reminder when your lifting equipment is due for another check. We believe our customer service is only as good as your peace of mind, so we strive to make your inspections process as stress-free as it is compliant.
Need your lifting equipment for patients/persons LOLER-inspected? Arrange your next LOLER examination by calling 0118 981 1773 or email
